Engine rebuild/upgrade questions---motor is smoking

[GToddyT5]

I can't pass inspection because my motor is smoking. About a year ago, dealer said I had a leaky rear main seal and oil pan gasket. This wouldn't cause smoking from the pipes would it? There's oil all on the clutch.

Anyway, I was thinking of getting some motor work done. Is this most likely a bottom or top end problem? What are my options? Should I do a headswap and a rebuilt bottom end? Would I be better off looking for a crate motor or a used PI motor? I'm not sure what I should do. I probably have about 3 grand to work with.

 

[40th GT]

If there is blue/white smoke, the problem is top end related (valve seals, headgaskets). Then the main seals are on the bottom end, so pretty much, your engine is shot top to bottom.

 

[GToddyT5]

OK, well I want some more performance. I wanna do a PI top end with upgraded cams and a reliable bottom end. I'm prob not gonna be going for a power adder in the future.

 

[ooraceredgt]

just find a complete 4.6 pi engine for about 1200-1500 bucks. use the rest to build that motor

 

[Mirrahasmycar]

you should think about getting and 03 cobra motor, if you can find one for cheap enough, it would take some work to get it in there, and some $$$, but if you can afford it, that will give you some sick power, otherwise, they sell kits that include the parts for rebuilds, that will also give you some nice power and get you ready for a SC, turbo, juice if you get forged pistons

 

[DogVomit]

Have you tried a compression test yet?
Take it back to the dealer if it's under warranty and tell them that there's no way it's smoking at the pipes unless there's internal damage.

You could end up getting away with having your heads done and that's it. Or it could be rings as well... Hard to say.

If I were in your shoes, I'd have a project on my hands, like landing a good old 351 Cleveland block and start from the ground up!!!

 

[sgarlic]

When does it smoke? Mostly at idle, at startup, when accelerating, all the time?

 

[Mike97gt]

get a used PI motor.. even 02 and up explorer motors can be used.. they make the same power and can be had for as little as 900 bucks.. plus they are all aluminum.. so someday if you want you can do a big bore kit with the explorer block.

 

[GToddyT5]

When does it smoke? Mostly at idle, at startup, when accelerating, all the time?

You know, I'm not exactly you sure. Probably all the time, but not badly. I've only noticed it when I'm idling and then I reverse into it. Apparently it's noticeable, but not severe. I wish I had a better description, sometimes I can't even see it.

I'm really trying to weigh my options here. I don't know if I wanna keep it and work the existing motor. I could pick up a PI motor for a decent price and throw cams in it. I'm considering selling it and grabbing a 94-95 droptop 5.0. I'm not sure how much I could sell mine for though.