Need Engine :(

[EllyGT]

Hi y'all,
I have a 2001 gt. Just got her for Christmas last. I think she is a solid car, except the motor. She will puff blue smoke once in awhile, am on my 3rd iac valve. So I know she has some blow by. She has no body damage to speak of, does need a paint job, ac compressor is weak but may last another season or 2 maybe. Interior is in good shape, only 1 small weat/tear in driver side bolster, no cracks any where and not 2 tone interior, is 1 color, graphite leather! Engine light was unplugged before me, odometer goes in and out randomly sporadically. Just did an oil change and I think I hear lifters , it's sounds like a faint ticking sound, can only hear from inside the car with windows up. I have also purchased all new suspension parts all the way to lowering springs, and changing the back quads to upper and lower control arms with solid mount rack bushings. Have not installed parts yet except the solid mount rack bushings. Should I do like my husband says and sell her and get a different car or should I get her another motor? I think spending from $1000.00 to maybe $2000.00 for a used motor or a rebuild on this one is worth doing, but this is my 1st mustang and I am not sure which way to go! Just looking for some in put, please!

 

[wmburns]

Will you be doing the work yourself or paying someone to do it?

If doing the work yourself, using a salvage yard motor from a 2001+ Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, or Town Car is a very cost effective repair. If paying someone to do it, not so much.

Don't mod a car that you are considering selling. It will make selling more difficult and you will never get your $$ back.

NOTE, the tic from a 2001 is a common problem and has to do with a cylinder head defect. There is a Ford TSB about this problem. This car may not need a new motor. Keep the oil changes current. Get an oil filter cutter and inspect the oil filter element after each oil change. If no debris on the filter, THEN keep driving it.

Cluster PC foil trace repair: Check out the following thread regarding how to fix the cluster going in/out.

My odometer goes on and off? - Ford Mustang Forum

 

[EllyGT]

I wish I could do the work myself, but do not have a lift or even an engine hoist. Weather I get a used engine, new crate motor or rebuild this one, I would have to pay someone. Unless I fall backwards into some money! But in reality, I really like my car, she has just under 140k miles, I do belive she is a solid car just needs some tlc! So you don't think it's cost effective to buy a motor and pay someone to put it in? If that's what needs to be. Thanks for the link about the odometer. Much appreciated! You guys are great, the help is awsome!

Will you be doing the work yourself or paying someone to do it?

If doing the work yourself, using a salvage yard motor from a 2001+ Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, or Town Car is a very cost effective repair. If paying someone to do it, not so much.

Don't mod a car that you are considering selling. It will make selling more difficult and you will never get your $$ back.

NOTE, the tic from a 2001 is a common problem and has to do with a cylinder head defect. This car may not need a new motor. Keep the oil changes current. Get an oil filter cutter and inspect the oil filter element after each oil change. If no debris on the filter, THEN keep driving it.

Cluster PC foil trace repair: Check out the following thread regarding how to fix the cluster going in/out.

My odometer goes on and off? - Ford Mustang Forum

 

[wmburns]

I wish I could do the work myself, but do not have a lift or even an engine hoist.

^^^IF this is your only reason, it's flawed. I have swapped two motors in my driveway without a lift. Used an engine crane and HAND tools only. Will need an assortment of axle stands and such. A Ford factory manual is also recommended.

Quite possible to rent an engine crane. Rather cheaply. Ask at your local auto parts store.

Engine stands are cheap enough from Harbor Freight.

Don't discount the value of inspecting the oil filter element. An oil filter cutter is CHEAP insurance. Me personally I would not have any issues with driving the car until the motor actually blew up and then put a new one in. What if the event happens 100 thousand miles from now?

 

[EllyGT]

^^^IF this is your only reason, it's flawed. I have swapped two motors in my driveway without a lift. Used an engine crane and HAND tools only. Will need an assortment of axle stands and such. A Ford factory manual is also recommended.

Quite possible to rent an engine crane. Rather cheaply. Ask at your local auto parts store.

Engine stands are cheap enough from Harbor Freight.

Don't discount the value of inspecting the oil filter element. An oil filter cutter is CHEAP insurance. Me personally I would not have any issues with driving the car until the motor actually blew up and then put a new one in. What if the event happened a 100 thousands miles from now?

That's the kind of input I was hoping for! !
Thank you