Engine swap vs rebuild.

[fyreduck1921]

Ok friends, after 204K miles of faithful service > , the old girl is in need of a new motor . I plan to pull the motor myself. I have a few questions that I would like some opinions on:

1. Rebuild my efi 351W or buy a crate motor.

2. Suggestions for modest power / mileage gains. The truck will be my daily driver again after the rebuild. I drive close to 20K miles / year and do some mild offroading / hunting a couple of weekends a month.

3. Hints for pulling / replacing all the accessories / components. I have replaced most of the engine accessories at one time or another (alternator, starter, etc.) and have done a rear axle swap, but I have never tackled something this big. Ideas for labeling hoses, wires, bolts, etc would be much appreciated so that everything goes back where it belongs.

Thanks to all who offer advice,

Steve

 

[bidibronco]

Take lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of picutes. That way when you're at a loss, you can refer to the pictures. Also, you can generaly rebuild a motor "stock" for cheaper than a crate but if you're unsure of your capabilities then get a book and get on here and ask lots of questions. Rebuilding my engine (re-ring mainly) cost me right at $700 +/- a little and that inculded a new cam, new cam bearings installed, pollished/ballanced crank, hot tank for the block, honed cylenders, rebuilt/shaved heads, and had the blocks deck "trued." I did the building and tearing apart myself except for the heads and everything else was machine shop since I don't have the equipment to do that. Well, anyways good luck!

 

[snowman74]

And after researching this for myself a few months back, I decided a new short block would be best for me. I think it's probably cheaper that way. I don't know anybody in Tulsa that would have done all the machining and replacing cam for under a grand.

As far as putting it all back together. Go buy a shitload of ziplock bags and sharpie magic markers and masking tape. Put all bolts in bags and label the bags for what the bolts went to. Use masking tape to label both ends of wires and hoses to make sure you know where they went. Take good pictures too....really a good idea.

Snowman

 

[bidibronco]

Oh, I put the cam in myself, almost dropped it though. Not a good feeling when you almost drop a cam, they don't like to be dropped. Also, I had the cam bearings and such they just put them in because I don't have a cam tool. WOW, I don't have as many tools as I thought I did?