How to Rebuild the Small-Block Ford

by George Reid

Overview

Over the years, the small—block Ford has remained one of the most popular and widely used engines on the planet. From the earliest Fairlanes and Mustangs to the latest Mustangs and light trucks, the Ford small—block has powered them all. With the amount of aftermarket support and rebuildable cores out there, you don't have to worry about spending an arm and a leg for quality rebuild — especially if you do the teardown and assembly yourself.

In How to Rebuild the Small—Block Ford, CarTech's unique Workbench format walks you step by step through a rebuild, including: Planning your Rebuild; Disassembly and Inspection; Choosing the Right Parts; Machine Work; Assembling your Engine; and First Firing and Break—In.

The Workbench format also gives you helpful hints and tips on performance upgrades, including cams, heads, ignition, induction, and more. It also points out problem areas to watch for, professional builder tips, jobs that need special care or special tools, and more. Whether you're a first—time engine builder or a seasoned professional, this is the essential guide to rebuilding your small—block Ford.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781932494891
Publisher:	CarTech
Publication date:	10/20/2008
Series:	S-A Design
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

George Reid has been a Ford enthusiast for more than 30 years. He enjoys restoring and building Fords. George has written a number of books for CarTech.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

What is a Workbench® Book?

Chapter 1: Before You Begin
Planning Your Engine
Our Engine
Horsepower and Torque
Tools to Get the Job Done
Tools You Should Rent
Keep a Clean Work Shop

Chapter 2: Engine Disassembly
The Teardown
Step by Step: Tearing Down the Engine
Why Do Engines Wear Out?

Chapter 3: Selecting Parts
Blocks
221/260/289/302 Cylinder Heads
Small—Block Cylinder—Head Identification
351W Cylinder Heads
Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
Guide to Ford Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
Crankshafts
Crankshaft Identification Charts
Connecting Rods
Pistons
Flywheels and Flexplates
Harmonic Balancers
Oiling System
Camshafts
Rocker Arms
Water Pumps
Cooling Fans and Radiators
Carburetors
Intake Manifolds
Ignition

Chapter 4: Machine Shop
The Block
Rotating Assembly
Step by Step: Machining the Block
Step by Step: Maching the Rotating Assembly
Oil System
Cylinder Heads
Step by Step: Machining the Heads

Chapter 5: Engine Assembly
Short Block
Basic Torque Specifications
Why Degree a Camshaft?
Step by Step: Assemble the Short Block
The Rest of the Bottom End
Step by Step: Assemble the Rest of the Bottom End
The Top End
Step by Step: Assemble the Top End

Chapter 6: Break—in and Tuning
Cooling System
Ready to Launch

Chapter 7: Performance Buyer’s Guide

Chapter 8: Engine Math
Cubic—Inch Displacement
Calculating Compression Ratio
Choosing the Right Carburetor Size
Calculating Horsepower and Torque
Estimating Horsepower at the Drags

Appendix
Cylinder Numbers and Firing Order
Torque Sequences
Torque Specifications
Piston Ring Gap Alignment
Timing Belt/Chain Alignment Marks
General Engine Specifications

Work—A—Long Sheet

Source Guide

Editorial Reviews

"This book is definitely worth reading if you're planning a rebuild, or are just curious as to what this would entail." Round Up, January 2014

Round Up

"This detailed, heavily illustrated manual is ideal for the master mechanic or the beginner intent on keeping his Ford running as new." —Route 66 Chronicles blob, reviewed by Jim Hinckley, November 2010

Route 66 Chronicles Blog

Not just a generic rebuild edition, this book is a complete reference that goes into a lot of detail on every step involved in rebuilding a Ford—engine correctly. —Linechaser, May 2006

Linechaser

"We were glad to see a revised version come across our desk recently, now with full—color printing. Not only does the color printing make the book more interesting to read, but also from a technical aspect it actually helps when looking at inspection and detail photos within the book."

Modified Mustangs & Fords

Product mention.

Hotrod & Restoration

Product mention.

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