5.0 Engine Life
 

How long does a well maintained 5.0 last before needing freshening. My 89 AZ car is the first high mileage 5.0 I've owned ( 160000miles ). Just curious if I should rebuild it while the drive train is out during the restoration.

Thanks
Gary

Is it leaking/burning oil? Run a compression check?

I'd do a timing chain at the very least.

i would do a new oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets while out also along with the new timing chain and water pump

Definitely going to do all the gaskets and a cosmetic restoration. Compression is OK. I guess it would be best to do a mild rebuilt to be safe. Did anyone ever put in a mild cam thats a step up from stock?

HUH ???? whiskey tango foxtrot??? Is it april fools day already Gary?? : )

A Ford rear main seal also if your not rebuilding. Doug

I would pull the heads and look at the cylinder walls and go from there. Definitely replace the timing chain, oil pump, oil pan gaskets, front and rear seals, etc... If you want a mild cam I would go with a Ford B cam. Nothing crazy and will work good with your stock heads. Speaking of heads if funds allow have them rebuilt. Pulling them out later can be PITA, especially if you are leaving all the polution control items on. I would also upgrade to a set of 1.6 roller rockers, replace the push rods, and lifters.

These cars can run fine up to 200k plus. But if your already in there, might as well get it done.

Are you guys listening to yourselves? First just a gasket or two then the timing chain and gears. Next a cam then pull the heads and on and on.:)

If the drive train is currently out of the car and you plan on keeping the car for the forseeable future then bite the Bullitt and do an overhaul. That takes away any mystery and a "Stock" overhaul isn't that expensive. With the high nickel content of these blocks you usually wont have much if any ring ridge and if it wasn't hammered into the ground and dosen't require an overbore the pistons should be ok to reuse. New bearings, polished shaft,new cam and lifters, valve job with the usual gaskets/seals and your good to go for a loooooooooong time.

Be sure to have a qualified machine shop check the heads, cylinders, pistons/rods and crankshaft to be sure of the condition before reassembly. A new balancer would be good insurance also as the rubber ring deteriorates over the years and you definitely dont want that puppy coming unglued.

Whatever you decide - good luck with it.

I wouldn't bother with changing the cam, the stock cam is a very good piece.
However, if you do decide to change it, stay away from the Ford "alphabet" cams. Comp cams is your best bet - XE258HR is a nice upgrade from stock.

I agree 100% with Gregg, if you plan on keeping th car and the drive-train is out- rebuild it.