Well it seems that Lizzie (don't hate me, I named the Dart Lite that when I was 15, it just kinda stuck) is getting a little tired in her advancing years. She's approaching 300k miles and the compression is down and starting to smoke a little, and power has dropped off in the last decade or so.
(The Dart, not my wife. Ha! Good thing she doesn't read this)

Anyway, does anyone have a recommendation as to a rebuild kit and where to get it. Its a project over the next few months so no hurry, just trying to start planning things out.

Unless you can part the misc peices together on the fly with trading or discounts. A whole engine rebuild kit at a place like Northern Auto Parts is about as good as it gets for getting the full meal deal in one package.

-D.Idiot

Would that be a "Happy Meal"? with toy of course....

X-2 A couple places has them, some with more 'stuff' some with less. It all depends on the build actually. Most cant leave well enough alone, and that necessitates changes in parts needed/should be used. And the quality of some of the kit gaskets leave a lot to be desired.

M2C

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MRO....

Cheap, Fast, Reliable.... Pick 2...

Thanks. That helps. It also reminded me (after I posted of course) that I've ordered parts in the past from Rock Auto and saw they have a few options as well.

be sure to sign up for the RockAuto closeouts.

I know that engine tech sells complete kits for under $500 - my local machine shop personally would not use them in their rebuilds but said they are fine for stock. ( They work fine in brand x v 8s )From a different view point, I replaced the stock crank bearings on my 83-with a million miles on it with a set of federals- I know the crank is toast but the replacements lasted 5,000 mile while the stock ( I believe clevite 77 ) lasted -pitted -dirt embedded and marginal but still worked.

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I may be slow,but I"m ahead of you.

That's why I've used the NAP kit, it's Fed Mog/Melling, etc... I've never had a problem with their kit and the brand in them (my machinist would have bought the parts anyway at a much higher cost + markup!!!)

-D.Idiot

I was soured by the inserts I used-I know the clevites are harder on the crank and the machine shops used them here. Maybe its just me but if a 30 year old bearing can last and a aftermarket wont ..... I had to change out the rear main and desludge the oil pan ,should have left the bearings along since I knew a rebuild was coming.

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I may be slow,but I"m ahead of you.