Crate engine suggestions or build engine suggestions

demetri e said:

Got a 91 lx 5.0 from someone few years ago has some minor mods , no clue mileage or info on the engine , first problem is its leaking oil , of I'm gonna start ripping things apart it would be better to go with a crate coyote would be first choice,l but can be pricey or should I go with like a boss 331 stroker which I would eventually turbo or supercharge , anybody have any luck with dss built engines? Or should I just save for a coyote swap

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You should fix the oil leak

demetri e said:

I just don't wanna pay to get all gsskets changed and engine craps out or has issues , unless I try and do some myseld

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There is no logic in:

:" My engine has an oil leak.....should I spend 10,000.00 to buy this engine to fix it?"

And for the record....nobody should buy a 30 year old car that cannot do what needs to done themselves...

I would rebuild what you have if your going to tear it down and inspect it, that way you know exactly what you have, crate engines are nice but, I would still disassemble a crate engine to inspect it because, if it was built on a Monday or Friday they still can come apart

I will add my two cents here, being fresh off an engine swap. I decided to swap in a 347, as it would be plug and play with my old 302. But while I was doing it, I realized I need new engine mounts as the old stockers were torn. While Im doing the engine, I may as well match the trans mount with the engine mounts. And my stock headers would be very restrictive, so I needed new headers too. My fuel injectors and MAF needed upgraded to keep the stroker from going lean. My stock throttle body would restrict power as well, so I better upgrage that. Ah, stock radiator struggles to keep a hot combo cool, needs upgraded too. Crap my old water pump is junk and fused to the old block. New engine deserves a new clutch right? New clutch needs either a new or at least resurfaced flywheel. Crap, that added power requires more fuel. Need to drop in a bigger fuel pump. Wow this 27 year old tank is really rusty inside. Better get a new tank and fuel gauge sending unit, or I may end up running rust through my new injectors and engine. Well, now its time for a dyno tune, better install a wideband so they can tune it properly. Whats that, my 27 year old ignition is cutting out? New distributor, coil, plug wires it is. Hey, this power is nice, but I cant stop very well with these stock brakes! And my suspension has the car all over the road when I floor it now!

My point is that dropping in a fresh crate engine will be the snow flake that started the snowball the size of a house. Everything else is so old and worn out on the car, you will replace all the things you would while doing a coyote swap if you want the car to function safely and correctly. Fix what you have, or be prepared to spend $6k, then $8k, then $10k+ in a hurry whether its with a crate engine or coyote swap.

CarMichael Angelo said:

And for the record....nobody should buy a 30 year old car that cannot do what needs to done themselves...

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87 black gt said:

I would rebuild what you have if your going to tear it down and inspect it, that way you know exactly what you have, crate engines are nice but, I would still disassemble a crate engine to inspect it because, if it was built on a Monday or Friday they still can come apart

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Dude, tearing apart a factory ford assembled crate engine to inspect it, is the same as buying a 2018 GT, pulling that engine, and taking it apart.

Gearbanger67 said:

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What? You think people should buy an old car to pay people to do the stuff that's the cars going to need done then?

That's why they keep building new cars..with a warranty.

CarMichael Angelo said:

What? You think people should buy an old car to pay people to do the stuff that's the cars going to need done then?

That's why they keep building new cars..with a warranty.

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Yes, its a completely ridiculous statement. Just because someone doesn't have any mechanical ability or desire to do the work doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to enjoy old cars.

Gearbanger67 said:

Yes, its a completely ridiculous statement. Just because someone doesn't have any mechanical ability or desire to do the work doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to enjoy old cars.

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Yeah, I guess.

How enjoyable is paying 1000.00 for something that you could've done yourself?
If somebody is too " busy" to learn about the car they covet...they need to realize that they'd enjoy a higher monthly payment on the new car they don't have to pay somebody to fix.

Mustang5L5 said:

Let's talk short blocks for a second.

Does anyone make a decent "budget" 331/347 short block today?

Something like this?
http://www.coasthigh.com/14111-SF-F347-SB-p/14111-sf-f347-sb.htm

I don't need something 750HP capable. 350-400 would do just fine.

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I started out thinking LMR budget 306... Now I have a 50% restored car.