digithead
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2016
- Messages
- 264
- Reaction score
- 2
- Location
- UPSTATE NY
- My Car
- 1973 Mustang 351C-4V 4BBL 4 SPEED CONVERTIBLE White
So I bought my 1973 Mustang convertible with 315C about 2 years ago. End started and ran fine but the guy I bought it from never had motor out or knew much about it internally. Its run really strong for the 1500-2000 miles I've put on it. A week ago a bad sound low end knock slowly developed. Quiet at startup, then it comes on worse as engine warms up. Knock is more pronounced at 1800-2200 RPM range. Oil was changed 100 miles ago. Oil pressure is always strong, runs 50-75PSI on new sensor and gauge. So I've had two auto pros stop by and listen, neither liked the sound. Both think its low end bearing sound and not valve related.
So my question. If it comes down to pulling motor what are best affordable options? I thought crate motor, but I dont need stupid HP or want to have stupid money in the car. I am about 18K in it now and its mint but this issue. I could pull motor and find local shop and let them rebuild. I could order crate and swap this? I could order crate and store this one for next owner? My preference would be to keep cost at a minimum as I dont see a $6000 engine a good investment in these cars. Would be awesome to have 450-500 HP but thats too much money. THink I'd be happy with a solid 300HP motor. I've heard the 351C is known for oil not reaching back bearing due to poor design? Is this the time to fix it and rebuild motor? Motor was PERFECTLY strong before this, 0 complaints. Could smoke tires easily.
So my question. If it comes down to pulling motor what are best affordable options? I thought crate motor, but I dont need stupid HP or want to have stupid money in the car. I am about 18K in it now and its mint but this issue. I could pull motor and find local shop and let them rebuild. I could order crate and swap this? I could order crate and store this one for next owner? My preference would be to keep cost at a minimum as I dont see a $6000 engine a good investment in these cars. Would be awesome to have 450-500 HP but thats too much money. THink I'd be happy with a solid 300HP motor. I've heard the 351C is known for oil not reaching back bearing due to poor design? Is this the time to fix it and rebuild motor? Motor was PERFECTLY strong before this, 0 complaints. Could smoke tires easily.
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