I removed the engine from the Mach the other day. I have a few days off of work, so on Monday I will do a mini CSI investigation on the engine. The drivers side head was seeping a little coolant out. I think I will have the heads plained and have the intake machined so it actually fits properly. I will also retire my cheepo torque wrench and buy a proper one! I had planned on putting the heads on a fresh short block, in hind site, I should have stuck to my plan. The old abused short block was fun while it lasted though! It will be interesting to see if the Mach makes it on the road next summer. My budget is slim and I learned my lesson on short-cuts this summer
The CSI investigation of the short block is complete. It is so messed up! The piston skirts and bores are really scuffed-up. The main and rod bearing are wasted. The crank has no deep gouges but has many hot spots in it. The rods made it out o.k. Thankfully the Edelbrock heads are fine. The rings and tops of the pistons were both in good shape. I am going to have the heads planned and have the intake machined to a proper fit and bolt them on the new H.O short block.
Dude, this is your lucky day. Ford has brought back the boss 302, it will bolt right in there and I think the short block is only around 1,700 or something like that. Back in the 70's when I was racing 60's stangs, I wanted to do a II with a boss 302. I did a boss 302 in a 70 maverick, stock with only headers it ran 12.90. Now that I can get the boss 302 again, there's not many mustang II's to be had. Anyway, good luck with yours, they are cool cars.
The new Boss 302 motor is an awesome piece of hardware, but it is NOT the same as the classic, true Boss 302 motor. Ford is just capitalizing on the name to sell their new aftermarket 302. Again, it's a fantastic block, lots of high strength features and a great price.
