Best Place To Buy A Pi Engine?

Cupples981

New Member

Oct 15, 2013

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2

Nov 15, 2013

#1

• Nov 15, 2013

• #1

I'm about to have to replace my engine in my 97. I'm thinking the rings/valve guides are going bad by how much it smokes at operating temperature.

So my question is where is the best place to buy a PI engine? I'd prefer a rebuilt long block with intake.
I can get one through my work for roughly $2,500 without the intake plus a 3yr unlimited mile warranty

I plan on throwing a comp xe270ah in it while I have it apart.

Thanks

 

sneaky98gt

10 Year Member

Apr 23, 2008

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NC State University

Nov 15, 2013

#2

• Nov 15, 2013

• #2

I'd grab one from a junkyard. www.car-part.com 01+ Ford Crown Vics, Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Cars, F150s, Explorers, etc. all have the same motor. There's a few small external things like exhaust manifolds and the timing cover that need to be switched over from your current motor, but that's no big deal.

If you're concerned about buying a used motor, find a junkyard that gives you a warranty. Most places around here have a standard 1-month warranty, and some places have a 3-month warrant. Let's face it, if you install the motor and it runs for a month, then there's nothing wrong with it.

 

flstang65

10 Year Member

Dec 6, 2007

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SE Georgia

Nov 15, 2013

#3

• Nov 15, 2013

• #3

Junkyard

 

bhuff30

Founding Member

Dec 11, 2001

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Olathe KS

Nov 16, 2013

#4

• Nov 16, 2013

• #4

Just curious, how many miles does your original engine have?
If the issue is valve guides, then they can be repaired... but the cost may be similar and you won't end up with a lower mileage, more powerful engine.

 

Cupples981

New Member

Oct 15, 2013

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Nov 16, 2013

#5

• Nov 16, 2013

• #5

The engine has roughly 147k miles. If it wasn't the rings I would just do the pi head swap with the cam.


There's no way I'd consider buying a junkyard engine. Been there, done that. Stepbrother bought one and there was so much sludge he had to clean out.

 

Cupples981

New Member

Oct 15, 2013

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Nov 17, 2013

#6

• Nov 17, 2013

• #6

Sorry for the double post..

Just did a compression test on it. It read 115-120psi on each of the cylinders. So that leads me to believe the valve guides have a good leak. Looks like I'm doing a PI head swap!

 

bhuff30

Founding Member

Dec 11, 2001

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Olathe KS

Nov 17, 2013

#7

• Nov 17, 2013

• #7

That sounds more like what I would expect. My 97 burns a bit of oil, but I believe it's all due to the valve guides/seals. It still makes great power and I would bet the compression is great. 218k miles btw.