2000 GT engine died, need new one. Any suggestions?

Mike Littell · Jan 17, 2012

Basically my mechanic has found a couple engines for me: $1,500 for one with 75,000 miles on it or $1,100 for one with 155,000 miles on it. He quoted $800 for the labor to install. Also it's the used car dealership I bought it from which I still owe on the car itself. He said he would add the labor on the back end of my contract. But I would need to pay for the parts up front of course. Is this a fair deal/price?
Also I was wondering since I'm doing a new engine can I get more performance out of a different engine swap for the same or little more money? Is it feasible to maybe do a cam job while their replacing the engine? Or upgrade to a 03-04 Cobra engine?
One option I have also is to replace the engine as cheap as possible to get the car running again and then trade it in to the dealership with a little cash down and move into a different car.

Please any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

BlackArtemis · Jan 17, 2012

Switching over to a 4v is going to involve a new ecu and different headers. a 03 cobra engine will cost you 6k. Plus you would want the 6 speed transmission.

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but aren't the 4.6 explorer engines both aluminum and cheap?

TylerByers18 · Jan 17, 2012

ya if you are considering a 1500 dollar motor you probaby are not going to want to spend 7k on the 03 cobra engine and tranny, you could get a forged short block for about 2k or build your own from coast high performance and just get a bare block and have a brand new engine

BlackArtemis · Jan 17, 2012

Also, there are often people selling their short blocks mid-project because financial reasons prevent them from continuing. You can often find good deals on these in different forum classifieds.

Mike Littell · Jan 17, 2012

yeah I am completely not mechanically inclined. My goal really is to be able to tell the mechanic hey get this engine at this company for cheaper or buy this different engine for the same price and at least thru all this I will gain some horsepower. Otherwise I'm probably going to buy the cheapest engine possible and trade the car in on something else. Guys thanks for the advice and ideas thus far, I greatly appreciate it.

txredgt · Jan 17, 2012

How long ago did you purchase the car from this used car lot? Is this car your daily driver or a toy that you could wait till you found a good deal?

vertigasen · Jan 17, 2012

How did it die? What do mean by die?

Did you get it from a dealership used dealer (ford, dodge, so on) or a dealer that only sells used cars (roadside dealer)?

What did the mechanic tell you was wrong with it?

I have seen this more than a few times with used dealers. They tell you the engine is blown and you fuel pump went out. They charge you for a new engine and labor for a $150 part and 20 minute I stall.

vertigasen · Jan 17, 2012

Double post....Thanks tapatalk

vertigasen · Jan 17, 2012

slayerripkdc · Jan 17, 2012

Save a little more money and do a rebuild with forged parts and some nice cams.

BurningRubber · Jan 17, 2012

Is there anywhere else you can get a different quote from? Both of those are high. Labor isn't too out of line (it could be less), but $1,100 for a used engine with 155k is a joke and a half for an engine that's a dime a dozen.

What did he diagnose as far as the engine failure? What were the symptoms that lead you to bringing the car in, etc?

MM 550 · Jan 17, 2012

If you do a cam job on top of purchasing the used engine you can add atleast 500-600 for cams 200 or so for new springs, plus labor to install which will add up to well over 1000. Is this your daily driver? upgrading to the Cobra setup is going to cost you upwards of 7000 that is if you can find a wiring harness, computer, fuel tank and all the parts you will need to do a complete swap. if you are on a budget of 2000 or less just put one of those used engines in and call it a day.

trombonedemon · Jan 18, 2012

MM 550 said:
If you do a cam job on top of purchasing the used engine you can add atleast 500-600 for cams 200 or so for new springs, plus labor to install which will add up to well over 1000. Is this your daily driver? upgrading to the Cobra setup is going to cost you upwards of 7000 that is if you can find a wiring harness, computer, fuel tank and all the parts you will need to do a complete swap. if you are on a budget of 2000 or less just put one of those used engines in and call it a day.

Yea Cobra install is not considered and ugrade but almost buying a completely different car, Ford knew what they were doing when they did not make the two cars similar interanally. Although a 2 valve can easily obtain Cobra numbers with that tiny Eaton.

The O.p did not state what was wrong with the 2-valve in the first place. Unless the engine block is cracked, it might be worth your while to get the engine rebuilt like someone else mentioned.

Machining (machining was the most expensive part of my engine rebuild) to smooth out some scarring in the cylinder an sleaving it with, installing your cams (new springs to have, better safe then sorry) and titanium retainers for the valves (considering your valves are not bent) and reconditioned heads and all new bearings, timing chains and components with gaskets. 3500 dollars, installed with your new cams, including putting in a new clutch, pilot, and throwout bearings.

Basically you can buy and engine rebuild kit.

Its worth some peace of mind, (Save some cash, if you can afford to spend 1500, you can save for 3500)instead of buying a used engine. Used 4.6's almost always have been horribly beat on, thats why they are not in the car anymore.
Only my opinion.

GT 00 · Jan 18, 2012

Drop a moutain motor in your car like this one lolol it's rated @ 2150 hp

2000 GT engine died, need new one. Any suggestions?

Mike Littell

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BlackArtemis

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2000 GT engine died, need new one. Any suggestions?

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