I pulled the engine out of my 74 Maverick project car last weekend. Am thinking about how far I need to go in refreshing the engine. I'm trying to build a driver here so creating the best of the best isn't really my goal. As far as I can tell, this car was parked in 1986 and not driven since. Seller told me it sat outside at his house for the last 17 years. Odometer shows 57k miles but the numbers don't line up nicely so their validity is questionable. My overall impression of the car is that its closer to a 57k mile car than a 157k mile car. The body is tight and straight and car was relatively unmolested.
Engine had the original head gasket in it when I opened it up. Links to pictures of the engine are below. Cylinders all look good, except #6 which is somewhat fouled. I'm thinking this may be due to a valve seal.
I've been hoping I might get away with doing a valve job, inspecting the bearings, replacing the oil pump, cleaning it up, and putting it back in with new gaskets and externals. Next level I've considered is to do bearings, hone the cylinders and do rings. And yes, I'll do a full overhaul if I have to. Pistons are tight in the cylinders. Ridge at top of the cylinders is minimal.
This car has a lot of needs. I want to fix what needs to be fixed, but not break the bank replacing stuff that's ok.
I'm curious to hear other's thoughts on what I have here and how best to proceed.
Photo - All Cylinders
Photo - Head
Photo - Cylinders 1-3
Photo - Cylinders 3-6
Photo - Engine in Car
Engine had the original head gasket in it when I opened it up. Links to pictures of the engine are below. Cylinders all look good, except #6 which is somewhat fouled. I'm thinking this may be due to a valve seal.
I've been hoping I might get away with doing a valve job, inspecting the bearings, replacing the oil pump, cleaning it up, and putting it back in with new gaskets and externals. Next level I've considered is to do bearings, hone the cylinders and do rings. And yes, I'll do a full overhaul if I have to. Pistons are tight in the cylinders. Ridge at top of the cylinders is minimal.
This car has a lot of needs. I want to fix what needs to be fixed, but not break the bank replacing stuff that's ok.
I'm curious to hear other's thoughts on what I have here and how best to proceed.
Photo - All Cylinders
Photo - Head
Photo - Cylinders 1-3
Photo - Cylinders 3-6
Photo - Engine in Car