Zero Signal
Member
- Joined
- October 31, 2006
- Messages
- 37
- Reaction score
- 1
- City, State
- Portsmouth, VA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '99 Explorer 5.0L
Has anyone here had experience with rebuilding their 5.0L 302?
My '99 5.0L just rolled over 140,000 and is still going strong. The chassis and suspension are in great shape and I haven't had any major trouble out of the tranny or engine just yet. That being said, I'm looking at doing some hard core preventative maintenance by rebuilding the motor and possibly the transmission.
I'm coming up on re-enlistment in a few months
and the bonus money I'm getting would provide me the opportunity to ensure the 'Splorer will run for another 140,000+.
I've been looking at 2 rebuild kits on the Summit racing website. Both kits are the same price, but I'm worried about clearance and tolerance issues with regards to the block.
The first one is a stock 302 rebuild kit with forged pistons:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=FEM%2DMHP173%2D000&autoview=sku
The second kit is similar to the first, but bored .030 over.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=FEM%2DMHP173%2D300&autoview=sku
Considering the age and mileage of my 5.0L, would the stock bore still work or would there be a chance that the clearances may be off due to wear and tear?
I know that by going with the .030 kit (second link above) my block would have a fresh bore and the clearances are likely to be more "snug" fitting, ensuring a good ring seat and all that.
Now, this is just a bottom end rebuild. I still need to find parts/information for rebuilding the top end as well (new valve seals, gaskets, etc).
I definitely want to get the most out of my money here, and reliability is paramount. I had been considering a crate motor, but I'm concerned about compatability with the stock auto tranny.
Any guidance or advice from past experience is appreciated!
My '99 5.0L just rolled over 140,000 and is still going strong. The chassis and suspension are in great shape and I haven't had any major trouble out of the tranny or engine just yet. That being said, I'm looking at doing some hard core preventative maintenance by rebuilding the motor and possibly the transmission.
I'm coming up on re-enlistment in a few months
and the bonus money I'm getting would provide me the opportunity to ensure the 'Splorer will run for another 140,000+. I've been looking at 2 rebuild kits on the Summit racing website. Both kits are the same price, but I'm worried about clearance and tolerance issues with regards to the block.
The first one is a stock 302 rebuild kit with forged pistons:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=FEM%2DMHP173%2D000&autoview=sku
The second kit is similar to the first, but bored .030 over.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=FEM%2DMHP173%2D300&autoview=sku
Considering the age and mileage of my 5.0L, would the stock bore still work or would there be a chance that the clearances may be off due to wear and tear?
I know that by going with the .030 kit (second link above) my block would have a fresh bore and the clearances are likely to be more "snug" fitting, ensuring a good ring seat and all that.
Now, this is just a bottom end rebuild. I still need to find parts/information for rebuilding the top end as well (new valve seals, gaskets, etc).
I definitely want to get the most out of my money here, and reliability is paramount. I had been considering a crate motor, but I'm concerned about compatability with the stock auto tranny.
Any guidance or advice from past experience is appreciated!
