08 Mustang Advice

[southkogs]

I need some opinions from better motor guys than myself:

Middle kid owns an '08 Mustang with the 4.0. The car has run fine with little trouble, and it seems to be a well performing car that's comfortable. 130k on the car. A couple weeks ago, coming home from a long trip the timing chain let go. Without having taken it all apart yet, the consensus is that there is damage to at least one head and a couple of pistons, likely some bent valves and a small list of other stuff that boils down to : you need a new motor.

Option 1: cut bait and get a new car. And for the kid, that means new used car. And so far as I can play it out, you really can't get a used car with any kind of substantive warranty for under $16k - and that's if the car isn't a Mustang.

Option 2: buy a used motor, rebuild/service it and install into the current Mustang ourselves. This is doable, but while I know it should take a long weekend ... I know my abilities. That's two long weekends, and some technical issues. BUT, I do have all of the tools and an experienced helper. Probably get the motor for about $1,500; I figure some reconditioning work to another $500 or $700. Car is on the road for around $3k. But, no warranty of any kind.

Option 3: OEM reconditioned motor installed by a pro-shop who I know and trust. Cost would be around $7,500 and the engine would be warrantied 100k miles or 3 years by Ford; parts and labor through any authorized technician.

I'll be honest that option 3 is looking pretty good. Any opinions from y'all?

 

[alldodge]

I'm reading the 4.0 SOHC is not a interference engine, so replace the timing belt and drive on

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I look at the odds of me getting it right doing it for the 1st time, and decide to pay a pro to do it right.

 

[64osby]

Find a used engine, car-part.com is a great source. Pull existing and replace and drive. Fix old motor with no time constraints. Save motor for the future or sell to recoup money.

 

[OhioRiverFloater]

For the price I would try changing the belt first. If you get it wrong you are only out the price of the belt & a little time.

 

[southkogs]

This one - if I understand it right - is an interference engine. 2008 4.0l has a chain not a belt, and everything I looked at said the process of changing the chain was pretty precise.

 

[flashback]

I like @64osby suggestion, get ya back on the road and something to do in your spare time..

 

[briangcc]

Rebuild doesn't have a warranty? Any speed / motor shops around that you could shop a rebuild? Most reputable rebuild shops have warranties on the motor.

 

[matt167]

Those have 2 chains and the idlers are always a mess.. Requires pulling engine. Usually means used or new engine. Many shops won’t do chains on them

 

[southkogs]

Rebuild doesn't have a warranty? Any speed / motor shops around that you could shop a rebuild? Most reputable rebuild shops have warranties on the motor.

So far: and I may not be looking in the right places, I can't find a motor with a warranty where the warranty holds if we install it ourselves. The warranties require a certified technician install.

 

[tpenfield]

I'm with option 2, if you think the original engine is all bent out of shape. I like the looks of the 08 vintage .

 

[alldodge]

Never seen a motor which doesn't have a simple system to align timing marks. Double over head cam, they still use timing marks. If there is bent valves, then valve job and put back together

That said, if ya don't want to do it, then go with the warranty

 

[southkogs]

Never seen a motor which doesn't have a simple system to align timing marks. Double over head cam, they still use timing marks. If there is bent valves, then valve job and put back together

Okay - I'll put that in the mix. The "helper" I have is my father-in-law (have posted a couple of his antique cars on here): he knows his stuff, so he may well agree with you. I'll admit: I'm out of my knowledge zone there.

 

[OhioRiverFloater]

It would depend on the condition on the rest of the car. If the car is in good condition it would be worth dropping in a factory rebuilt engine like a Jasper rebuilt. They warranty their complete engines 3ys or 100,000 miles.
Give them a call to find out how much their rebuilds cost.

JASPER remanufactured engines, transmissions & differentials

JASPER provides remanufactured gas engines, diesel engines, marine engines, transmissions and more for your car, truck or boat.

www.jasperengines.com

 

[Scott Danforth]

$500 for head job

Pistons will be fine with dings

$300 for timing kits (plural), gaskets, and incidentals

$30 for beer, $5 for bandaids and medical tape

1 weekend tear down
1 week turn around on heads
1 weekend reassembly

 

[Scott Danforth]

Easier than an OMC ball gear chamge

 

[64osby]

Search Results

www.car-part.com

Actual link doesn't work, but a search will.


Prices down there are much less than up here in the rust belt.

 

[southkogs]

Easier than an OMC ball gear change

That one got an audible laugh.

 

[southkogs]

I've used car-part.com before. And have looked at them. ORFs suggestion on the Jasper motors is one that I have a call out on: I'm curious as to the conditions of their warranties. Hopefully will hear back from that dude tomorrow.

Thanks for the advice guys: I'm taking all of the input I can get on this one.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

I say upgrade to the coyote motor…..I know, I know it won’t directly fit and requires a host of other work. But if they put the new motor in older fox bodies….anything’s possible.



Ok back to reality…..