Engine is coming out - simple mods/upgrades?

[Rob]

My engine is coming for machining or replacing the crank and bearings after a low/no oil snafu. Engine has 120K.

While it is out, what do you guys suggest for drop in replacement mods or parts? Please keep in mind I don't have the money to get blown at the moment :whistle: unless there are reasonably priced parts that could be replaced to improve durability when and if I push boost. I'm NOT doing block work (unless when it gets town apart it needs it) so c'mon guys, don't say it. My cash reserve is limited.

The first thing that comes to mind is headers connecting to stock exhaust. Mind you this is just stuff that I wouldn't be able to get to without the engine pulled.

It's been about 10 years since I tore apart a motor but that was in my Crown Vic when I did a supercharger, amongst other things. I haven't hung around here enough to be unfamiliar with the DOHC/Marauder mods, but I know my Crown Vics inside and out.

If you suggest something, please be specific. Part numbers or a good description would be awesome. The work is being done VERY soon so I want to get all the stuff in hand asap.

Thanks in advance,

Rob

[fastblackmerc]

My engine is most likely coming for machining or replacing the crank and bearings after a low/no oil snafu. Engine has 120K.

While it is out, what do you guys suggest for drop in replacement mods or parts? Please keep in mind I don't have the money to get blown at the moment :whistle: unless there are reasonably priced parts that could be replaced to improve durability when and if I push boost. I'm NOT doing block work (unless when it gets town apart it needs it) so c'mon guys, don't say it. My cash reserve is limited.

The first thing that comes to mind is headers connecting to stock exhaust. Mind you this is just stuff that I wouldn't be able to get to without the engine pulled.

It's been about 10 years since I tore apart a motor but that was in my Crown Vic when I did a supercharger, amongst other things. I haven't hung around here enough to be unfamiliar with the DOHC/Marauder mods, but I know my Crown Vics inside and out.

If you suggest something, please be specific. Part numbers or a good description would be awesome. The work is being done VERY soon so I want to get all the stuff in hand asap.

Thanks in advance,

Rob

I'd suggest forged internals at the very least.

[martyo]

What's your budget?

[Rob]

I won't know the extent of the damage until I get it apart, but if it needs it, I'd love to go forged. Unfortunately I highly doubt I can afford it.

Budget is "I'm mad as hell I need major engine work. Make it run. I need my car." Basically whatever I can get away with for relatively short money. If this were a planned event, I would be happy. Having this popped on me is not what I had planned to spend my vacation money on...

[lji372]

too many variables are at play to give a solid answer.

if budget is the main concern then stay stock (no headers).

if you ever plan on building horse power go forged internals and do headers at a later date as well..unless you have a good line on used ones

just my .02 :burnout:

[martyo]

Here is my opinion.

Ask your engine builder since he will be the one purchasing parts, doing the assembly/disassembly, and ultimately be the one called up to stand behind the build.

Or you can get a 1,000 opinions on the internet and merge them into one build and pray for eth best.

[MOTOWN]

If your going to do it , do it right , and do a proper rebuild , not a trip over dollar to pick up pennies shade tree botch job.

[Rob]

Here is my opinion.

Ask your engine builder since he will be the one purchasing parts, doing the assembly/disassembly, and ultimately be the one called up to stand behind the build.

Or you can get a 1,000 opinions on the internet and merge them into one build and pray for eth best.

Believe me, whatever he says I'm doing. My question was more geared to the little things that could be done while it is on a stand. If he says I need this or that, I'd like to suggest a brand or maybe little upgrade if possible. That sort of thing.

[martyo]

Believe me, whatever he says I'm doing. My question was more geared to the little things that could be done while it is on a stand. If he says I need this or that, I'd like to suggest a brand or maybe little upgrade if possible. That sort of thing.

Work in the other direction - get his build suggestions and then let folks pipe in.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Work in the other direction - get his build suggestions and then let folks pipe in.


I'm no gearhead, but Marty and his shop have done bazillion Marauder mods from engines to trans, rears, blowers, etc.including going over both Marauders I had/have. Get your builders input and then share his suggestion. and send diet mountain dew to Marty:D

[jwibbity]

only thing i could suggest on a budget would be a cooling mod, :D:D

[RubberCtyRauder]

I agree, cooling head mod. see member Zack for components.

link to post:
http://mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=93567

[myrodr]

The weak point is i understand is the rods.That makes me think you should change them out for forded if you may boost your car later. If you are going to race then the crank also.Good luck the your fix!

[RF Overlord]

The first thing that comes to mind is headers connecting to stock exhaust. Mind you this is just stuff that I wouldn't be able to get to without the engine pulled.


if you ever plan on building horse power go forged internals and do headers at a later date^^^what Jerry said^^^

Headers can be installed with the engine in the car.

[Rob]

I PM'ed Zack. Thank you.

My supercharged Crown Vic sleeper is my fun car. Built it from the ground up. My Marauder is just my lightly modded cushy sweet ride. Like I said, if and when I decide to do more, I'm not going to be pinching pennies. I will be doing it on my terms, not the limits of my wallet like I have to be now.

People, I appreciate the 'do it right' attitude, but my car is down. I do not have the money to totally rebuild the motor to 500HP specs. As much as I'd love to, that is NOT and option unless I am forced to remachine the block in which case the focus of this thread changes. Right now I'm focused, literally, on damage control taking the advantage of a golden opportunity to do little things until I hear otherwise. Little things. OK? Cooling mod is a great start.

I hope to hear back from the builder today. He is doing preliminary testing.

[fastblackmerc]

A quick look on one website and your looking at less than $1,500.00 for forged connecting rods, pistons and crankshaft.

[vkirkend]

only thing i could suggest on a budget would be a cooling mod, :D:D

What he said. On a modest budget. Sounds like you have nothing extra too spend besides normal rebuild cost.

[loud2004marquis]

Is it true that if you replace the oem crank, rods and pistons with forged that you lose power instead of going with a big bore stroker to add displacement with the heavier rotating assembly?

If so, how much would the heavier internals cost you in an oem block?

[clmrt]

Maybe upgrade the torque converter...

[MOTOWN]

Is it true that if you replace the oem crank, rods and pistons with forged that you lose power instead of going with a big bore stroker to add displacement with the heavier rotating assembly?

If so, how much would the heavier internals cost you in an oem block?

No it's not , no one could tell the difference between a forged 10.1 motor , and a cast 10.1 motor if there life depended on it!

Purely internet:bs:

[justbob]

Rotating mass will indeed rob H.P. but like Roger stated, you would never feel it, and a dyno probably wouldn't even see it.

Rotating mass more or less has greater effect when switching to a steel driveshaft, heavier wheels, ETC. Still not all that much unless your a die hard racer. I went from the OEM shaft to basically a bulky steel truck shaft, and finally back to an upgraded aluminum and didn't feel squat. Maybe smoother, crisper acceleration, but not much on the butt dyno.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[Rob]

Update:

My guy drained the oil and found beautiful sparkly dust in the filling the filter. Not a surprise.

When I brought it in this morning I told him I felt a very slight rumble in the engine. I know how it should feel and this was definitely something new. He ran it and found barely perceptible cylinder discrepancies. I forget the exact term he used. Maybe you guys know what it is. On his scanner they should all read 0, but on engine rev, 3 of them very briefly showed negative numbers in the teens.

Anyway, he is starting the tear down Saturday. What mechanic works on a Saturday? He is a friend and very good, specializing in rebuilding cars and engines so I have full faith and confidence what I get back will be 100%. I asked about the cooling mod and he said he'll do whatever I want.

His parts guy is getting prices for the crank, bearings, chains, head gasket kit, etc and will text me the numbers tomorrow morning. My mission is to beat his prices if possible. Obviously he won't know the extent of what is needed until he completely disassembles, but we are quoting what we know.

I will update tomorrow when I get his prices.

[martyo]

What mechanic works on a Saturday?

Everyone of the mechanics employed by my shop. :D



His parts guy is getting prices for the crank, bearings, chains, head gasket kit, etc and will text me the numbers tomorrow morning. My mission is to beat his prices if possible.\

I bet you bring you own food to a restaurant and ask the to cook it, don't you? :P

[Rob]

Everyone of the mechanics employed by my shop. :D

I bet you bring you own food to a restaurant and ask the to cook it, don't you? :P


It was said more tongue in cheek. He really does love his job and since he is a one man show he sets his own hours. Cash is king and he knows I want my car back asap.

Actually this is a rarity, me penny pinching so much. When I get into something I really go for it, however timing could not have been worse for this issue hence the tight budget.

He always encourages me to get pricing since he doesn't mark up parts for me and the hourly rate is very fair. The worry is his parts guy may be looking to make a few extra bucks and we can't let that happen. ;)

[massacre]

A set of '96-'98 Cobra intake cams should only be a couple hundred dollars, they are worth some power and if it's going to be all apart anyways......just sayin.
If your buddy has the tools now would be a perfect time to degree your cams as well.

Obviously a new oil pump is in order lol

[lji372]

Everyone of the mechanics employed by my shop. :D


But they don't work Mondays :confused:


Wait..... my guys don't work Mondays, but they're on the clock :mad2:

[fastblackmerc]

I'd keep it.

[martyo]

But they don't work Mondays :confused:



We need a day to work on our personal junk.

[lji372]

We need a day to work on our personal junk.

We-personal junk=suspect......

[Rob]

Prices to beat from my mechanic's supplier are as follows. They are OEM.

Crank with bearings - 395
Head gasket kit & everything needed for top - 365
Head bolts - 90
Lower gasket kit - 150
Piston rings - 95


Some of these prices seem a bit high...

[martyo]

Prices to beat from my mechanic's supplier are as follows. They are OEM.

Crank with bearings - 395
Head gasket kit & everything needed for top - 365
Head bolts - 90
Lower gasket kit - 150
Piston rings - 95


Some of these prices seem a bit high...

That list is next to impossible to respond to without knowing brands and part numbers.

Just out of curiosity, which parts prices do you think are high?

[Rob]

I know but that was the list I was given. The supplier didn't email a spec sheet quote. It was a verbal thing. As far as anyone knows, it is exact OEM stock replacement from Ford. What would you get at the parts counter if you asked for a crank?

Like I had said earlier, it has been 10 years since I did my supercharger build so I was going on foggy memory. I forgot how much went into the FULL gasket set...

[clmrt]

http://www.modmaxracing.com/category_s/5.htm
Crank with bearings, $299.

http://www.modmaxracing.com/03_04_COBRA_4V_4_6_Complete_Ga sket_Kit_p/felfs26187pt.htm
Gaskets, $358

http://www.modmaxracing.com/category_s/181.htm
Head bolts, $90

http://www.modmaxracing.com/product_p/has2m4628.htm
Rings, $56

$803 vs $1095

$76 shipping

$879 delivered. $216 saved.

If it doesn't fit, it's your fault.

[martyo]

http://www.modmaxracing.com/category_s/5.htm
Crank with bearings, $299.

http://www.modmaxracing.com/03_04_COBRA_4V_4_6_Complete_Ga sket_Kit_p/felfs26187pt.htm
Gaskets, $358

http://www.modmaxracing.com/category_s/181.htm
Head bolts, $90

http://www.modmaxracing.com/product_p/has2m4628.htm
Rings, $56

$803 vs $1095

$76 shipping

$879 delivered. $216 saved.

If it doesn't fit, it's your fault.

In his he did not include shipping. I bet the mechanic will add that on on the back end so his "savings" will be just a bit higher but, as you correctly point out, if they do not fit it is his fault AND he will be paying a re-stocking fee.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Prices have risen a lot in 10 years..... For everything. Good gaskets are not cheap. Pay now or may end up paying later

[Ourobos]

Good used 96-04 forged cobra crank - $300 if you look around... Main bearings - same price regardless..

Then spend some coin, 03 Cobra rods - $300 if shopping around in good used condition. Your choice of 10:1 pistons, Diamond, Manley, Probe - $500-$700

Those would be a must if I was pulling the stock engine out. Then next as mentioned, a 3000-3500 stall converter.

[Rob]

Actually his price was delivered and he doesn't mark up...for me. He gives me a copy of the invoices afterward if he buys anything.

My fear is exactly that. The parts may not fit and I don't want to keep him waiting. Same goes for searching for good used parts. So after careful consideration, I decided to let him buy the parts. The burden would be on him. In my eyes, the ~$200 savings is not worth the potential issues with both fit and delivery schedule. As I've said before, if this weren't an emergency situation, I'd do it my way. *Cue Sinatra*

I did however contact Zack and have the cooling mod in transit. He also suggested 7 & 8 valve seats be done. At least I'll get one 'upgrade' out of this mess.

Thanks guys. :D

I'll update as needed.

[Zack]

This is what you want
http://www.ebay.com/itm/181509747928