Reply to "#2241 - Engine rebuild"

I'd stay with the Cleveland architecture also.

CHI is a better way to go than Edelbrock on heads. Anything Edelbrock is always suspect to me.

Make sure if you use a Ford block to do the oiling modifications. Both links are vague on that.

If you go for a stroker, may as well use a forged crank rather than just a cast one.

You NEED the Aviad pan BUT considering the low mileage on the engine, that damage could be caused by LACK OF USE.

When the engine sits for long periods, make sure it is super primed before it starts. You will develope surface rust on the internal components and cylinder bores and unfortunately the oil will be needed to wash away as much as possible.

The main bearings show signs of rust contamination into them and that is because the engine sat maybe for years without running it.

Change the oil as much as you can to reduce the issue.

If you go with a Ford block, might want to consider a block from AusFordParts.

You could also have your block sleeved to bring it to standard bore. Many of the FE builders are now doing that with those blocks since even a .030 over bore makes them overheat terribly and difficult to start hot.

The Cleveland really has those tendencies also more so than the Windsor engines do, although my 302 does show signs of that when it is very hot here and it is .030 over with a 3.40 crank.