• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

Need Engine :(

  • Thread starter Thread starter EllyGT
  • Start date Start date Jun 6, 2015

EllyGT

Member
Mar 28, 2015
25
3
13
Florida
Jun 6, 2015
#1
  • Jun 6, 2015
  • #1
Hi y'all,
I have a 2001 gt. Just got her for Christmas last. I think she is a solid car, except the motor. She will puff blue smoke once in awhile, am on my 3rd iac valve. So I know she has some blow by. She has no body damage to speak of, does need a paint job, ac compressor is weak but may last another season or 2 maybe. Interior is in good shape, only 1 small weat/tear in driver side bolster, no cracks any where and not 2 tone interior, is 1 color, graphite leather! Engine light was unplugged before me, odometer goes in and out randomly sporadically. Just did an oil change and I think I hear lifters , it's sounds like a faint ticking sound, can only hear from inside the car with windows up. I have also purchased all new suspension parts all the way to lowering springs, and changing the back quads to upper and lower control arms with solid mount rack bushings. Have not installed parts yet except the solid mount rack bushings. Should I do like my husband says and sell her and get a different car or should I get her another motor? I think spending from $1000.00 to maybe $2000.00 for a used motor or a rebuild on this one is worth doing, but this is my 1st mustang and I am not sure which way to go! Just looking for some in put, please!
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Jun 7, 2015
#2
  • Jun 7, 2015
  • #2
Will you be doing the work yourself or paying someone to do it?

If doing the work yourself, using a salvage yard motor from a 2001+ Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, or Town Car is a very cost effective repair. If paying someone to do it, not so much.

Don't mod a car that you are considering selling. It will make selling more difficult and you will never get your $$ back.

NOTE, the tic from a 2001 is a common problem and has to do with a cylinder head defect. There is a Ford TSB about this problem. This car may not need a new motor. Keep the oil changes current. Get an oil filter cutter and inspect the oil filter element after each oil change. If no debris on the filter, THEN keep driving it.

Cluster PC foil trace repair: Check out the following thread regarding how to fix the cluster going in/out.

My odometer goes on and off? - Ford Mustang Forum
 
Last edited: Jun 7, 2015
Reactions: EllyGT

EllyGT

Member
Mar 28, 2015
25
3
13
Florida
Jun 7, 2015
#3
  • Jun 7, 2015
  • #3
I wish I could do the work myself, but do not have a lift or even an engine hoist. Weather I get a used engine, new crate motor or rebuild this one, I would have to pay someone. Unless I fall backwards into some money! But in reality, I really like my car, she has just under 140k miles, I do belive she is a solid car just needs some tlc! So you don't think it's cost effective to buy a motor and pay someone to put it in? If that's what needs to be. Thanks for the link about the odometer. Much appreciated! You guys are great, the help is awsome!
wmburns said:
Will you be doing the work yourself or paying someone to do it?

If doing the work yourself, using a salvage yard motor from a 2001+ Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, or Town Car is a very cost effective repair. If paying someone to do it, not so much.

Don't mod a car that you are considering selling. It will make selling more difficult and you will never get your $$ back.

NOTE, the tic from a 2001 is a common problem and has to do with a cylinder head defect. This car may not need a new motor. Keep the oil changes current. Get an oil filter cutter and inspect the oil filter element after each oil change. If no debris on the filter, THEN keep driving it.

Cluster PC foil trace repair: Check out the following thread regarding how to fix the cluster going in/out.

My odometer goes on and off? - Ford Mustang Forum
Click to expand...
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Jun 7, 2015
#4
  • Jun 7, 2015
  • #4
EllyGT said:
I wish I could do the work myself, but do not have a lift or even an engine hoist.
Click to expand...
^^^IF this is your only reason, it's flawed. I have swapped two motors in my driveway without a lift. Used an engine crane and HAND tools only. Will need an assortment of axle stands and such. A Ford factory manual is also recommended.

Quite possible to rent an engine crane. Rather cheaply. Ask at your local auto parts store.

Engine stands are cheap enough from Harbor Freight.

Don't discount the value of inspecting the oil filter element. An oil filter cutter is CHEAP insurance. Me personally I would not have any issues with driving the car until the motor actually blew up and then put a new one in. What if the event happens 100 thousand miles from now?
 
Last edited: Jun 8, 2015

EllyGT

Member
Mar 28, 2015
25
3
13
Florida
Jun 7, 2015
#5
  • Jun 7, 2015
  • #5
wmburns said:
^^^IF this is your only reason, it's flawed. I have swapped two motors in my driveway without a lift. Used an engine crane and HAND tools only. Will need an assortment of axle stands and such. A Ford factory manual is also recommended.

Quite possible to rent an engine crane. Rather cheaply. Ask at your local auto parts store.

Engine stands are cheap enough from Harbor Freight.

Don't discount the value of inspecting the oil filter element. An oil filter cutter is CHEAP insurance. Me personally I would not have any issues with driving the car until the motor actually blew up and then put a new one in. What if the event happened a 100 thousands miles from now?
Click to expand...
That's the kind of input I was hoping for! !
Thank you
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
SN95 Another Coyote swap list
  • catkiller
  • May 10, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
75
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 10, 2026
catkiller
C
Place to Avoid: Jamison Auto Group in Gulfport, MS
  • D Durden
  • Oct 20, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • 2 3
Replies
45
Views
2K
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Feb 4, 2026
nickyb
S
Help with window and possible engine
  • StefRena22
  • Jun 12, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
19
Views
781
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 21, 2025
Willybill32
New to me 98 Cobra
  • bird_dog0347
  • Feb 25, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
26
Views
1K
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Mar 24, 2026
FastDriver
SN95 Desktop 363 Engine Combination - Looking for input
  • WhiteCobra95
  • Sep 8, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
11
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 6, 2025
Habu135
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?