Engine rebuild/upgrade questions---motor is smoking

GToddyT5

Founding Member

Jan 14, 2002

553

0

16

Hamilton, NJ

Oct 6, 2005

#1

• Oct 6, 2005

• #1

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

New Member

Apr 7, 2004

916

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0

Lawrenceville, GA

Oct 6, 2005

#2

• Oct 6, 2005

• #2

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

Founding Member

Jan 14, 2002

553

0

16

Hamilton, NJ

Oct 6, 2005

#3

• Oct 6, 2005

• #3

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

New Member

Feb 28, 2003

204

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0

Oct 6, 2005

#4

• Oct 6, 2005

• #4

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

 

Mirrahasmycar

New Member

Apr 2, 2005

210

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0

CT

Oct 7, 2005

#5

• Oct 7, 2005

• #5

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

Member

Jun 9, 2005

192

1

19

Tampa, FL

Oct 7, 2005

#6

• Oct 7, 2005

• #6

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

Founding Member

Apr 21, 2001

3,085

1

56

Oct 7, 2005

#7

• Oct 7, 2005

• #7

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

 

Mike97gt

it doe snot

Founding Member

Jan 26, 1999

10,633

7

89

the people's republic of massachusetts

Oct 7, 2005

#8

• Oct 7, 2005

• #8

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

Founding Member

Jan 14, 2002

553

0

16

Hamilton, NJ

Oct 8, 2005

#9

• Oct 8, 2005

• #9

sgarlic said:

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

Click to expand...

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.