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How to Build the Cheapest Motor Possible

Engine Rebuild Reused Pushrods Rocker Arms
We also reused the pushrods... 
   
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Engine Rebuild Reused Pushrods Rocker Arms
We also reused the pushrods and rocker arms. Check the pushrods for straightness by rolling them along a flat surface. If any of them wobble, replace them. Johnson recommends using Rev-Lube by Isky instead of assembly lube on these parts.
LABOR
Work performed Cost
Clean and mag block $75.00
Power-hone cylinders 90.00
Align-hone mains 1 50.00
Clean deck surface 20.00
Check rod bearing journals 60.00
Rebuild heads (replace valve guides and seals, grind valvesand seats, replace springs) 460.00
Labor total: $855.00
Total cost: $2,004.92

Engine Rebuild Dead Life Engine
'Can you dead-lift an engine?... 
   
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Engine Rebuild Dead Life Engine
'Can you dead-lift an engine? I can. I also killed a grizzly bear with my bare hands.
Engine Rebuild Balancer Tuned
Our balancer turned out to... 
   
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Engine Rebuild Balancer Tuned
Our balancer turned out to be crap, too. Johnson's keen eyes spotted that the rubber ring between the inner and outer steel rings was coming apart. His dad, Mike, owner of JMS, corroborated the terminal diagnosis.
Engine Rebuild Reusing Pistons
Though we were reusing the... 
   
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Engine Rebuild Reusing Pistons
Though we were reusing the pistons, Jeff Johnson at JMS told us to always replace the rings, no matter what. Here, Johnson is cleaning carbon buildup out of the ring lands with one of the old rings. New rings in place, he prepares to reinstall the pistons. We know you've heard it a million times before, but be sure to use plenty of assembly lube and protect the crankshaft journals by putting sleeves or vacuum hose over the rod bolts.
Engine Rebuild New Seals Gaskets Freeze Plugs
The rest of the build was... 
   
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Engine Rebuild New Seals Gaskets Freeze Plugs
The rest of the build was straightforward-new seals, gaskets, and freeze plugs. We did decide to replace the oil and fuel pumps with new ones. They're not that expensive, and it's good peace of mind. Johnson gave our newly completed long-block a fresh coat of Ford Blue.
Engine Rebuild Dyno Engine Test
You didn't think we wouldn't... 
   
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Engine Rebuild Dyno Engine Test
You didn't think we wouldn't dyno this engine, did you? With a Professional Products dual-plane intake manifold and a Holley 750 double-pumper, our little Ford made 279 hp at 4,800 rpm and 341 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. That's pretty respectable considering this engine's smog-era cylinder heads. Mike Johnson was surprised at how much torque it made. "That was almost too easy," he said.
JMS Racing Engines
724 E. Huntington Dr
Monrovia
CA
(626) 357-2718
Summit Racing Equipment
800/230-3030

summitracing.com

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