Engine Upgrade Options

[Izzy]

First, thank you all for talking me out of selling my rig. Now to start tackling my list of upgrades.

The one I need the most help with is what to do with my engine. I built this engine about a year ago which was the first time I'd ever rebuilt an engine myself. While it does run, I think I built it "loose" and my biggest complaint is that the rear main seal leaks. I replaced it twice now and the last time I did, I realized that the crank has a grove in it thus not sealing with the seal. I'd like to replace the crank and have a professional do the work to ensure it is built correctly etc.

With that said, I'm debating between the following options:

1. Take the engine somewhere and let them tell me what to do... BORING!!
2. Buy a short block crate motor
3. Buy a stroker kit and have someone install it.
4. Buy a stroker kit and do it myself (cross fingers I do it right).

The engine is a 5.0 from a 98 explorer which I had it bored .20 over when I built it a few years ago. I have the GT40p heads and EFI which I would reuse all those parts, just need the short block done again.

I do not want to break the bank on this, otherwise I would consider a coyote. I'd like to spend no more than $2500 or less if possible.

Thoughts? Directions? Suggestion?

 

[SteveL]

Find a 361w and have it rebuilt. Then you can keep the bronco until motor is ready to swap in

 

[bronconut73]

Find a 361w and have it rebuilt. Then you can keep the bronco until motor is ready to swap in

This /\/\/\
But Steve meant 351W.

 

[Timmy390]

I guess I don't understand. If the machine shop did their job right on the first rebuild, there is nothing you could have done during the assembly to build it loose.

I took my 351W roller engine (from a 96 E350) to the machine shop and they bored it .020 over and turned the crank reconditioned the rods, etc. I bought the rebuild kit they wanted to use. They did all the machine work and I assembled it. I used plastigauge to verify all tolerances and they were dead on. Even the rings were within tolerance and no filing was needed.

I didn't fine building the engine that way boring at all. I think I had a woody everyday I walked into my shop. The engine is fully assembled now with just a few small details on vacuum routing and fuel system to go. I can't wait to fire it up.

Tim

 

[TN1776]

Run what you have and enjoy it. Get another block and build it. 351 is a nice upgrade though not always a direct bolt-in. If you have no body lift, its a tight squeeze in spots. Plus you'll be changing your exhaust and may have some accessory incompatibilities. Which ever way you go, build it for low-end torque.

 

[Knox]

try a repair sleeve (speedy sleeve)

http://www.silver-seal.com/product/MS331/Crankshaft-Repair-Sleeve.html

 

[fishindude]

X2 on the repair sleeve I used them all the time at the shop i used to work at.

 

[Ourobos]

Unless you're upgrading the top end also, 302 parts make 302 power, no matter what size mill they are bolted too. I'd refresh the 302. If upgrading heads etc., I too would go with a 351w.

 

[tasker]

ANOTHER member of the 351 camp

 

[blubuckaroo]

First, thank you all for talking me out of selling my rig. Now to start tackling my list of upgrades.

The one I need the most help with is what to do with my engine. I built this engine about a year ago which was the first time I'd ever rebuilt an engine myself. While it does run, I think I built it "loose" and my biggest complaint is that the rear main seal leaks. I replaced it twice now and the last time I did, I realized that the crank has a grove in it thus not sealing with the seal. I'd like to replace the crank and have a professional do the work to ensure it is built correctly etc.

With that said, I'm debating between the following options:

1. Take the engine somewhere and let them tell me what to do... BORING!!
2. Buy a short block crate motor
3. Buy a stroker kit and have someone install it.
4. Buy a stroker kit and do it myself (cross fingers I do it right).

The engine is a 5.0 from a 98 explorer which I had it bored .20 over when I built it a few years ago. I have the GT40p heads and EFI which I would reuse all those parts, just need the short block done again.

I do not want to break the bank on this, otherwise I would consider a coyote. I'd like to spend no more than $2500 or less if possible.

Thoughts? Directions? Suggestion?

I'm a bit confused.?:?
This engine was bored and rebuilt a few years ago, then you rebuilt it again about a year ago?
How complete was the last rebuild? A complete rebuild or just rings and bearings?
Did the machinist look at the crank at all, or did you just reuse it?
The reason I'm asking is if you did nothing with the crank, it may be the only issue. Maybe you could get by with some crank machining, a speedy sleeve, and new bearings.
While the 5.0 may have a longer life expectancy than a 302, it still has the same bottom end. The journals get grooved, worn, and out of round just as fast as the old 302. Any rebuild should include at least some crank measuring and a polish job.