I have been struggling to find the problem on my V10 that starts and runs fine for 10 minutes / until t -stat opens then engine temp and oil temp light come on. Engine goes into limp mode. Coolant overflows. Turning engine off for less than a minute and then restarting , the engine runs fine until next shut down and cool off. No coolant in the oil , no visible coolant in the exhaust .no oil in the coolnt . Have taken to two mechanics they both have come up with must be a hairline crack in head. Reported hydrocarbon in the coolnt. And very slow leak down in coolant system. The engine currently has 170K miles. Around 60 K had spark plug threads pull out had heads pulled and brass inserts were installed before I knew about repair in place fix.
Now assuming I need to replace at least one head. I figured I would try and and do the best I can since I plan on keep in the truck forever. Which to me means replacing both heads and since replacing both heads should rebuild block as well.
From the posts I have read going with 99 non PI block with 2003 + spark plug improved heads and matching intake plus a special tune for higher compression would be my best bang for buck repair upgrade.
I have asked my mechanic to quote me on this. And first suggestion back from him was to use corresponding piston in the block to match heads and then no special tune program would be needed. I do have a concern over the special tune due to not knowing if that will affect california smog checks.
Sorry for the long post. What is the best way to go for my situation.

 

 

Thank you that helps with the smog info.

Anyone know if there would need to be any change 99 non PI factory tuning if PI Heads installed along with corresponding pistons that produce year 99 non PI compreession.
Or is is there a lot of benefit to the higher compression set-up?

 

That is a pretty good question assuming you would also add the intake manifold for the newer pi heads as well. I think this maybe a question for Mike @ 5 star tuning you may try asking it in the v10 sub forum some one from 5 star also has an account here and hangs out in the v10 forum more than here, or you could send them a PM. Keep us posted I'm interested in the answer just out of curiosity. Merry Christmas

 

Well post up your Catalyst calibration code from the sticker under the hood. My guess is you will fail NOx when smog tested with a custom tune.


Read here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1493629-upgrading-a-1999-v10-to-pi-heads-intake.html

 

Just to clarify....is the 60K correct on spark plug threads going south on you....or did you mean 160K?

 

Clarifying 60K miles correct. Trying to take extra good care of engine service changed plugs and threads pulled out when removing old plugs. Didn't know of the risk in changing plugs at that time (aprox 2001)

 

Thank you for the tip. Will try posting in V10 Forum as well.