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Enginefactory crate or matching number 302 J Code?

A

atevres

Member
Guys sorry everyone , I'm putting together my '68 Fastback GT and January / February I'll be ready to install mechanics.
Transmission and gearbox are under the knife for a total rebuild and light upgrade ( C4 group with 70 valves up etc. ) , it is now time to think about the engine.

I made 2 accounts to rebuild my engine with aluminum heads and various upgrades (roller camshaft and lifter etc etc) looking more for reliability and performance.
His carburetor Autolite 4300 after considering the issues of sealing gaskets, and the cost for a proper rebuild, will be replaced with a Edelbrok 500cfm max.
Without the accounts I noticed that the cost is higher than a new 302 built by Enginefactory.com including transport in Italy (namely this : http://www.enginefactory.com/Ford_350_horsepower.htm ) .
I read on their website that they have all very positive feedback . I have written to Chris and was immediately very friendly and helpful, advising on particular (radiator - converter - upgrade C4 - etc. )
Now is the time to act.
Take a crate or restore my matching number 302 4V maintaining its original heads with new valve guides etc. and a slight upgrade camshaft and carburetor ? Obviously, pistons, connecting rods , shaft , bushings, bearings , ignition, etc. new .
What do you think ?
Have you had experiences with enginefactory ?
Their engines are really well made , reliable, and turn key ?
My original engine might look like reliable ? Which upgrade? ( 90 octane gasoline in Italy ... )

Any advice is welcome and thank you for your precious help . :nwort
 
Unless you are looking for resale or originality value, I would lean towards the new engine. You can also keep the original block and heads for future value if you think it may make a difference in a future sale. There is a warranty with a new one and it sounds like a good layout. Cannot inform you as to the company quality.

Would you rebuild the original yourself or have a shop do it. If a local shop, how do they stand behind their work.

A lot depends on how comfortable you feel with each option.
 
I did not rebuild the original Jcode in my 68' but instead found a Cleveland that needed a rebuild and had a local builder do it, who was highly recommended and who helped me fire up the motor after install. I gave the Jcode motor away to a local high school automotive shop.

If you were not planning to rebuild the motor yourself and don't have someone locally who is highly recommended, getting a crate motor sure sounds like a very easy way to go.
 
I decided to go with a 351C crate motor for my 68 fastback, would have cost almost as much for me to rebuild the Cleveland I have laying around. Runs great and comes with a 1 year warranty.
 
The EF engine looks great but for a lot less than 7K you could build an awesome 302 with aluminum heads and all the goodies. 2 or 3K in parts and even a couple in labor and you are still way ahead. Just MHO.
 
If you choose a new engine, which I would do. Make sure to pickle the old one and keep it around in the event you ever decide to sell.

Mel

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