Storing an engine

I'm going to go look at a Mustang this weekend with a factory s code 390 in it. The guy says the engine turns over but doesn't run well so it probably needs rebuilt. I would like to know what's the best way to store the engine while I'm restoring the car? Would it be best to leave it assembled or would I be better off tearing it down and leaving the bare block? I've got all the stuff to do either one I'd just like to know what is better so in a year or two when I'm ready to have it machined I'm not fighting it to unlock it or having a ton of rust on the inside.

As long as you store it inside you shouldn't have any problems with getting it apart in a year or two. If you leave it together just shoot a little oil into the cylinder and cover it up.

BG

If it will turn over I'd get it crankin over and slowly pour Marvel Mystery oil down the carb throat to coat all the valves and pistons, Be careful and don't pour to much all at once and hydraulic the thing, Also I allways loosen all the rocker arms to store an engine to avoid weakening the valve springs, of course thats probally not necessary if your gonna rebuild it eventually.....

The bare blocks I keep oiled and bagged. The cranks oiled and bubble wrapped standing on the flange end. Rods I oil and bag also. Heads I just leave as is and have had no rust issues ever. Parts I store in the basement I wrap in plastic then newspaper on the outside of the bag. The newspaper absorbs the moisture and prevents the parts from rusting. Sounds silly but it works. I've had parts stored for years with zero rust. I would dissasemble the engine ASAP. Then you can inspect the parts for wear and check for damage. This way you will know exactly what your dealing with and will have no surprises later on.....G.

Since it seems you are going to rebuild it I would tear it down and see whats good and whats not, no since storing bad/broken/worn out parts AND that will let you know what parts you need to keep a eye out for while you're doing the rest, I believe the storage issue has been covered well. :toocool:

I think I will tear it down. It'll be stored inside the building my dad used to run an engine shop out of. I would kind of like to check out what I need to fix and what I don't need to fix.