Remanufactured Engines?

[Sonics2042]

Hello,

My friend has a 98 GT 5 sp. Basically the engine blew, and he gets a new one under warranty.
Apparently, it is going to be replaced with a 99-01 long block remanufactured engine.

So, here are the questions that have formulated around this project:

1) What is the process that the engine goes through to become 'remanufactured'.
2) How reliable are they? What is a typical history behind one?
3) How do they respond to mods? Can they handle the power of the engine in new form?
4) How is a remanufactured engine weaker/inferior to its new counterpart.

Basically, he wants to have this car for a long time and be able to supercharge it and do heads and everything at some point, and he doesn't want to replace the engine again This time with the funds coming from his wallet.

Thanks,
DoranW


Thanks,
DoranW

[MIKESHAW]

i work at autozone.
and the remanufactured engines we order are garbage. they dont last long and put together crappy. know that doesnt mean that the one that your friend is getting is that quality but thats my expreience with remand engines that is also only autozone. i dont know if ford or were ever the engine is coming from is remand from the same company! hope that helps a little. make sure he gets a warranty on the engine and also finds out what voids that warranty.

[Sonics2042]

Anyone know about the Ford ones?

If they are like the autozone ones, that sounds pretty sh|tty. What alternatives does he have tho? If the ford ones are just as bad, I know he is gonna be pissed .

Is there anything he can do to strenthen up the engine? Any other ideas?

Thanks,
DoranW

[SteveK]

My 98 has 133,xxx miles on it. When I bought it, it had 126,xxx on it. I didn't even notice it, but after I bought it, I looked under the hood and it had rebuilt engine in it.

At first I was disappointed. But I figured, at least I don't have to freshen the engine. Anyway, I had it dynoed and it pulled the hp figure that I expected.

Also, I race this car every season.

I don;t think you have much to worry about. I think my rebuilt was installed at the dealer. At least,t hat's what I've been told, afterwards. As far as I'm concerned, the car runs great adn gaev not had any problem, since I bought it 1.5 years ago.

I hope this eases your concern.

[Sonics2042]

I don't think the concern is with the engine running under normal conditions, but more about how it will react to future modifications. Do you have any mods? Eventually, I think he wanted to go heads and supercharger.

That's a ton of miles for a 98! My 1990 (114k) LX doesn't have that much .

Thanks,
DoranW

[SteveK]

I don't have a lot of mods, becasue I want to stay in the Prepared category. I only have pulleys, off-road pipe, 3.73 gear and Kumho R compound tires.

I do have a suggestion. Since it is under warranty, why doesn't he just pay the extra and get the Cobra engine put in?

[Sonics2042]

Can he do that? I would think that would be bad practice...otherwise people might sabotage their engine so they can get the upgrade to cobra.

Thanks,
DoranW

[SteveK]

I know a lot of people who have done that.

The dealer has to replace your engine, no matter what. (since it is under warranty) (and it happens often enough) I'm a tax accountant. Trust me, they set up an a warranty accrual aside to account for mishaps like this.

And since they will pay for the GT engine, I don't see why it is such a big deal for you, or him, to pay the extra amount and get the Cobra engine. It is very possible. Some dealers may resist. And it is not illegal, in any way. People just don't ask for it. Well, you couldn't if you had already spent a small fortune on mods, that didn't get you to Cobra level of HP.


good luck,

[FireFinder20]

I have a Ford remanufactured engine in my 2001 GT and it runs like a top. I post the same 1/4 times and I make sure I check the damn oil, lol. I see no problem with your friend getting the Ford unit, besides, it'll be warrantied another 12 months/12,000 miles.

[Sonics2042]

Originally posted by FireFinder20
I have a Ford remanufactured engine in my 2001 GT and it runs like a top. I post the same 1/4 times and I make sure I check the damn oil, lol. I see no problem with your friend getting the Ford unit, besides, it'll be warrantied another 12 months/12,000 miles.

Any mods?

Thanks,
DoranW

[FireFinder20]

Not yet, I only have the MAC cold air induction, but I have about 12,000 miles on this engine so far and it runs fine. I'm looking to do the heads, stroke it to 5.0 liters and put a little Saleen blower on it next year....