So, my brother gets this bug that he wants a Mustang Convertible, fox body style with the 5.0. He says its for his wife, I tell him to stick with the 2.3 4 banger - cars are cheap, good on gas, and not beat to death. But, he insists on the 8.
So, the next day he rushes out and buys one and then calls me about it.
Its an 89, 115K on the clock, shorty headers, MAF and air tubes are missing! He bought this from a dealer, Check engine light on, with an open throttle body, no air cleaner, etc. Actually runs good.... Except..... no oil pressure.
My brother, in his infinite wisdom, didnt happen to notice the oil pressure gauge that registers....nothing. Once its warm, a little lifter clack starts up. I put a manual gauge on it. Cold start, 24 lbs. at 2000 rpm, idle, 10. Hot, 2000 rpm about 15 lbs, idle - nothing. I explain to him he just paid $3500 for a piece of sh--. Nonetheless, his wife is already coming down on him.
He found a shortblock from a buddy for $75. I broke the block down last night.- its all still STD bore and crank, very little ridge (least I have ever seen) - all the bearings look good, no scoring or copper showing. Rings all free, pistons all look good. I believe I am just going to freshen it up with bearings, rings, and seals. Use the heads, intake, flywheel, etc, off the motor in the car and get him running that way.
Any pitfalls I need to worry about? I have never built a Ford block before, let alone one shoehorned into a mustang, and tips or tricks?
BTW, the bottom end of the short block I took apart had a stud kit and a girdle? He has a Moroso double sump pan on the car now, do those all play together nicely? Do I still need/use a windage tray with the girdle? SHould I throw away the girdle and get a ARP main bolt kit instead?
Thanks for the help?
Also, any way to tell what was done to the ECM? When I plugged in the MAF, the CEL went off and the car ran like sh--. Also, it doesnt have any O2 sensors either???? WTF did my kid brother buy?
So, the next day he rushes out and buys one and then calls me about it.
Its an 89, 115K on the clock, shorty headers, MAF and air tubes are missing! He bought this from a dealer, Check engine light on, with an open throttle body, no air cleaner, etc. Actually runs good.... Except..... no oil pressure.
My brother, in his infinite wisdom, didnt happen to notice the oil pressure gauge that registers....nothing. Once its warm, a little lifter clack starts up. I put a manual gauge on it. Cold start, 24 lbs. at 2000 rpm, idle, 10. Hot, 2000 rpm about 15 lbs, idle - nothing. I explain to him he just paid $3500 for a piece of sh--. Nonetheless, his wife is already coming down on him.
He found a shortblock from a buddy for $75. I broke the block down last night.- its all still STD bore and crank, very little ridge (least I have ever seen) - all the bearings look good, no scoring or copper showing. Rings all free, pistons all look good. I believe I am just going to freshen it up with bearings, rings, and seals. Use the heads, intake, flywheel, etc, off the motor in the car and get him running that way.
Any pitfalls I need to worry about? I have never built a Ford block before, let alone one shoehorned into a mustang, and tips or tricks?
BTW, the bottom end of the short block I took apart had a stud kit and a girdle? He has a Moroso double sump pan on the car now, do those all play together nicely? Do I still need/use a windage tray with the girdle? SHould I throw away the girdle and get a ARP main bolt kit instead?
Thanks for the help?
Also, any way to tell what was done to the ECM? When I plugged in the MAF, the CEL went off and the car ran like sh--. Also, it doesnt have any O2 sensors either???? WTF did my kid brother buy?
I paid 300.00 for mine w/a smoked 3/4th gear (an AOD you know.) 
