Best place to get a long block for a classic Mustang?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Best place to get a long block for a classic Mustang?

Posted: 8/10/2005 8:15:08 PM EDT

Anyone recommend an engine shop in town that can replace a small block in a '68 Mustang for a good price? Paint and body are done, now onto the engine and interior.

Posted: 8/10/2005 10:14:09 PM EDT

[#1]

Whatever you do... DO NOT purchase a long block from Pep Boys, Autozone or Checkers. Give Fultz's Machine Shop a call. They are really fair and did a nice job on one of my mustang engines and have not had any complaints.

thanks,
Ron

Posted: 8/10/2005 10:17:27 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
Anyone recommend an engine shop in town that can replace a small block in a '68 Mustang for a good price? Paint and body are done, now onto the engine and interior.

Try calling:

NEVADA VALVE TRAIN
2775 Betty Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89156
(702) 643-8065

Ask for Cindie...

Hope this helps.

Be Safe.

Joe

Posted: 8/11/2005 4:26:30 PM EDT

[#3]

Thanks for the leads, now another question. When I do install this motor and go to get it smogged will the guy not even try it if the motor has non-stock parts like headers, no smog pump, open air cleaner and the like. Id on't know the smog rules, wish I had a '67.

Posted: 8/11/2005 5:19:00 PM EDT

[#4]

I have a '70 Mustang that I used to take to Jiffy Smog. Mine has no smog pump - the 70 has that goofy carbon canister/evaporative vapor system. It's not too modified, but Jiffy never really checked stuff...only the gas cap, lol.

My last smog was done at Desert Oasis, and they were pretty cool. Then I applied for the classic vehicle plates. If you drive less than 2500 miles a year, no smog check is required. But each renewal, you have to go to the E. Sahara DMV and have the state emissions station check your odometer. Then you go inside the DMV and renew the registration (yuck).

Posted: 8/11/2005 8:35:40 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
Anyone recommend an engine shop in town that can replace a small block in a '68 Mustang for a good price? Paint and body are done, now onto the engine and interior.

I don't know if this will be an investment quality collector's car, but if you change the engine block, the numbers won't match, which will make it worth less.

Posted: 8/11/2005 8:54:56 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Anyone recommend an engine shop in town that can replace a small block in a '68 Mustang for a good price? Paint and body are done, now onto the engine and interior.

I don't know if this will be an investment quality collector's car, but if you change the engine block, the numbers won't match, which will make it worth less.

That is not a concern. It was a 6 cyl 3 speed car from the factory but has been an 8 cyl 4 speed car for the past 20 years. My biggest decision will be if I want to stay with a 289/302 or bump up to a 351. I have to find out how difficult the motor mount change will be for the 351.

Posted: 8/11/2005 9:39:06 PM EDT

[#7]

stick with the 302. if you upgrade to the 351, your gonna have to replace you front springs as well.

I personnaly like motor mission on E. Lake Mead.

Posted: 8/11/2005 10:08:56 PM EDT

[#8]

If you are sticking a 351 Windsor in.. .you don't have to worry about swapping the front springs. If you go to a 351 Cleveland you do, but you wouldn't want to swap one of those old dinasours in.

thanks,
Ron

Posted: 8/12/2005 12:11:37 AM EDT

[#9]

Nobody buys a rebuilt "long block" windsors anymore. Buy a complete NEW crate motor from Ford Motor Sports. Your local Ford dealer probably has several sitting in thier warehouse. When it's all said and done, they are usually cheaper than a rebuilt engine in the long run.

As for 302 vs 351, go with the 5.0 (302). The 351 is a bolt in replacement but accsys will cost slightly more and are less plentiful. Motor mounts, trans mounts etc are the same. It doesn't sound like you are doing a full resto but the 351 is taller and wider and will stand out. Unless you are doing a race motor, you won't be able to tell the difference.

Someone mentioned front springs. The 302 and 351 are basically the same weight but you said your car was originally a 6. If the front suspension wasn't upgraded before, do it now! 6 cyl mustangs have notoriously weak front ends. Great for a drag car but downright dangerous on the street.

Posted: 8/12/2005 4:58:34 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
If the front suspension wasn't upgraded before, do it now! 6 cyl mustangs have notoriously weak front ends. Great for a drag car but downright dangerous on the street.

Now would be the time to do that. What needs to be upgraded?

Posted: 8/12/2005 10:06:10 AM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
Quoted:
If the front suspension wasn't upgraded before, do it now! 6 cyl mustangs have notoriously weak front ends. Great for a drag car but downright dangerous on the street.

Now would be the time to do that. What needs to be upgraded?

These springs are similar to what was installed in my '70 (stock 302):
http://www.cal-focus.com/showdetl-7-6413-19-0.html

But I had almost everything done since it was so old...upper & lower control arms, all bushings, put in a 1" sway bar too. What a 100% difference in handling. The 1" drop is subtle and nice.

Posted: 8/12/2005 2:54:20 PM EDT

[#12]

Dude if you want power and driveability go with the 351W. It is a real easy job especially on 67 and up cars. I have a 66 resto project that I am working on now. I have a 69 351W block I might part with if you are interested.

Posted: 8/14/2005 6:09:53 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
Dude if you want power and driveability go with the 351W. It is a real easy job especially on 67 and up cars. I have a 66 resto project that I am working on now. I have a 69 351W block I might part with if you are interested.

I'm interested, when you decide or are ready send me an IM.

Posted: 8/15/2005 4:25:26 PM EDT

[#14]

the Mustang Ranch on 80 out of Reno...oh wait, your talking about an engine block...never mind

Posted: 8/15/2005 4:27:17 PM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
the Mustang Ranch on 80 out of Reno...oh wait, your talking about an engine block...never mind

I've already looked there....oh wait...

no I haven't.

Posted: 8/15/2005 5:36:53 PM EDT

[#16]

The owner whos a friend of mine gave me 2 $250 passes to the Mustang. I dont want to die yet so I cant use them LOL. Wife knows I have them

Do I hear any bids LOL

Posted: 8/17/2005 6:27:12 PM EDT

[#17]

Found a guy who has done classic Mustang work for 20 years. He wants me to come see his garage this Sunday. He has both 289 and 302's and has one that is complete with a fresh rebuild, he quoted me about $3100 with labor installed. He also is a gun guy and will accept some guns for payment, that might make it worth it. Is $3100 a good price or am I getting rear-ended?

Posted: 8/18/2005 7:32:25 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
Found a guy who has done classic Mustang work for 20 years. He wants me to come see his garage this Sunday. He has both 289 and 302's and has one that is complete with a fresh rebuild, he quoted me about $3100 with labor installed. He also is a gun guy and will accept some guns for payment, that might make it worth it. Is $3100 a good price or am I getting rear-ended?

I guess that depends on what state your car is in now. Is it running? Do you have all the intake, ignition and exhaust parts? Does that price include everything? Hoses, belts, ignition wires etc? As for the labor, installing an engine in a early Mustang is a snap. I did my first when I was 14 and I had never turned a wrench on one before that. And I did it alone. Unless you are in a wheel chair or something, you could probably do it in your garage.

As for buying a "rebuilt", like I said before, people are usually going the crate route. With NEW engines going for $2500 +/- (with ignition and manis and pumps etc) why would you buy a questionable rebuild from "some guy"?

Here is just one example of what is available Check your local Ford dealer. Like I said before, he probably has several crates in stock.

Posted: 8/18/2005 12:12:23 PM EDT

[#19]

He says he has been doing Mustang engines for 20 years, the engine he is talking about is complete with everything. The engine in it now is seized but has everything including the headers and intake manifold. Carbs are so cheap I wouldn't even want to try and rebuild that. I don't want to jerk around doing it myself for two reasons, I suck at car stuff and I would rather just pay someone else to dick around with it, I have very little patience with mechanical stuff.

Posted: 8/18/2005 3:29:48 PM EDT

[#20]

$3100 seems more than I would pay for a stock motor but if it includes install it's not that bad of a deal. Of course I would just install it myself it really is a piece of cake.

Go find a 390 or 428 and have some real fun.

Posted: 8/18/2005 4:53:40 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
$3100 seems more than I would pay for a stock motor but if it includes install it's not that bad of a deal. Of course I would just install it myself it really is a piece of cake.

Go find a 390 or 428 and have some real fun.

You sent me an IM a few days ago and I totally spaced sending you one back.

I rethought the build an engine thing because it would just be too much of a hassle for me, but thank you for the offer. Doc might be able to hook me up with a motor for quite a bit less than what I was looking at.

Posted: 8/18/2005 4:58:48 PM EDT

[#22]

.........seems like a lot of effort and money for a simple .50 cal target.......

Posted: 8/18/2005 5:00:57 PM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:
.........seems like a lot of effort and money for a simple .50 cal target.......

No cruising for you!

Posted: 8/19/2005 9:21:22 PM EDT

[#24]

Quoted:
Quoted:
$3100 seems more than I would pay for a stock motor but if it includes install it's not that bad of a deal. Of course I would just install it myself it really is a piece of cake.

Go find a 390 or 428 and have some real fun.

You sent me an IM a few days ago and I totally spaced sending you one back. hought

No problem. I can always use my block to build my own 392 stroker on nitrousIf you ever need help on your ponycar just let me know.

Posted: 8/19/2005 9:26:09 PM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:

If you ever need help on your ponycar just let me know.

I'll keep that in mind, I'm just starting this project. Body and paint are done though.

Posted: 8/20/2005 7:03:32 AM EDT

[#26]

Hey that looks good. Yours is the same color as my 66. I am in the beginning phase. Tearing mine down all the way getting it ready for the body shop.

Posted: 8/20/2005 8:41:51 AM EDT

[#27]

If you haven't found a bodyshop for your car yet let me know. I just had one of my '65 fastbacks done about 2 months ago. He did ALOT of body work, cutting, rust repair and paint for $3,500. Really good guy and he took his time.

thanks,
Ron

Posted: 8/20/2005 10:17:10 AM EDT

[#28]

I'll keep that in mind. Mine isn't too bad so there won't be too much extra he would have to do.

Have you guys heard about the Bright City Lights cruise and show at Fremont on October 22&23?
I am going to put my 04 in it.