As I mentioned, I bought a Blueprint engines 306 from a guy to replace the tired 302. I ran a compression check on the 302 and two cylinders had 75 psi, with a total range of 75-125. After checking machining rates, I decided it was less expensive to buy than replace. So here we are. What I'm replacing: What's going in it's place: I need to do some configuration changes. The "new" engine was in a 1970 Maverick with a T5 behind it, so I need to change flywheel to flexplate. It was also running an electric water pump which I'll swap to mechanical. Not sure yet if I'll keep the Gilmer belt drive on the front. It looks cool, but may have clearance issues. That will be decided.
Yesterday I started. The wagon ready: Hood up, starting disconnecting wiring and LABELLING IT because I'm getting older and have trouble remembering where the heck everything goes if I don't get back to it immediately My lovely wife and father in law help me get the hood off, and I jacked up the front and started the radiator drain. Yeah, some of it missed the bucket. I had disconnected the battery cables from the block and starter, and I am planning to leave the existing C4 for now until I get the 85 AOD rebuilt that I have for it. On a the Chevrolets I have worked on this is not a problem because of the dust cover on the trans that can be removed to turn the flywheel with a flywheel wrench. Been a while since I swapped a Ford. OH YEAH! There isn't one on the Ford! So I had to hook the battery cables back up so I can use my bump button while under the car to bump it over to take off the torque converter bolts. That's probably where I'll start today More to come.
With the help of my lovely wife, engine is out. There is a lot of engine compartment cleanup to do before the install. The engines waiting on part transfer - Now, my wife also has me thinking it would be an ideal time to install power steering. Borgeson makes a power steering conversion kit for 1963 Galaxies/Country Sedans/Squires. Since the steering box is way easier to access, now may be the time. Also thinking about installing AC now as well. Decisions, decisions...
Looks like fun. I can't imagine any good reason why you would need a cogged belt to run an alternator. Looks like the old engine has GT40 heads. Is it all late model with a carb on it? Is the Blueprint engine stock or is it slightly built? It appears to at least have aluminum heads which is nice.
The old engine is supposedly from a 95 Ford Explorer with a carb on it, a roller cam motor, but I haven't inspected it yet to verify that. The paperwork on the Blueprint and dyno sheet says it makes around 382 horsepower and 360 torque. It does have the Blueprint aluminum heads.
I have analysis paralysis, which I suffer from quite a bit. Now I'm thinking since I am this far into it, I may as well do it all. Add the power steering, AC, and having the AOD rebuilt and install it. I just have to figure out the funding required and see if I can swing it all because I don't want it to turn into a long drawn out project like my 1971 C10 did.
I'd say the most efficient thing to do would be do it all, right now and then be done with it. That being said, if funding is a potential issue I would definitely add the power steering now and then, if necessary, wait on the A/C and AOD. It's always easy to build a car with someone else's money.
Thanks for the input, Jeremiah, I appreciate it. After scoping everything out yesterday I *think* the plan is to install the power steering and AOD at this time. Then, I figure I can install the AC at any time after. Ha, you're right. I wish I had someone else's money to do it, too!
Long all projects, this has gotten stalled a bit and still sits exactly like this due to "competing priorities". I hope to get back on it soon. I'm going to go ahead and order the Borgeson items to install power steering on it and take the AOD to be inspected, and if needed, rebuilt. At least those will be done when I get back on it.
