I have a ‘67 xr7 that needs an engine rebuild. Anyone know a good mechanic in Utah that you can recommend?
While I can’t answer your question directly, I can ask you some other questions that might help you out. Questions about budget, what kind of engine, 289/390? Is the trans in really good shape? Because fresh horsepower on 50 year old stuff can find faults you didn’t know where there.
Does it have to be the original engine rebuilt, or can you use a crate engine? can you pull the engine yourself, or do you want to pay to get it all done, start to finish?
Thanks for responding. All good questions. Budget is whatever it takes to get it done right, within reason. It is a 289. It has a rebuilt transmission but I’ll also need someone to look at it; it sat for a long time. I’d prefer rebuilding the original engine bit I’m open to a replacement. I can do some of it but I’ll need help on the tough stuff. Again, thanks.
Where in Utah are you? St. George, SLC, Tremonton, Green River, Blanding, Kanab, Wendover, Delta, Richfield? Lots of area in Utah.
Salt Lake County, but for the right mechanic I would go anywhere along the Wasatch Front.
I would look up the Mustang, Cougar, Ford clubs there and around Evanston, Wyo. Lots of good mechanics over there to. They’re going to ask you, who pulls the engine, what are you looking for out of it and how much you want to spend. Carb or FI, etc.
Some won’t let you provide parts, which is fine as long as they tell/show you what they’re using and give you a detailed list for down the line when they’re done.
Personally, if you’re willing to drive 500 miles one way, (I-80 straight across) I’d do it for you. I even have a car trailer, engine hoist, all that. MY 68 Cougar’s body work was done by a guy down around Fillmore were I’m from. $100 for me, and you pay all expenses and pay for all the parts. I have a machine shop here in town, and Summit Racing, NAPA, RDW, and a transmission shop that does everything I need, close by. Done a few of these.
Thanks for the suggestions. Impressive work. Your offer is tempting, but probably a bit far. Again, thanks.
Have heard good things about Blackline racing. 360 W 6100 S, Murray (801) 747-3342
Hey Rickyracer1983 - Does that pirate flag say ’ surrender the booty’ ? I got one of those when I was on a TDY at Charleston-
Reminds me of the movie “Down Periscope”. Love that movie. That’s when the Navy was fun.
Have trailer will travel.
Personally, I’d turn her into a 331 stroker (mild) using the 289 block. Then use the stock heads and open them up, (I port my own stuff) and install bigger valves, 1.84 Int, 1.54 exh. Remember Shelby used “massaged” Ford heads for his stuff with 289s. That way she looks stock and runs much better. Mild cam and rebuild, (install a harden 26 spline input shaft) the C-4 to take more HP/TQ. Better convertor. Piece of cake. Then a posi (if you don’t have one already) with 3.25 or 3.55 depending on your driving desires. More highway or more round town.
My next project, 72 Comet GT, 302, C-4, getting a 3.55 posi also. Just getting started on the engine now. Did a Mav Grabber rear spoiler conversion to it.
