273 advise needed

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Read on axleaddict.com that they're on only game in town for a 10.5-1. What would you recommend instead? Hopefully I can just use the current pistons in the engine. Thanks.
Kanter also has nice pistons. They have slightly higher compression and have coated skirts. I'll find the part number if anyone is interested. These were quite a bit nicer than the Egge's. A friend used them and was very impressed with them.
 
Got a part # for Rebuilders Choice?
My 273 has Rebuiders Choice in it
I checked Kanter site....brutal no descriptions at all. Only mention of pistons are in a complete rebuild kit, again no description if Commando or not.
Kanter also has nice pistons. They have slightly higher compression and have coated skirts. I'll find the part number if anyone is interested. These were quite a bit nicer than the Egge's. A friend used them and was very impressed with them.
 
Got a part # for Rebuilders Choice?

I checked Kanter site....brutal no descriptions at all. Only mention of pistons are in a complete rebuild kit, again no description if Commando or not
Got a part # for Rebuilders Choice?

I checked Kanter site....brutal no descriptions at all. Only mention of pistons are in a complete rebuild kit, again no description if Commando or not.
Part # for rebuilders choice would be nice. I saw no way to even search items on their website. Edge for egge for ease of shopping! lol

If the engine isn't rebuildable I may consider selling this car to someone on here who wants to drop a different motor in. Odometer shows 52700 and it may even be original miles. The doors still shut like they're new and wear on pedals indicates not heavy usage. All the typical rust spots are solid. Check out the floor pans.

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from the photos that's a lovely looking car with tons of potential and way, way too nice to part out.

if you're in over your head on the motor, sell the whole thing to somebody else and search out something that's more in tune with your skills, budget or the amount of work you want to take on.
 
from the photos that's a lovely looking car with tons of potential and way, way too nice to part out.

if you're in over your head on the motor, sell the whole thing to somebody else and search out something that's more in tune with your skills, budget or the amount of work you want to take on.
Did you see the gas tank out of that wreck? LOL...We are working out some parts issues together and with guys like you helping, me trying and a cast of thousands I bet we can all get this old girl back on the road Hero. My first car was a 67 v8 4 gear Barracuda. 43 years later I look forward to spring weather and backing old blue the 65 out of the garage for her first breath of fresh spring air and then letting her cackle that first breath out of her exhaust. She's always on a liquid diet and ready to roar. This old red gem from Missouri would be a great car to start a build thread with!
 
Did you see the gas tank out of that wreck? LOL...We are working out some parts issues together and with guys like you helping, me trying and a cast of thousands I bet we can all get this old girl back on the road Hero. My first car was a 67 v8 4 gear Barracuda. 43 years later I look forward to spring weather and backing old blue the 65 out of the garage for her first breath of fresh spring air and then letting her cackle that first breath out of her exhaust. She's always on a liquid diet and ready to roar. This old red gem from Missouri would be a great car to start a build thread with!
nah i missed it. but a tank? pfft! tis but a flesh wound!

but hell yeah, let's make it happen. takes a village and all that.
 
from the photos that's a lovely looking car with tons of potential and way, way too nice to part out.

if you're in over your head on the motor, sell the whole thing to somebody else and search out something that's more in tune with your skills, budget or the amount of work you want to take on.

I'm not really over my head on the motor, since I'm not the one that will be doing the rebuild. I have the budget, just not the desire to spend thousands to end up with a pretend commando with a 318 or something. I would definitely entertain selling it if the motor isn't rebuildable. I agree it's to nice to be parting out, but I could get what I have invested plus some if I did that. (don't really want to, for sure didn't buy it to part it out)
 
I'm not really over my head on the motor, since I'm not the one that will be doing the rebuild. I have the budget, just not the desire to spend thousands to end up with a pretend commando with a 318 or something. I would definitely entertain selling it if the motor isn't rebuildable. I agree it's to nice to be parting out, but I could get what I have invested plus some if I did that. (don't really want to, for sure didn't buy it to part it out)
I'm doing the exact same thing now with your cars' twin except parting it out as know one wanted it at the time. Even if the block is scrap a standard bore 273 should be easy to find and then you can reuse your pistons and maybe cam all the good stuff is forged. Most people aren't huge 273 fans except a few of us old guys that know them so that is in your favor for a bargain basement price. In reality you would be better off buying a whole block then shopping for pistons if it does come to that. I wouldn't be suprised if a few members have 273's they don't want and will never use.
 
F/S: OE gas tank, comes with some padding. great strap! needs work. you don't see these any more and they are getting harder to find. $500 FIRM. will consider trades for pit bull puppies-- blues only!!


all kidding aside, that's odd for it to rust out on top. any collateral damage?
I have a good used tank but he wont come get it Hero...LOL He wants me to drive down there and work for him...
 
F/S: OE gas tank, comes with some padding. great strap! needs work. you don't see these any more and they are getting harder to find. $500 FIRM. will consider trades for pit bull puppies-- blues only!!


all kidding aside, that's odd for it to rust out on top. any collateral damage?
The part of the fill tube that was inside the tank was rusting away too, so need to replace it also. It's a pain to get to. Other than that no issues, except the bottom of the car above where the tank set may always smell!

Did a leak down test this evening. Was only holding 25% at cylinder one, 20% in three. I stopped there. Mechanic says to fill it with air again and tap the valves open and see if pressure gets better. Could be carbon buildup he says. Will play with it more tomorrow.
 
If you only have 52,000 miles, your cam and lifters are probably OK. Your rings are probably stuck on the low cylinders. Change the oil to a good 10w-30 synthetic oil and a good filter. The AFB carb is not correct. Adjust the valves. Replace the freeze plugs with brass ones. Replace the front and rear main seals. Replace the oil pan gasket and inspect everything while you are in there. Can you get it running?
 
If you only have 52,000 miles, your cam and lifters are probably OK. Your rings are probably stuck on the low cylinders. Change the oil to a good 10w-30 synthetic oil and a good filter. The AFB carb is not correct. Adjust the valves. Replace the freeze plugs with brass ones. Replace the front and rear main seals. Replace the oil pan gasket and inspect everything while you are in there. Can you get it running?

Thanks. Already replaced the oil/filter. Aways run VR1 racing oil in my older cars for the zinc. New plugs, wires, battery, and coil.

What should the carb be? I was getting ready to possibly rebuild it, but sounds like replacing it may be a better option. Not sure how to adjust valves. I tapped the full cylinder today lightly with a hammer to see if the needle jumped but stayed right at 22psi on #3 with 100psi going in. Sounds like most of it escaping at the intake. Freeze plugs are purchased, good idea on seals.

I was told the car was running three years ago but I haven't been able to get it running. Feeding gas from a jug I know I had spark, and know it was getting gas. Distributor was loose when I got it, I just tightened it down. Car could just be way out of timing. It never even sounded like it wanted to start. My goal is to at least get it running, even if rough! lol
 
It sounds like pulling the engine for a refresh is exactly what is needed. Until it's apart you won't know for sure how far you need to go with it. It's probably original with a standard bore. It probably has a ridge at the top of the cylinder and some taper so a overbore is needed. .030 over is a standard and oversized pistons shouldn't be too hard to find. Get the high compression domed pistons with 2 valve reliefs to keep it "Commando" Your machine shop should boil the block and install new cam bearings and core plugs. They should also check the deck for straightness and machine if necessary, clean and measure the crankshaft. It might only need a polish or possibly need ground. Usually .010/.010 cleans things up nicely. Those are forged cranks and are very tough and long lasting. Most shops check the crank bores for proper alignment but rarely do they need line bored. The stock connecting rods are plenty strong with full floating pins They can be resized if needed and it's recommended if new bolts are installed. Hone the lifter bores to make them happy. You want the new lifters to turn easily in the bores. If they don't turn, you can ruin a camshaft in a real hurry. Let's see, did I forget anything guys?

I used a Isky E4 cam and lifters. It is close to factory specs and still is a solid lifter cam like the original. The 273 is a small cube engine. Watch how big of a cam you install. Too big can get you in trouble

That manifold number is correct and original for your car.

Again, until the engine is taken apart and wear is noted and measured, you won't know what you need. I didn't use the Egge "kit" but I can see it would be handy because of all it includes.

Remove, disassemble, check and measure and have a plan of attack. Your machinist will guide you.

Let's dissect your original post.
I used a Isky E4 cam and lifters. It is close to factory specs and still is a solid lifter cam like the original. The 273 is a small cube engine. Watch how big of a cam you install. Too big can get you in trouble
I don't see a cam and lifter kit with the E-4 isky cam. Can you verify what lifters you used? Also if the original was solid lifter, how come when you search by year and make all 11 of the cam and lifter kits have hydraulic cams? I found that strange with the isky website.
 
I don't see a cam and lifter kit with the E-4 isky cam. Can you verify what lifters you used? Also if the original was solid lifter, how come when you search by year and make all 11 of the cam and lifter kits have hydraulic cams? I found that strange with the isky website.
The Isky site is strange. I will find the cam number and post it here in a bit. I used the Isky lifters they sell.
 
I don't see a cam and lifter kit with the E-4 isky cam. Can you verify what lifters you used? Also if the original was solid lifter, how come when you search by year and make all 11 of the cam and lifter kits have hydraulic cams? I found that strange with the isky website.
#390144 is the E4 cam number. The E4 must be a grind number. I have found it listed for Ford's as well.
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