Engine Replacement

[8Pistons]

Hi, have been a member for a while and have never posted before. I read through many threads regarding new and used replacement engines, and have a couple of questions if some smart folks here have the time to post... My car is a 2003, 65-70k with some minor mods (dyno tuned, beefed up transmission, 410 gear -2nd one, first failed), never been to the track and while I drive a little aggressively at times, do not think I push it anywhere near what I read on these forums. Recently I heard a banking sound at start up and took it to the LM dealer (Sterling Heights, MI) for repairs. The noise seemed to be coming from passengers side, not sure which cylinders those are, but mechanic said 2 were ready to fail and not to drive it. Any way, they quoted me $6100 to replace with a remanufactured FMC marauder engine; would have 100k warranty, and I am on my second week of waiting for an engine to come available...good news is they provided me a free grand marquis as a loaner while I wait. I am considering the aluminator NA, not sure what the warranty would be on that (or whether there even is one), but like the idea of forged over the hypereutectic pistons, seems like they would be more durable. Has anyone had a dealership replace their engine with a Ford Racing engine and what are the things I would need to look out for? I am not interested in working on the car myself and do not plan on racing it, but might consider a SC in the future.

Thanks in advance.

[SC Cheesehead]

Is the noise only at start up?

[8Pistons]

No, it is persistent, especially if there is even minor acceleration.

[SC Cheesehead]

Have you considered going with a Cobra short block? Prolly way cheaper, and will handle lotsa HP with the forged crank, etc.

[ntd]

Sucks to hear that I don't see there being an issue using the High compression aluminator . You would still be installing a ford part that all you stuff will bolt up to no problem. Where are you at in the D, I'm in Canton

[ImpalaSlayer]

Have you considered going with a Cobra short block? Prolly way cheaper, and will handle lotsa HP with the forged crank, etc.

the car would 18s with an NA cobra short block. unless he were to swap out the pistons

[ntd]

Have you considered going with a Cobra short block? Prolly way cheaper, and will handle lotsa HP with the forged crank, etc.

I work at a dealer so I checked into this, The core on the 03-04 Cobra block is crazy and the will check to make sure you are returning a 03-04 cobra engine for the core charge. Aluminator is a the cheaper of the two.

[8Pistons]

I live in Ferndale out of convenience for driving to work (not drawn by the local lifestyle!). Doesn't the aluminator also have a forged crankshaft? Seems the cobra engine might be cheeper, but I am not ready to upgrade to SC yet, and don't know if the dealership would put in a cobra engine with a warranty.

[FordNut]

Crank is irrelevant. They aren't a weak point. The pistons and rods are what usually break on the high powered Marauders. I would recommend the Aluminator NA unless the price is dramatically higher than the replacement engine.

[ntd]

I live in Ferndale out of convenience for driving to work (not drawn by the local lifestyle!). Doesn't the aluminator also have a forged crankshaft? Seems the cobra engine might be cheeper, but I am not ready to upgrade to SC yet, and don't know if the dealership would put in a cobra engine with a warranty.

Yes Ferndale does attract different crowd:). the NA aluminator is all forged and has a Mach 1 timing cover same as used for the mm. The cobra engine is cheaper as long as you have a cobra core to give back if not the core charge is alot. Also as Dave said you would be going from 10:1 to 8.5:1. so you would lose a lot of power unless you installed a supercharger. Ask your dealership if they have a problem installing the aluminator if the do send me a pm. I work at a Dealership Hines Park Linc and Merc I may be able to help you out.

[SpartaPerformance]

Aluminator hands down, I sell it for $*,*** that's cheaper then $6,100 you were quoted at the dealer.

Price correction $3,499.99

[RacerX]

Sad to have a forged sb if you don't romp on it or take it to the track. :(

[Speed]

Aluminator hands down, I sell it for $4,299 that's cheaper then $6,100 you were quoted at the dealer.


2007VistaBlueGT, What type of warranty (if any) is offered the Aluminator?

[dohc324ci]

Aluminator NA if your staying NA for a while. You can still add boost to the Aluminator NA. Good luck.

[8Pistons]

Thanks for all your posts...I called the dealer early Monday to discuss options and he said replacement engine had arrived. I already had a $1K deposit down, so looks like I go with original for now. Will relook aluminator next year after my bank account heals.

[dohc324ci]

Nice. Thanks for the update. Nothing wrong with OEM with 100k warranty! You can still boost as long as you keep it under 450rwhp and a good tune.

[RR|Suki]

Nice. Thanks for the update. Nothing wrong with OEM with 100k warranty! You can still boost as long as you keep it under 450rwhp and a good tune.

The Aluminator isn't forged? If it is, there is no reason to keep it under 450whp :D

N/M I see what's going on now, he went with a replacement marauder motor

[dohc324ci]

The Aluminator isn't forged? If it is, there is no reason to keep it under 450whp :D

N/M I see what's going on now, he went with a replacement marauder motor

I think he's staying OEM Reman w/100k warranty.

Ooops my bad...I did the same...LOL