well after 400 wonderfull miles i think she's already dead. Did my first burnout with it, didn't rev it past 4500 at all, and now its got a nice rod knock to it. Don't know what could of gone wrong. had oil pressure, checked it when i got home and still had good pressure, the oil level is fine, temp didn't get past 210. I honestly don't know why it went. It was leaking oil from the valve cover but i don't see why it would cause this, it wasnt leeking bad and it was just a tad low on the oil. more than half way up the dipstick check thingy. any ideas that could make my day better?

weird....

that blows...

sorry dude

Damn. Sorry to hear.

if its knocking then i wouldnt run it long, if it lets go it could take out valves, pistons all kinds of carnage. did you build it? or a shop. if you did it then suck it up and pull it to see what happened, cause believe me it can get a whole lot worse! sorry to hear though.

Unreal...Now what? Sorry dude

ORIGINAL: dukeme

Unreal...Now what? Sorry dude



if its the internals then i'll be putting a new motor in, already talked to woody he has one he would send if thats the problem. hoping its just a pushrod or something since this was the first time i've ever adjusted valves and what not. will know in a few minutes after i call woody back.

Who built it?

ORIGINAL: 5spd GT

Who built it?
I did, I saw the oil filter, certainly no real signs there. Could be a piston pin, piston skirt, bearing or something else, have no idea till i get it back to evaluate. I stand behind my stuff 110%, I dont pawn off blame anywhere other than where it should go. Rightfully so. I have a short on a pallet already to go out in the morning, he will have a new one thursday morning. No charge for the short, no charge for the freight to him or charge for the freight to get the old one back, rightfully so. Motor still has oil pressure, thats always a tip off, first 150 mile oil change filter was spotless. Main and rod bearings dont go from being loose to being tight regardless of mileage, this is why its very important for me to get the short back so i can evaluate it. He has the exact same short block as MJR46 who beat the snot out of it a few weeks ago at the track, so speculation at this point as to why or what happened, is just that, speculation. Murphys law is alive and kicking in the high performance engine building game. Its all in how you handle it, and I will do everything in my power to get it resolved with minimal cash outlay from a customer of mine.

darn woody keep up the good work and good luck

ORIGINAL: woodsy

ORIGINAL: 5spd GT

Who built it?
I did, I saw the oil filter, certainly no real signs there. Could be a piston pin, piston skirt, bearing or something else, have no idea till i get it back to evaluate. I stand behind my stuff 110%, I dont pawn off blame anywhere other than where it should go. Rightfully so. I have a short on a pallet already to go out in the morning, he will have a new one thursday morning. No charge for the short, no charge for the freight to him or charge for the freight to get the old one back, rightfully so. Motor still has oil pressure, thats always a tip off, first 150 mile oil change filter was spotless. Main and rod bearings dont go from being loose to being tight regardless of mileage, this is why its very important for me to get the short back so i can evaluate it. He has the exact same short block as MJR46 who beat the snot out of it a few weeks ago at the track, so speculation at this point as to why or what happened, is just that, speculation. Murphys law is alive and kicking in the high performance engine building game. Its all in how you handle it, and I will do everything in my power to get it resolved with minimal cash outlay from a customer of mine.



That is awesome customer service. I'm sure you know this since your in the industry but alot of the commercial, mass produced performance engine builders would just say oh well, that's the chance you take with go fast parts and high perfomance engines.

Sorry, but I can't bite my typing fingers anymore......... if that is not customer service.... what is?http://forums.stangnet.com/images/smilies/dunno.gif

hey woody, where ya located, I need some work done too!!!

now you guys all know why me and mjr went with fordstrokers instead of anyone else. the service is what sold me from day one. and if i would of went with anyone else i would have a paper weight in my yard cause i have no more money to spend on this car at all. so basically, if it wasn't for woody having thee best customer service around, i'd be sol right now. It's still gonna be a pain to tear this one out and put the new one in but you gotta do what you gotta do.

hoe li ****e damn woody, that statement knocked up my respect for you another 10 notches, good luck CT and woody on getting this resolved

there was some oil in my throttle body when i took it all off. not sure what would cause that. or if its bad/normal

Man that sucks ass dude. Hopefully it ends up working out okay.

let's get it torn down, let me get it back and if in fact it is my fault undoubtedly I will help in any way I can, I know everyone is tight on money and this is our passion and hobby so I want Colin to not have to spend any money on a problem that may lie with me. I will send him intake gaskets and head gaskets, hes just going to have to chip in some blood and sweat. If everything in life was rosey, I would be retired long ago :)

ORIGINAL: woodsy

ORIGINAL: 5spd GT

Who built it?
I did, I saw the oil filter, certainly no real signs there. Could be a piston pin, piston skirt, bearing or something else, have no idea till i get it back to evaluate. I stand behind my stuff 110%, I dont pawn off blame anywhere other than where it should go. Rightfully so. I have a short on a pallet already to go out in the morning, he will have a new one thursday morning. No charge for the short, no charge for the freight to him or charge for the freight to get the old one back, rightfully so. Motor still has oil pressure, thats always a tip off, first 150 mile oil change filter was spotless. Main and rod bearings dont go from being loose to being tight regardless of mileage, this is why its very important for me to get the short back so i can evaluate it. He has the exact same short block as MJR46 who beat the snot out of it a few weeks ago at the track, so speculation at this point as to why or what happened, is just that, speculation. Murphys law is alive and kicking in the high performance engine building game. Its all in how you handle it, and I will do everything in my power to get it resolved with minimal cash outlay from a customer of mine.


hey now!! easy there!!! I didn't beat it to hard 2 runs and got my goal and put her away!! infact I took it out to the cruise in friday and it's still running fine and oil pressure is good:D..........I have a whopping 157 miles on it now!!! but if it were going to let go you figure it'd of done it after my two burn outs....anyway wow^^^^^ that sucks[:@]but what's awesome is woody standing behind his work!! glad I choose him!!:Dmy local machine shop just pointed to a sign on the wall that said no warranty on HP builds 4 years ago when my block chewed up the bearings cause they fudged the tolerances[:'(]...anyway hope it works out for you:D

I thought most people waited till like 500 miles to break in a motor before beating on it.:eek:

CTgreddy, if im not mistaken, a little bit of oil in the throttle body is nothing to worry about, its from the PCV valve

ORIGINAL: projectresto83

I thought most people waited till like 500 miles to break in a motor before beating on it.:eek:
ya that was the old notion, primarily because rings were much different than they are nowadays. The motors will loosen up a very small amount but its not ike bearing clearance is going to open up a huge amount regardless if it has 100 miles or 500 miles. I will get it back to the shop and get to the bottom of it. If anyone can find me an engine builder with a 100% track record, I got 5, crisp brand new 100 dollar bills for them :D aint gonna happen, its all in how you handle it. I can tell you in the last 14 months there is atleast 100 of my motors running around and colins is the first legit problem child, I had 1 other but that was because the knucklehead set the oil pump pickup on the bottom of the pan, so it ran dry [:@]

If anything this thread has probably brought you more business

ORIGINAL: projectresto83

I thought most people waited till like 500 miles to break in a motor before beating on it.:eek:

if it's gonna let go it won't matter if it's got 5 miles or 500 on it[&:];)

ORIGINAL: mjr46

ORIGINAL: projectresto83

I thought most people waited till like 500 miles to break in a motor before beating on it.:eek:

if it's gonna let go it won't matter if it's got 5 miles or 500 on it[&:];)


so then why'd you drive yours like a grandma for 150 miles then:D:D:D:D

ORIGINAL: mjr46

ORIGINAL: projectresto83

I thought most people waited till like 500 miles to break in a motor before beating on it.:eek:

if it's gonna let go it won't matter if it's got 5 miles or 500 on it[&:];)

Agreed/....Most engines I build areon a water brake dyno,for the breakin of 20 to 30 minutes....cut the oil filter open,inspect ..and after changing the oil(adjusting valves,etc),,we make several hard pulls on the dyno for some H.P numbers...
+100 respect for Woodsy Customer Service...and yes even new parts fail....good luck with it...

ORIGINAL: ctgreddy

ORIGINAL: mjr46

ORIGINAL: projectresto83

I thought most people waited till like 500 miles to break in a motor before beating on it.:eek:

if it's gonna let go it won't matter if it's got 5 miles or 500 on it[&:];)


so then why'd you drive yours like a grandma for 150 miles then:D:D:D:D


I didn't!!..It had 95 miles when it hit the 1320 and 25 that was the drive to the track...... Woody said to drive it 50 miles and do first oil change and cut filter open... = looked fine so after that filled it up with oil..drove it home once and I always but about 50 to 75 miles on a new build cause gauranteed the'll be a few leaks , squeaks or rattles...so once i WAS SURE all that was taken care of and motor sounded good = I drove it home and let it sit for two weeks and then went to a private meet for mustangs to race it..I said what the heck..it'll go or blow..just happens it went......but I don't say I'm out of the woods yet!! I just plan to drive it now and enjoy it since I now know what it's capapble of;)

Truck will be here in the morning, you will have it thursday morning. Im tired, going home:D

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/510/img232sf3.jpg

[sm=smiley20.gif]

Great customer service woody.

For those who don't know........fordstrokers.com

There is absolutely no need to let an engine break in for 500 miles. None. I am stunned about how awesome of customer service you have. Ive never met an engine builder that would send out a 2nd shortblock/gaskets for free. Like I said Im very impressed.

WOW, i heard nothing but good about woody and fordstrokers, but this just goes to show how great it is.

i know the feeling, except im 99.9% sure i was to blame for my motor failure...the oil looked like copper glitter instead of oil :(

yea that all came out of my pocket, live and learn.

the machine shop i had mine done at, cost me more for just machining and parts vs woody's shortblock, so i would say woody +2!!!

woody is the man

woody, please let us know what the failure turned out to be.

ORIGINAL: PJC Racing

Great customer service woody.

For those who don't know........fordstrokers.com


nuff said

all i can say is WOW.


and ill be giving woody a call when its time for me to mod my engine.


good luck ctgreedy i know how excitted you where about the new engine

I think I had less than 500ft on mine before it was at WOT. Seat the rings quick and early.

And yeah, let us know what you find.

he he i know that feeling, after just about 10 miles i guess i started to get some 1/2 to 3/4 throttle, then at like 25mi, wot all the way :)

ORIGINAL: 94StinkinLincoln

he he i know that feeling, after just about 10 miles i guess i started to get some 1/2 to 3/4 throttle, then at like 25mi, wot all the way :)


94StinkinLincoln have you resolved all your woe's? I've seen you post on this forum as well as some others. I'm just wondering if your running good now.

ORIGINAL: stang8689

If anything this thread has probably brought you more business


+1 his shop is also close to me, id probably even order my heads from him now

That sucks man, hope it works out for ya!

thats sucks to hear, but damn thats good customer service. not to steal the thread but....Hey woody, i sent you an email about a 408 shortblock. was gonna order one from someone else tomorrow but with that kind of service i figure i can get a good deal from you too.

well woody def won my business for my 351/408 i want to build in two years, great way to stand behind your work

Fordstrokers will definitely be getting my order for a short block.

Thanks everyone for the support, I hate when anything like this happens, its a very rare occurence but I like to handle it immediately and move forward. I just cant wait to get it back and start measuring some things and dissecting the issue. It should be very telling.

dang looks like this whole issue has benifited you!!! you probably will now double orders!!! :D

ORIGINAL: mjr46

dang looks like this whole issue has benifited you!!! you probably will now double orders!!! :D
Ya, but I feel bad for colin, thats why its in everyones best interest to get it resolved NOW. He will be back running very soon.

^^^^oh I agree totally..if it makes you feel any better..mine runs great!!!:D

ORIGINAL: mjr46

^^^^oh I agree totally..if it makes you feel any better..mine runs great!!!:D
Good, now your on the record, dont call me [sm=laughat.gif] but seriously, something tells me I am going to find something crazy, but time will tell.

ORIGINAL: woodsy

ORIGINAL: mjr46

^^^^oh I agree totally..if it makes you feel any better..mine runs great!!!:D
Good, now your on the record, dont call me [sm=laughat.gif] but seriously, something tells me I am going to find something crazy, but time will tell.


oh don't worry mine hit the goal so it won't be back at the track for a while...like you said time will tell.....I trust your work and your gaurantee...I hope nothing goes wrong with mine but the only 2 gaurantees in life are death and taxes!![:@]

ORIGINAL: mjr46

ORIGINAL: woodsy

ORIGINAL: mjr46

^^^^oh I agree totally..if it makes you feel any better..mine runs great!!!:D
Good, now your on the record, dont call me [sm=laughat.gif] but seriously, something tells me I am going to find something crazy, but time will tell.


oh don't worry mine hit the goal so it won't be back at the track for a while...like you said time will tell.....I trust your work and your gaurantee...I hope nothing goes wrong with mine but the only 2 gaurantees in life are death and taxes!![:@]
See thats the thing if this is a tight bearing clearance issue, it certainly doesnt take 400 miles to show up, it happens instantly.

yeah it'd of shown up in the filter you'd think??? something wierd had to of let go or faulty part??? dunno[&:];)

I'll be chopping open my next filter this weekend. If all goes well, and it looks good inside. I'll be getting the car set for a weekend at the track.

I just need to fix that damn oil leak from the rear or the lifter valley

ORIGINAL: AdderMk2

I'll be chopping open my next filter this weekend. If all goes well, and it looks good inside. I'll be getting the car set for a weekend at the track.

I just need to fix that damn oil leak from the rear or the lifter valley


I thought you saidyou weren't gonna race it this year??;)

ORIGINAL: mjr46

yeah it'd of shown up in the filter you'd think??? something wierd had to of let go or faulty part??? dunno[&:];)
bearings go very fast and the filter looks like a goldmine when you cut it open.

I'm so impressed with fordstrokers. I need a new 306 now and will definately be looking you up. I'm constantly amazed at how the rest of the world seems to have forgotten customer service.

problem found, not sure what would of caused it...but all i have to say is holly **** how did this happen.
i'll let the pictures explain themselves...give me a minute to load them all up.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/ctgreddy/head5.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/ctgreddy/head.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/ctgreddy/numb5.jpg
cyinder #5^
cylinder #6:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/ctgreddy/numb6.jpg
cylinder #7:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/ctgreddy/numb7.jpg
cylinder #8:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/ctgreddy/numb8.jpg

So is whatever caused this something I did?

Just stop, call me. I dont have your number here, your probably not going to like what I have to say

well i'm guessing it is something i caused then. just tried calling but nobody answered.

This is what detonation looks like fellas, see the ring lands that are melted?

ouch........ so whats the verdict?

is the engine scrap?

what caused this?

ORIGINAL: 302army187

ouch........ so whats the verdict?

is the engine scrap?

what caused this?



pistons are scrap and block needs to be re honed.
all my fault, car was running lean and boom, this happens.
lesson learned i guess. when i get it running again ill be sure to only let it run 30 mins, check the filter, then take it straight to a tuner.
gotta thank woody for being helpfull all the way tho and after finding out what it was not saying "well its your fault now send me my block back and go f yourself".
by the way woody i'm gonna send you another email in a few mins about what im going to do about the situation.

Just let me know

wow, that sucks!


what about the heads? that one cylinder looks pretty jacked up.


good luck man, sorry to hear about this!

all 4 pistons across one side of the engine.... that really sucks


I would have thought it to be a manufacturer defect on the pistons... each one broke in the same excact spot.

That looks a little to precise for "detonation"

hey woody how much is that short block your building? is it 331 or 347?

ORIGINAL: AdderMk2

all 4 pistons across one side of the engine.... that really sucks


I would have thought it to be a manufacturer defect on the pistons... each one broke in the same excact spot.

That looks a little to precise for "detonation"

like electricity takes the path of least resistance, that area of that piston is the thinnest, where else would they melt and break? Not the first time I have seen it.

ORIGINAL: woodsy

ORIGINAL: AdderMk2

all 4 pistons across one side of the engine.... that really sucks


I would have thought it to be a manufacturer defect on the pistons... each one broke in the same excact spot.

That looks a little to precise for "detonation"

like electricity takes the path of least resistance, that area of that piston is the thinnest, where else would they melt and break? Not the first time I have seen it.


On the flipside, Probe has gotten away from the dual valve relief so the piston will be more forgiving

ORIGINAL: ctgreddy

ORIGINAL: 302army187

ouch........ so whats the verdict?

is the engine scrap?

what caused this?



pistons are scrap and block needs to be re honed.
all my fault, car was running lean and boom, this happens.
lesson learned i guess. when i get it running again ill be sure to only let it run 30 mins, check the filter, then take it straight to a tuner.
gotta thank woody for being helpfull all the way tho and after finding out what it was not saying "well its your fault now send me my block back and go f yourself".
by the way woody i'm gonna send you another email in a few mins about what im going to do about the situation.


one more reason to be carb!! I got my cat fat!!! from the get go!! lean is mean but fat keeps the cat purrin'!!;)

I just read this topic from beggining to end and im definatly going to woodys for my next 351.:D

jeeze woody with all the business that my stupidity has gotten you you should fix it all for me for free:D:D
that was a joke ofcourse.

so say this happens to me[&:] would hope it doesn't but what's this all gonna set you back again......you can pm answer if so desired...sucks though,,, hope it works out for you;)

i just read the whole thing and damn that sucks!

well pretty much another 2k, i had bearing failure and crank failure...new crank, bearings, rings, hone, clean, deck, assemble shortblock had to get another flexplate, but that is another story...right around $2,100, i should have just bought woody's short block, o well, i learned from it so i guess it was worth it.

Damn dude, that sucks! Trust me, Ive been there. I had been running flat-tappet cams in mine, and had 2 fail. The first one was on the 302 bottom end, it ate 12 out of 16 lobes, destroyed the oil pump, crank, and all the bearings. I then stroked it to a 347 (since I had to get a crank anyway, figured it was a good time to do it), and it ate another cam. This time just one lobe. The pump never gave up the ghost, but it got repleced anyway, and again, the bearings had to be replaced. Luckily, this time I got away with having the crank polished and it was good. Now, Ive got a Coast High hyd. roller retrofit cam (reduced base circle) with stock style spider, dogbones, and lifters. It is working great so far, but it took three times to get it here!

If I were you, I wouldn't run it for 30 mins, I would trailer it to the tuner as soon as you know it will run. I would say not to let it run more than 5 minutes, because detonation will ruin an engine faster than anything else, and it doesn't take 30 minutes to start causing damage.

Blammo. That sucks hardcore. That's also why it's always better to start off with a colder plug than you think you need and running on the rich side. It's better to be too cold/rich than too hot/lean.

my car personally would run 15's afr at wot untuned, i started one wot pass and was like o crap
glad i got a tweecer :)