New or rebuild?
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New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11
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New or rebuild?
Help. I have a '85 351 HO that is knocking like it wants to come out. I was going to put a new Ford crate motor (351) , but someone told me to hold on to my motor if it is an "HO". Is there much difference beyond the 4v instead of 2v on the non-HO motors? Depending on why the old one is knocking it will cost between the same to $1000 less to rebuild it & that includes balancing it. The new one has the dual plane intake and more shiny stuff. Whatcha think guys?
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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I faced that choice a few years ago. Did the rebuild on the 85 351 HO. I didn't save much cost wise and the factory motor would have been just as good or maybe better. Just depends on who you want to deal with when something goes bad, your rebuilder or Ford. If it blows up I figured I’d save a bunch if the rebuilder putting it in was responsible for everything. Plus I had a great time picking all the parts and having it done my way. Tuff choice.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
get a reman engine with a warranty. S&S motor has been a great company to deal with i am on engine 19 from them and every one of those engines has been trouble free.
www.rebuilt-auto-engines.com
www.rebuilt-auto-engines.com
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Thanks for the quick replies, guys. I'm leaning toward the new motor. Part of the attraction of the reman was cost savings, and I'm looking at a possible cracked head or block (milky tan coolant). Replacing a head would make the savings pretty thin. Although it would end up costing more, it would be cool to build a torque-beast, but i think I'm gonna play it safe, new is new. Plus "crate motor" sounds better in case I happen to start braggin'. I should mention that the new motor only costs $2500, with Ford Racing manifold & valve covers, distributor, plugs, wires, water pump, oil pump & pan, the works. Again, I appreciate the input, I was surprised at what a hard decision this was.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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I think the new motor would be the best idea...i had the same decision with my 81 f-100 302...the motor was shot. Everyone recommended for me to go with the new crate motor, but i decided to go for the rebuild. Mainly because im only 17 and I wanted to get the experience of rebuilding an engine. The rebuild itself ended up way more then i first thought, and i ended up having to pull the engine again a month later because a 10 cent oil gallery plug popped out behind the timing gears. the engines running great now, but i bet I would of been happier with the new crate motor.
