73 500 reboot

Down to one ranchero so time to refresh the neglected 73.Will give something to keep me busy for a while.
Put a new set of wheels and tires on for motivation.17x7 frt.17x8 rear.AR vn501 255/50 r17.Going to put a few miles on her,then tear out drive line/interior.Heater core/AC hvac rebuild,tilt wheel,hydroboost brakes and maybe a third pedal with T5.

 

Still a stunning car LSC, sure doesnt look neglected to me. Hadnt realised you had sold the '72

 

John it's a good looking 73 ..
Can't wait to see the new look

 

Thanks guys.May of hurt the 5.0.Romping on her with old fuel resulted in massive detonation.Making noises now that are not good...Will tear it down after hunting season.Anyone good discount coupons for scat/AFR?Man there prices have skyrocketed!

 

Early Christmas!!

 

Oh, just stop it with the Ranchero porn!

 

Yeah, just send 'em on over to my house, to put under my tree.

 

Nice ..

 

That looks sharp!

 

Looks great! I was contemplating those wheels, but they don't make raise white letter tires in 17's.

 

Thanks Slider!I really need to put 9"s on rear.Try Coker tire for white letter tires.

 

Got her out without getting injured or tearing anything up.So thats a win!Will get motor on stand for tear down tomorrow.Sounds like a rod bearing but may be something else.Engine only has 110K on it.

 

110K since your install? Or 110K overall?

And, with the drivetrain out, will there be any cleanups/rebuilding of the EFI harness or fuel system?

 

Aaaaaand?

 

By the condition of all the bearings,I believe this motor has over 200K on it!Crank will need a regrind and cylinders bored.Main bearings looked the same.
Thinking loose dampner was making thumping noise.I could move it back and forth on keyway and was wobbling at idle.
Any recommendations on pistons?Stock were TRW forged units.I have always used speed pro.

 

Go with the Speed Pro if they worked for your builds, otherwise stick with the TRWs.
Were the bearings already undercut, or factory?

 

All factory standard size bearings Andy.Crank measured within specs with my harbor freight mic.Will let machinist decide.Think speed pro bought out TRW.
Want to keep static compression around 9.2-9.5,May have to go +8 dish with 59cc heads..

 

Your numbers sound about right for 9.5 or less compression. Does Fel-Pro still make the sealing ring head gaskets for Ford performance-oriented Windsors?

 

Decided on Wiseco slugs.A bit more than speed prff to vegas next week to find machine shop.Pulled the trigger on T5.