The background - a 59 Edsel 292, 2 speed auto, 61K miles that had been sitting for 40 years (35 in a shed and the last 5 outside). I was hoping to easily get it running and fix it up as a neat driver just for short fun runs.  The engine has a lot of waxy black buildup especially on the rocker shafts/arms and in the valley. It does look original and untouched inside.

The engine was stuck and after a week of soaking the cylinders and not getting it to move I pulled the heads. #4 and #6 had a little (really only a little) rust around the edge of the pistons and a tiny bit on the cylinder walls. Another week of soaking and tapping with a wood block and still no luck. Long story short, I pulled the engine and it is completely disassembled in my barn.

This is my first y-block. I've spent hours in these forums and have learned a lot - what a great resource for an engine that hasn't been made in 45+ years! I ordered and received a Fel-Pro gasket kit, new water, fuel and oil pumps, rings, and a bunch of other stuff.

I still have a few questions. I will continue to search the forums but to date haven't found this info. My goal is to end up with a fairly reliable driver engine used for 1-2K miles a year. No racing (it's an Edsel!) and no long trips.

Cylinders:

• Most are smooth except #4 and #6 have small areas of surface rust. I removed the rust with 1000grit wet paper and oil. You can still see the marks but it feels smooth to the touch. I would like to measure to see what I have. I've found a dial gauge for $60 online - is it worth having? Are the Fowler gauges better then nonames? Fowler model 646-300 at about $80 or the 646-400 for $100. The only different I can tell is range.
• I'm leaning toward honing and new rings. I have new iron rings and a stone hone but I've read the ball hones would be better. Can I get good results with the stone hone?

Oil Filter Adapter:

• I'd like to remove it and replace the gasket so I don't have leaks. Is it a paper gasket (don't see one in the kit) or a rubber ring (3"?) The kit has two rubber ring gaskets that are about 3" in diameter, a thin one and a thick on.
• Is the center bolt that holds the adapter in place right or left thread? How tight should it be?

Pistons:

• Rings are stuck on 4 pistons. What is the best way to remove them without damaging the pistons?

Fuel Pump

• The new pump (with vacuum for wipers) just has a cover where the old one has a bowl and filter. Do I just add an inline filter or should I move the bowl from the old pump? If inline filter should it be before the pump, after or both. I do have a brand new tank (not cleaned and lined - new and shinny) and new gas lines.

Exhaust pipe valve:

• The old exhaust pipe valve (to aid in engine warm up) is seized shut and unlikely to ever move again. I cannot find a replacement (Rock, Macs. 123, Joblot) for the 292. I did see one listed for the 332 - is it the same size (with stock manifolds)? Can I just cut the inside flap out and use it as a spacer so the pipes line up?

Engine Gasket Kit:

• I know the kits are made for more than one engine but I thought I'd asked about a couple items so I don't miss something. The kit contains a copper o-ring and a copper spring washer (both 7/8" ID). Where do they go? There are also two 1/8" rubber rods about 2 7/8" long with molded flat rubber rings (washers?) at a 90 degree angle at one end. Where do these go?

That's it for now - Sorry it's so long and thanks for any help. With luck I can get it back together between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

John