What to do?! 5.0HO build or mod SO

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What to do?! 5.0HO build or mod SO

March 30, 2010, 09:36:25 PM

88 Cougar 5.0SO 113K miles owned for 11 years .......

Wanted to do a HO swap for a while, bigger cam, roller rockers, but still keep it very streetable with good idle.
Got a 5.0HO from a J/Y, tore it apart to find the rod bearings appear worn, ( copper visible) cylinders just started a ridge.
I was hoping to avoid as much machine work ($) as possible with this project but that doesn't seem the case with this motor.
Already have E7 heads completely rebuilt still in plastic.
My SO motor runs great, just has the typical 5.0 "cold knock"

Would it be possible to tear apart my existing SO motor and just install either new dished pistons/new rings or pistons from the J/Y motor and transfer my rings? (Along with new cam etc.)

What to do?! 5.0HO build or mod SO

Reply #1 – March 30, 2010, 09:41:52 PM

Well What make the 5.0L SO different from the 5.0L HO? Is the short block the same? If so you should be able to swap heads,cam and intake.

What to do?! 5.0HO build or mod SO

Reply #2 – March 31, 2010, 01:51:58 AM

I'd be worried about the "cold knock"... nearly 170k on mine and I have no knocks. If you rev it does it clunk? Your bottom end might not be any better off on your S.O. motor...

The H.O. engine parts will swap over as long as your not going too big on the cam, you should be okay, but check piston to valve anyways. The blocks are esentally the same. The S.O. bottom end just has different pistions and a single roller instead of a double roller timing chain. But that is an easy fix when you have the car that far torn down.

What to do?! 5.0HO build or mod SO

Reply #3 – March 31, 2010, 10:34:35 AM

The SO engine runs good, no smoke, rattles, ticks. For the longest time on a cold start up it has that slight bottom end noise. I had a 89 Crown vic that did the same thing.
I was thinking something similar to using an E303 cam (not everybody recommends the FMS cams)

What to do?! 5.0HO build or mod SO

Reply #4 – March 31, 2010, 01:37:00 PM

Post pics. A polish on the crank doesn't cost all that much and if you check the bore diameter you might still be in spec.

My block came from an 89 GT that had major bearing damage. But, cylinder bores within spec so I just ran a hone through it to break the glaze.
I bought a re-manufactured crank for 150 from OReilly's (came with bearings) and cleaned and re-used the stock pistons. I did file fit the rings for a perfect seal. Stuffed in a TFS1 cam, WWJR Heads, and an Edelbrock clone intake. Goes like hot stink now.

I guess what I'm saying is to take some measurements, and all crank bearings will show wear.
Always use plastigauge.

-Z

What to do?! 5.0HO build or mod SO

Reply #5 – April 03, 2010, 11:27:00 AM

Cold engine knock could be from line bore issues which some 302's were reported to have. It may not be a problem on a stocker but could be something to worry about with horsepower increases.
If you are willing to take a risk, keep the so bottom, bolt a set of twisted wedges, rockers, push rods, ho cam, ho computer, ho upper, 19# injectors, exhaust. Dollar for dollar these mods are hard to beat :evilgrin: :evilgrin: