RUST BUSTED

Project T-top Coupe: We decided to inspect the engine, and it's a good thing we did.

- KJ JONES

Progress on our 1986 Mustang T-top coupe remains on course and at a pace that should have us firing the engine and taking a maiden voyage soon. For those just getting up to speed with this build, HOT ROD Senior Editor KJ Jones recently reintroduced a former 5.0 Mustang and Super Fords project car that has been out of commission for the last 10 years. Since the reveal, KJ and Saul "The Surgeon" Gutierrez have revamped the coupe's fuel system, and during that process, started disassembling the Paxton Novi 2500-supercharged, 350ci Ford engine.

Yes, the blown small-block really measures 350 cubes. The combination was achieved with a 4.145-inch bore size, with a 3.250-inch stroker crankshaft and 5.400-inch rods. We opted for the horsepower and torque of a big-bore stroker 302, which is also considerably lighter than a 351 Windsor-based engine.

For this installment, we dismantled the stroker to inspect its internals. We were acting on the possibility that, despite the coupe's storage in a dry Southern California garage, the valvesprings might be fatigued and the timing belt may be dried out and cracking after 10 years of dormancy.

Upon disassembly, we found problems that immediately confirmed our decision. Read closely as we take you inside Project T-Top Coupe's powerplant, detailing our findings and offering pro tips on how to correct the damage.

RELEASE THE PRESSURE