Engine swap - right price?
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2008
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Engine swap - right price?
So I've talked about my slumping, weak engine that was having some blow by and the oil pressure dropping out once warmed up... I just had the compression checked on it and none of the cylinders had over 110 psi and 3 cylinders were under 90 psi. I figure these kind of results coupled with all the other issues means that a swap is a better option than trying to rebuild.
The mechanic I have has a used 390 (I don't know what it's out of) with a 4 barrel edelbrock and has quoted $1500 ($600 engine, $400 parts and $500 labor - $50/hr rate). we'll reuse my new radiator hoses, new fuel pump and other bits but its pretty much a swap of everything to the exhaust manifold.
Does this sound right? What should I be worried about? Thanks for any input.
The mechanic I have has a used 390 (I don't know what it's out of) with a 4 barrel edelbrock and has quoted $1500 ($600 engine, $400 parts and $500 labor - $50/hr rate). we'll reuse my new radiator hoses, new fuel pump and other bits but its pretty much a swap of everything to the exhaust manifold.
Does this sound right? What should I be worried about? Thanks for any input.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
Is it a 390...or not? On sale day, 352/360 engines magically become 390's.
I agree with Dave, rebuild the engine you have.
Otherwise you are buying a pig in a poke...as you really have no way to determine the engine's condition, and are only going by what someone claims.
Want a 390? Take the 352, and bore that puppy out, then install the 390 crank, rods and pistons.
I did this in 1981 with my 352 engine, which had 157,000 miles on it at that time.
I agree with Dave, rebuild the engine you have.
Otherwise you are buying a pig in a poke...as you really have no way to determine the engine's condition, and are only going by what someone claims.
Want a 390? Take the 352, and bore that puppy out, then install the 390 crank, rods and pistons.
I did this in 1981 with my 352 engine, which had 157,000 miles on it at that time.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 804
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From: Maricopa
NDs right, Unless you have gone through the engine yourself, or know the person your buying it from and have experience with the engine, it's always better to buy new, or use the one you know. (Or I guess if your doing a complete rebuild on one including bore, cam, pistons, piston rings, machine heads, etc. that would be ok, haha)
