sweet! love the new parts, its addicting. did you say what you were gonna run for a trans?

and i assume your going carb'd with a simple 6 wire harness type setup and auto-meter or similar gauges?

 

I'm planning on using a T5 but I'm still researching how to keep 4x4 and fit the transfer case. I don't want to swap to automatic.
The motor is going to be an EFI so it's going to be a wiring nightmare but there's plenty of info on how to do it and I have the books for the truck and the 5.0 so that'll help out.

The block is painted along with the timing cover and heads!
The trick is to coat everything you don't want painted in wd40 and then just wipe it afterwards. Came out awesome!
The shop was closed for memorial day so I should be starting the build tomorrow.

Also I got the old timing sprocket off of the crankshaft using an impact wrench. It was a snap. The new one is on and finger tight so that I can torque it to specs later.







Old vs New

 

Theres a thread on DR about 5.0 5speed 4x4. The tranny/tcase from the 97-03 4.2l f150s bolts up to the 5.0 expo motor. I do not know much about the bell housing differences between mustang/expo though if there are any

 

There is really no difference on the back of the motor itself. I'll hav to look into that thread to see what it looks like. I believe they are the same though. Thanks for the tip, we we're just discussing trans options today at my garage!

Today was a HUGE day. My best bud and I powered through this engine in 7 hours. We got istalled everything but one head. (We snapped a rocker arm bolt :/ I'll be finding a replacement tomorrow)
We installed the:
Pistons/Rods/Rings
OIl System
Oil Pan
Timing chain/Sprockets/Cover
Lifters and valley guide
Pushrods
One finished head

Installing the Camshaft


Main Bearings


Crank and Timing Chain/Gears in place


Pistons going in




Timing cover going on


OIl System




LIfters, Dogbones, and Guide


Lapping valves


Valve Springs and Rockers on/ Head Installed/ Pushrods going in


Put the distributor in to see how it looks. That's all for today!

 

nice progress! only thing im surprised you didnt do is go to roller rockers.

 

What type of ratio should I be looking at to just go with rollers? I'd like to keep the stock cam. Latemodelrestoration has full roller kits for a good price and free shipping that I'm looking at. 1.7's are $179 for the full kit. Btw thanks for the advice everyone!

1979-95 Mustang 1.7 Ratio Pedestal Mount Roller Rocker Arms for Small Block Ford at LRS - Free Shipping!

 

While I'm sorting out the roller rockers to buy (pretty set on the 1.7 kit) I picked up a craigslist bargain today.
GT40P upper/lower, Kurban reg, fuel rails, 19lbs injectors, 65mm Explorer TB from a 12.69sec mustang. Barely been used. Also has been what looks like at least a polish on the inside. Jeg's fuel pressure gauge, thermostat, water lines. All for $180!

 

I had some time today to try the modeling clay inside the combustion chamber. I didn't have my micrometer on hand but really didn't need it. The gap is HUGE. Looks like I'll be ordering the 1.7 Rollers soon. Also had some time to put the Intake plate on that I painted to match.

The Valve Indents in the clay at TDC

 

Alright!
I picked up some craigslist-find 1.7 pedestal roller rockers yesterday and slapped em on today. The guy threw in sets of free channels and pushrods. Can't hurt to have extra. I ran another clay test to check piston-valve clearance and it's as close as I can get and feel safe from any valve float issues. They look awesome on there even though they'll be hidden soon.
I think next on the list are some nice ford racing EFI valve covers. Possibly the COBRA POWERED BY FORD or just plain jane FORD RACING. They'll be black or yellow just havent decided.
Then a high flow water pump and power steering.
I'm going to go with underdrive pulleys too to free up some more HP.
I still need to decide on using a new distributor.

Here's some updated shots.

Out with the 1.6's, in with the 1.7's.




Like i said, close!


With the GT40P on.


SOON


And the obligatory America pic. I have tons of these little flags.

 

That's some awesome work. Can't wait to see some video.

 

Hey guys. Work on this thing will be picking up again soon. I've been busy trying to procure my second car for when we strip the ranger down. Had my eye out all summer for an early 90's Miata in nice shape. I may have just found the one about 20 miles away from me. Meeting with the guy this week to give it a test drive. 1990 Miata 180k miles, good top, new brakes/tires, only one small easy to fix dent.

I also have been working on cleaning up the intake for the 5.0 and finally aimed my headlights on the ranger. I keep you guys posted. Here's a link to the car. 1990 Miata

 

looks awesome i hope to do mine some day as well