Need advice...

[diablostang]

Found out some nasty news today....

Long story short, I had a 94 Mustang GT, I recently sold it to my Dad, who blew the head gasket while driving on the racetrack... We thought it was a blown head gasket... but I just got the heads off today, gaskets were fine, but Two pistons had chunks missing from the right side..... Coolant in the same cyl's as well... The #3 and #4 cyl's I believe <two closest to the firewall on the drivers side>

So I'm assuming it needs a rebuild.. Piston replacement at a minimum, correct? It's a 337 Stroker <modified from a 331, not sure what was done, this is what I was told by former owner>

Would you all recommend me attempting rebuild myself? We're on an extremely tight budget here... I've never had experience inside an engine previous to this though, and don't have any friends local who could help me if I got stuck...

Or should we go ahead and have the shop that built it do the rebuild (True Blue Performane, Raleigh. NC)

#4 spark plug was melted when I pulled it out, so I'm assuming this was the cause of the problem? Or maybe a consequence?

I appreciate any help...

 

[diablostang]

Pic....

 

[95COBRA241]

Sorry to hear that. I'd get a quote from the engine builder...that will give you a baseline price. Then you can shop around for parts. The only difference should be labor and of course machine work. Also remember that the block and heads are still gonna have to be checked for damage.

 

[diablostang]

Good idea.. I think since I've never rebuilt an engine, and know nothing about assembling one, I'll suggest he have the shop that built it to start with rebuild it... Especially since this is his track vehicle, and how well it's built matters.. a lot, lol The money is the main prob though

We'll see what happens... thanks for the reply

 

[HISSIN50]

Have you considered getting ahold of Rick (Rick91GT)? Even if you did not want him to do the work, he is just a super nice guy and really knows what to use and where to get it, etc. He built Mike's (Grn92LX) motor (amongst other folks here) - talk to Mike if you dont feel comfy talking to Rick first. As you can tell, I really value Rick's thoughts. I think he might be able to get you going with how and what to use.

(Or if you know what you want to do, just ignore me. ).

Good luck man.

 

[diablostang]

I wasn't aware of Rick91GT, or his knowledge.. Thanks for the pointer. I'll probably hit him up for tips if he doesn't stop in.

I also appreciate the well wishes... Definitely needed here

 

[mo_dingo]

yeah, that really sucks. But if you have the time, you should learn and do it yourself. There are plenty of books and video's to teach you how to do it. You will also need some additional tools.

So it's up to you. Tight budget = do it yourself. No time = pay someone else to do it. Make a choice.
Scott