Crate? Rebuild? or used engine?
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
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Crate? Rebuild? or used engine?
I have a 91 Silver Aniversary Edition. It has the 302 in it. I have blow by. Other than that it really runs good. It's my daily driver and I drive 30 miles a day to work one way. I just have to check the oil. I'm putting about a quart every month in it. Should I rebuild the engine, buy a used engine, or a crate engine? What are y'alls thoughts? How much should I plan on this costing me with each option as well. Any and all input would be great. Also if any of you guys are from near Austin TX, where would ya take it?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Shreveport, La.
All three choices can/could be good or bad.
There are plenty of 302's out there, finding another should be no problem.
Rebuilding- Depends on desire, ability, time. This choice has the potential for the greatest satisfaction if you're doing it yourself.
If you're not doing the work yourself, I'd suggest a new crated Ford engine. Will possibly cost more initially, but it'll be ALL new.
You can call a dealer, several shops, get prices for all options instead of getting assumed prices here. Get actual quoted prices where you're at. This may end up being the determining factor for you.
There are plenty of 302's out there, finding another should be no problem.
Rebuilding- Depends on desire, ability, time. This choice has the potential for the greatest satisfaction if you're doing it yourself.
If you're not doing the work yourself, I'd suggest a new crated Ford engine. Will possibly cost more initially, but it'll be ALL new.
You can call a dealer, several shops, get prices for all options instead of getting assumed prices here. Get actual quoted prices where you're at. This may end up being the determining factor for you.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 256
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From: B.F.E.
I have a 1982 with a 300 i-6 that I just put in back in Feb, I bought it at Auto Zone for 949.00 fully remanufactured and had a guy install it for 400.00.Now a 302 is going to be a little more but the way I see it my Bronco will last another 20 years.A remanufactured trans, is only 500.00 there also.I live in San Antoino so I cant help with a shop but check out Auto Zone and you should be able to find someone to install it if you look around.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Crate will be more expensive, but as said before...ALL new. Great warranty, plus you can possibly get one that is built up with alot more power that will bolt right in.
Reman...cheaper...you get what you pay for. warranty real touchy if you install it yourself if you are not cert mechanic.
Full rebuild...you can get it modded/bored out while its apart, but it is still old parts, and not as good a warranty.
Depends on where your priorities are. Money, reliability, performance. What is important to you?
Reman...cheaper...you get what you pay for. warranty real touchy if you install it yourself if you are not cert mechanic.
Full rebuild...you can get it modded/bored out while its apart, but it is still old parts, and not as good a warranty.
Depends on where your priorities are. Money, reliability, performance. What is important to you?
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Freshman User
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Well, I'm pretty happy with just a stock engine. I'm not a big power guy or anything. I love my Bronco and plan on handing it down to my kids when they get old enough to drive. They really love it. My 7 year old loves for me to pick him up from school in it with the top off. He gets mad at me if I pick him up in our Mini-van. Anyway, it's been a good vehicle other than sooner or later that engine isn't going to make it any longer. Everything else is in excellent shape. I think I'm leaning towards a crate engine. Problem there is the cost. My wife just doesn't understand why I would want to put money into the Bronco. My wife can't figure out how I can love this vehicle so much that I don't care if it costs more than it's worth for a new engine. I love the thing and that's just that. Happiness counts for something doesn't it? She'd rather me get rid of it and get something more fuel effecient. She won't say economy car but I can tell that would be right up her alley. I'm not about to do that. So cost may end up making me go the rebuild way. Not sure if I'd rebuild mine or buy one already done. I sure would love a crate engine though.
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Actually, you would be surprised at the cost of a crate motor from Ford. They are just as expensive as if you went to Schuck's or Autozone for a rebuilt motor and they come more complete. I had ordered a rebuild from Schuck's for about $1600 and it was delivered to the store with basically heads, a block and a gasket set. I asked for my money back. While this motor was on order, I came across an add in a magazine advertising the Ford crate motors. The price for a new 302 with the HO cast iron heads was at the time $1589 which I think the price is up to $1890 now, but this is a brand new motor with all the tin and it even came with a new water pump, spark plugs and a flex plate all already mounted. Much better than rebuild. If you order the motor through a Ford dealership parts department you will not have to pay shipping charges. So, I very much suggest the crate motor. Plus it will last much longer.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Hoboken, NJ...
Take a look at Ford Racings web site www.fordracingparts.com
They will have exactly what you want......not as cheep as some of the replies above, but what the hell......you can get a new built up 302 with some ***** in it for a good price.....!
http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts...tKeyField=7367
They will have exactly what you want......not as cheep as some of the replies above, but what the hell......you can get a new built up 302 with some ***** in it for a good price.....!
http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts...tKeyField=7367
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: B.F.E.
I dissagree with Kemicalburns,my 300 has been running great.It fires right up in the morning,runs smooth,no oil burn or loss,great pick up,and gets 400+miles to the tank.It has a 18 month warrenty and they gave me the oil and the filter free when I bought it.Everyone has a different expiernce with az products same as people have better luck with certain makes of cars or trucks.I have no regrets or have had no problems at all with my Az motor.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
scurb, the 300 is a great motor period. best motor ford produced really. last for ever and holds its own in a truck very well. any 300 will outlive a v8 because of its design. thats great you have had a great experience with them. im just saying if you can afford to skip them do so. because getting that good quality motor could be a shot in the dark at best.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 256
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From: B.F.E.
I agree about the 300, I swear by it and the fact thats its carberated,I never had much luck with e.f.i. and copmuters,and I have had my bad expiences with Az like one should never buy something with just a one year warrenty it will go in six months and after its replaced you only have the other six and the new one goes out in five and so on.Maybe I did get lucky with this motor, time will tell,maybe in the future I'll be send you a "you were right" message but I hope not.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 357
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If you're not going to do the work yourself, and affordability is a priority, I would strongly suggest looking into a used engine from a salvage yard. Much cheaper that a rebuild or a crate engine. A reputable yard will give you some kind of warantee, and it is a quick "over the weekend" job. BUT! You have to do your home work. Key words: REPUTABLE salvage yard. REPUTABLE mechanic to do the switch. You would want the mechanic of your choice to look the engine over . . . compression check, maybe even drop the pan, etc. If a yard doesn't want to give a warrantee in writing, hang up on them.
It will be hardest to find a good mechanic. Ask around, friends, family, neighbors who they might recommend. He will be key in this type of job being successful or not.
It will be hardest to find a good mechanic. Ask around, friends, family, neighbors who they might recommend. He will be key in this type of job being successful or not.
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