The 302 Comes Home
I do not believe it was my original intentions to rebuild the 302-4v on my ’68 Cougar when I picked it up back in 2003. Funny how things change over time and once engulfed in a project that one things seems to lead to another. When I started cleaning the engine compartment I had no intentions on replacing or rebuilding the motor. Sure I had the ‘How To Rebuild Small Block Ford Engines’ book, but more as a reference, than a tool to go step by step guide to do it myself.
On more of a whim I picked up a new Holley carburetor and an Edelbrock Performer earlier this year as I started to clean the front end of the Cougar and planned on replacing these “R&R” parts. Although after consulting the brain trust on MCN, this would not really do much in terms of HP or performance. I took the car to the local do it yourself car wash and sprayed the engine bay and engine clean, when I got home I noticed a pool of liquid under the engine. It would turn out to be the water pump. That is when it all began.
I started working my way back to the water pump, pulling engine parts off so I could replace the water pump. As it turns out, as mentioned just a moment ago, one thing did ultimately lead to another and before I knew it I was all the way back to the engine block with the A/C and associated parts removed, the starter, alternator and flywheels. This is when the idea to rebuild the engine started to creep up on me.
I had spoke to the previous owner, Jason who had his 289 rebuilt by Arron, who owns Bad Ass Engines up in Sonoma. I e-mailed Arron with what I was starting with and the amount of money I had to spend. We then talked a few times on the phone and he gave me more information regarding the rebuild and probably talked me into a bit more horsepower than I originally intended. But, in the end that was fine. You can NEVER have enough HP, right?
I pulled the engine in April and delivered to Bad Ass in May, with intentions of getting it back in June or July, in time to make the annual Classic Cougar Picnic. I was up front and told him I was not in a hurry to get it back, as I had more work than I could handle, then again time is somewhat at a premium these days. Even if I had got the motor back in time for the picnic, I doubt I would have been ready to install it.
With the engine pulled I started to work on the engine compartment, cleaning, sanding, stripping and pulling the rest of the parts out, such as the distributor block for the brakes, the steering box [which was replaced with a new one] and all hardware that was on the walls of the compartment. You have read my tales of stripping, well nearly 3 months later I am still involved with a stripper. And no, this stripper does not use a pole.
Before making the decision to drop the engine back in, I need to accomplish other tasks that will make my life easier than installing the engine, only to work around it at a later date. More recently I picked up a Flaming River Steering Column to replace the stock one, the power booster has been pulled and is waiting to go to Booster Dewey’s to be rebuilt. The only real problem was the block for the brake lines. I had to cut all the lines in order to remove it and clean it, so another call will be put in for a set of front brake lines, most likely to Classic Tube.
Last Monday I drove the 60 miles to Sonoma to pick up my engine. I arrived prior to noon and caught Arron working as he met me and took me inside to show me the final product. I must have been ear to ear smiles as I saw it. It look amazing! So pretty, clean and…WOW! I could not describe it. I did have to reuse my current distributor and cap, which he set for me.
We then sat down and went over the build sheet, line by line. Still at this point much of what he told me exceeded my knowledge of engine building. But when he broke it down to, you should be able to run 12.90s on the strip, that sort of put it in perspective. Not bad for a 350HP, 302, right? He said I would be surprised by the power, that is once I get it broken in.
Thankfully my parents were in town beginning Monday, so my father helped me unload it from my truck and connect it to the engine stand, where it will sit until I am ready to drop it in the engine compartment.
The ‘STD list’ [that’s the Shit To Do List] still reads like a book before I get to the point I am ready to drop it in the engine compartment. The list includes:
- Finish stripping the engine compartment
- Prime and paint the engine compartment
- Pull the C4 transmission
- Replace the stock torque converter with a B&M Holeshot 2400
- Install distributor block and front brake lines
- Remove and replace steering column
- Connecting steering box
- Reinstall power booster and master cylinder
As I mentioned, I am not in a big hurry to get it all down, plus I have people who have offered to help, including Stray Cats member, Mark and my buddy from SoCal, an Olds owner, but he knows his stuff! So, when the time comes I have a few options, and I look forward to that day. I still have some other decisions that need to be made, such as what distributor and water pump I should install.
