More Blasted EFI Swap Questions-Sorry!

[BroncoT]

I have a 74 with a 302, it was running strong until I broke a rocker arm stud, plus it's leaking oil from the rear main. Thinking it's a good excuse to swap, been looking at a 351W or 5.0. I found a 89 Crown Vic wagon for $100-it has 190,000 miles on it, runs good, no oil burning or loss. Is this too many miles to keep using? Would it be reasonable to rebuild/refresh either motor and use the EFI or should I keep looking for a complete replacement? I'm assuming my 302 is a 74, which would be better to add the EFI to the 74 or 89?
Sorry for the questions, I like this idea because I know the seller, it's his family car, and I can drive it until I pull the engine, please advise! BTW, my 74 is going to be a daily driver/light-moderate off road rig.
TIA!

 

[Broncobowsher]

Get the motor for $100 and go through it. 190k is too many to be fresh. Minimum of a ring, bearing and gasket set. Probably a little more.

I would do the 89 block. Already set up for roller cam

 

[74bronc]

[quote author=BroncoT link=board=5;threadid=21717;start=0#msg167142 date=1062614392]
I have a 74 with a 302, it was running strong until I broke a rocker arm stud, plus it's leaking oil from the rear main. Thinking it's a good excuse to swap, been looking at a 351W or 5.0. I found a 89 Crown Vic wagon for $100-it has 190,000 miles on it, runs good, no oil burning or loss. Is this too many miles to keep using? Would it be reasonable to rebuild/refresh either motor and use the EFI or should I keep looking for a complete replacement? I'm assuming my 302 is a 74, which would be better to add the EFI to the 74 or 89?
Sorry for the questions, I like this idea because I know the seller, it's his family car, and I can drive it until I pull the engine, please advise! BTW, my 74 is going to be a daily driver/light-moderate off road rig.
TIA!
[/quote]

This is opinion of course, but I would most definitely rebuilt a motor that has 190K on it. That is alot of miles, even if it has been properly taken care of. You don't want to have to pull it back out anytime soon to rebuild it if something goes wrong after you installed it, that is unless you really love to work on your Bronco. I just don't like to do things twice, so I try to plan ahead, save some money, and go for the gusto. How is the oil pressure? Lower oil pressure is a sure sign of wear on the bearings. timing chain is most likely stretched etc. etc. etc. As for which motor to use, that would be a good one. I would go ahead with the EFI at the same time and I would use the 89 Crown Vic engine over your 74 OEM engine. Other guys on here know more about the SEFI, so I will let them tell you how to go on the EFI. .02

 

[BroncoT]

[quote author=Broncobowsher link=board=5;threadid=21717;start=0#msg167145 date=1062614937]
Get the motor for $100 and go through it. 190k is too many to be fresh. Minimum of a ring, bearing and gasket set. Probably a little more.

I would do the 89 block. Already set up for roller cam
[/quote]
Already set up for roller cam? What is the advantage-is it a roller cam, or can I install one? Should I?? Sorry-I'm not too engine savvy!

 

[Broncobowsher]

The '89 has a factory roller cam. They are desirable. The lifters have rollers that roll across the cam lobe instead of a flat tappet which slides across the cam lobe. Less drag and better cam profiles (small cams that idle well flow better)

For the 89 speed density computer, leave everything stock. Just a little clean up and fresh parts as described above. NO HOT CAMS!! But still a good step up.

 

[slyjki]

Im not a god or a techwriter but i have learned a few lessons in the motor department I would use the 89 and rebuild it first.