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Vintage Ford Budget Performance



The Build-Up


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Our 2MA crankshaft has been ground 0.010 undersize to true up the journals. Because Mark doesn't trust packaging labels, he checks the bearings and journals for proper sizing.		http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0506_budgets_14_s.jpg
A micrometer is used to measure crankshaft journal diameter. Bearing clearances should be 0.0005-0.0015-inch on the mains, and 0.0008-0.0015-inch on the rods for small-blocks.		http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0506_budgets_15_s.jpg
Main cap bolts are torqued to a final value of 70 lb-ft. This should be performed in thirds. Crankshaft endplay comes in at 0.007-inch on this 302, which is right in the center of the acceptable range.
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Each camlobe is generously coated with camshaft assembly lube. This aids in the work-hardening of the lobes during initial fire-up and break-in.		http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0506_budgets_17_s.jpg
After the cam is positioned, the Crane dual-roller timing set is installed. Use a straight edge to line up the timing marks, and use Loc-Tite on the cam sprocket retaining bolt. We're using a Ford replacement two-piece eccentric designed for a mechanical fuel pump.		http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0506_budgets_18_s.jpg
Bore sizing gets checked right along with piston sizing to determine piston-to-cylinder-wall clearances. Because we are running hypereutectic pistons, there isn't the concern for expansion you would have with more expensive forged pistons.
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Hypereutectic pistons use a tighter average clearance of 0.018-inch, which contributes to their quiet operation. These are a nice compromise.		http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0506_budgets_20_s.jpg
Before pistons are installed, ring end gap must be checked. A good rule of thumb is 0.004-inch gap for each inch of bore diameter. An engine with a 4-inch bore calls for 0.016-inch ring end gap. Ring end gap determines internal friction. We want less of it while keeping good sealing.		http://images.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/mufp_0506_budgets_21_s.jpg
Mark installs the pistons using a billet ring compressor. For home shop use, an adjustable compressor works fine.
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