Decisions, decisions...need input...

[Mark_88]

So...I have the truck with the 3.0 in my possession...I was going to try to finish off my season before doing the swap and might make it. Problem is, I just found a 2.3 from a 1990 mustang that has less miles than the 3.0 but not sure about its general health and well being.

The choices are:

1) Swap in the 3.0 with 275,000 clicks but runs like a top. This involves a complete swap...fuel lines, dash, steering (to use p/s because it doesn't look like I can delete it) and maybe a drive shaft (the doner truck is a regular cab and mine is ext).

2) Install the complete 2.3 with 193,000 clicks and use my current setup and not have to change the fuel system, drive shaft, or dash.

I can always do both and have a 5.3 if you add the two together...or do the 2.3 first and if it is another blow-by fiasco do the 3.0 in the spring or later this year as needed.

 

[adsm08]

You know Mark, you might have better luck with your 2.3s if you would put a proper PCV in them instead of using a road draft tube. If you go look at the history of the automobile engine life increased drastically when they went to PCV.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Do you have the capability/ability to do a leakdown and compression test on the 2.3? That would give a good indication of condition.

Richard

 

[Mark_88]

Always:

I have a friend who is a mechanic and he used to rebuild engines so he knows quite a bit about this...so I think I could swing a compression test and leak down test...yes.

Adsm08:

The road draft PCV/VC was out of necessity, not choice...lol. The engine has so much blow-by that it was overwhelming the intake with so much oil that I was leaving a blue trail everywhere and attracting the attention of the local law enforcement everywhere I went...mostly on deceleration so that's what lead me to think it was a valve seal issue.

At this point I just want to get this working properly...I don't want to leave the carbed 2.3 platform behind because it more than fills my needs when it works right...and I did beat the crap out of this engine by hauling upwards of 700+ pounds of (literally) crap around many times over...which impressed the heck out of me...considering I never actually rebuilt the entire engine all at once.