phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Oct 26, 2007 3:10:07 GMT -6
Well yesterday on the way home I hit 275ish degrees. Running like crap now. Head bolts go stretchy stretchy. If I can find a good used 4.6 I'm putting one in. Doing head gaskets on this thing just sounds like such a chore that I'd rather just drop a motor in. Anybody have a good 4.6 lying around or have any resources for one? Of course you know this happened two weeks after selling my other car. Go figure.
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scottydl
Super Moderator 
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
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Post by scottydl on Oct 26, 2007 10:37:30 GMT -6
Has your engine been leading up to this, or did this pop up out of nowhere? From reading your previous posts, I'd say 'go for it' on the 4.6L if you can find one. You certainly seem to have the creativity and skills for such a project!
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phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Oct 26, 2007 11:13:48 GMT -6
Funny thing is, I thought I had fixed my coolant leak when I did all that work before vacation. Not so, was still losing about a gallon every two weeks. I've stayed on top of it and kept it full. That's why I don't understand the overheat. I got home and had very little to no coolant. Filled her up and came into work this morning. Did not lose a drop coming to work. I'm wondering if I have a clog in the radiator/block preventing flow. Either way I just want peace of mind so a new motor may be in the near future anyhow. What years will bolt right up?
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Post by aaaauroraaaa on Oct 26, 2007 12:14:18 GMT -6
Out of curiosity... did you use dex-cool or any stop leak tabs when adding new coolant?
Good luck on the 4.6... they are not hard to find.
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Post by algonquin on Oct 26, 2007 19:11:05 GMT -6
Did you visually see any evidence of a coolant leak like blow by out of the coolant tank or something on the ground or did it just burn it ?
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Post by centennialman on Oct 26, 2007 20:29:10 GMT -6
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phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Oct 27, 2007 4:03:29 GMT -6
 $1000 Geeze that's cheaper than anything else I've found and it looks to be in better shape/near brand new. aaaauroraaaa - used dex-cool but no recommended pellets (ran out of time to go to the dealer and get them) algonquin - No visible evedince of a leak. Ever. I had the radiator out and pressure tested when I did my alternator. Replaced a suspect hose and the radiator passed the test w/flying colors. I'll look into it more today if I have time. With the hours I work and the side jobs I do time is my worst enemy. The Shelby engine is veeerrrryyyy tempting at this point.
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phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Oct 27, 2007 4:04:10 GMT -6
Correction: Brand new in the crate. How can I not pass this up.
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Post by tpis15 on Oct 27, 2007 13:38:15 GMT -6
I would not put a Shelby Aurora motor in an aurora. They were built more for top end power with less low end torqe. In normal driving your car would most likely feel slower. I would go with the 275 or 300hp 4.6.
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Post by aaaauroraaaa on Oct 27, 2007 13:56:05 GMT -6
I would not put a Shelby Aurora motor in an aurora. They were built more for top end power with less low end torqe. In normal driving your car would most likely feel slower. I would go with the 275 or 300hp 4.6. with the right gearing it would be irrelevant. Although I don't think anyone is going to be modding a 4t80 anytime soon. Just make first gear redline at 15-20mph, that'd be fun  BUT FOR $1,000!!!! If I knew how and didn't have to pay someone labor, I'd buy it, That would be sweet. |
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Post by algonquin on Oct 27, 2007 17:51:50 GMT -6
Correction: Brand new in the crate. How can I not pass this up. I would jump on that one. You can't buy a 5HP boat motor for the price you found. |
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Post by algonquin on Oct 27, 2007 18:31:11 GMT -6
: algonquin - No visible evedince of a leak. Ever. I had the radiator out and pressure tested when I did my alternator. Replaced a suspect hose and the radiator passed the test w/flying colors. . Pretty bizarre as it isn't typical for the Aurora to push coolant out the tail pipes. |
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Post by jose on Oct 28, 2007 13:09:46 GMT -6
wow! that is a good deal. spring on it!
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phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Oct 29, 2007 2:44:50 GMT -6
Well the funding is in place. Labor is in place but on a tight schedule. As far as low end power, I wouldn't mind that so much. I may have a guy that can custom build the 4t80e to whatever specs please me. Right now I just want a motor, which the Shelby is about $2k less than anything I have found. Only problem will be the PCM I believe. I may just run 2 PCM's. The guy doing the labor has run dual before. Said it was a PITA but I told him I'd make it worth his while. He's an ex coworker and a pretty darned good friend. Said he'd swap the motor for a cool $300 so I'll probably toss him an even $500 just for odds and ends. All in all I may have a Shelby motor up and running in a few weeks (If my baby survives that long) for around $2000. We'll see how plans change after I talk to Jason, ha!!!
**Update, that motor sold for $1025.00!!! I will be in contact w/the seller by phone today to inquire about one of the other three left**
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Post by aurorabrain on Oct 29, 2007 8:14:22 GMT -6
Sorry about the $1025, that engine will be @ my house in the next couple days.....
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Post by JimW on Oct 29, 2007 8:16:40 GMT -6
Hahah! didnt see that coming ;D
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phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Oct 29, 2007 8:24:28 GMT -6
Bwahahahahaha. Now that's comedy. Pinky, are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yes, but raising a family in the 90's is tough Brain!!! Ok well at least I'm not a lonesome soul on an arduous journey out there. Aurorabrain, that is one of the funniest things I have experienced in a while. PM me for some ideas about this swap because mine is more of a manditory project, I need my daily driver back in top form. My cousin is going to fund this project 'till I get Christmas bonus/tax return. He is going to lend me his truck for the time being but my guy doing the labor w/me only has access to the shop on weekends. So needless to say this needs to be a 2 day project at the most. Man thats a weird coincidence.
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Post by Poindexter on Oct 29, 2007 9:12:46 GMT -6
this is all too funny; and a Pinky and the Brain reference, wow.
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Post by aurorabrain on Oct 29, 2007 10:30:26 GMT -6
To reply to your PM, i'm pretty sure the physical and electrical aspects of the engine are the same. The engine wasn't cast differently or mounting locations changed for a "special" car. They took a production engine and made it run better than stock. Shelby Motorsports would have made their own mounts and brackets to bolt it into their car. I don't know what your schedule is for getting the engine and installing it, but if it can wait until next week i should have all the info everyone is wondering about and some video driving it. I hope your guy doing labor pays attention to detail when swapping this out....
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phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Oct 29, 2007 12:39:14 GMT -6
Yeah it will be at least a week for sure. If you don't mind my asking what did he charge you to ship it? If it is outrageous I may just drive out to Vegas to get it. As far as the electrical, our stock PCM should handle it then? Also, what is your take on the outcome of the low end power? My guy will def. pay attention to detail. He is the lead tech for one of the most reputable shops in town (ASE master L1 tech) so I'm fairly confident of his work. Heck, I've been elbows deep in some jobs with him and he is absolutely amazing. Come to think of it he saved the day for me Saturday. Pulled the trans pan off of my old Crown Vic. In the bottom of the pan lies a little plastic plug looking piece with an o-ring on it. Called him up to identify the mystery part. He instantly knew it was a plug they put in the dipstick tube during assembly. When the dipstick gets installed, it pops this plug into the pan where it rides until it's first transmission service. Never would have guessed that had it not been for my tech.
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Post by aurorabrain on Oct 29, 2007 17:41:52 GMT -6
I am paying actual shipping with fedex freight, he isn't setting it up. They give me a 55% discount. I go there, tell them where it is, they bring it to me. Very simple.
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Post by A-boy95 on Oct 29, 2007 22:17:26 GMT -6
Phy if you need some help id be willing to make a drive
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phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Oct 30, 2007 2:12:45 GMT -6
Sweet, I appreciate it. I may have to deploy a few troops and do it myself. My tech's schedule is not looking good and I'd like to have it done before Thanksgiving. Talked to the motor man and it looks like a cool $1500 will get one shipped to my door. Not bad at all when you consider all the factors.
**Motor was purchased last night. Should be here in a few days via SAIA motor freight.**
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phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Nov 1, 2007 4:36:28 GMT -6
Ok, the motor is being loaded on a truck this afternoon. Should have it by Monday. As far as labor we are playing it by ear. Hopefully I can get him freed up next weekend. We came up with a good payment for him: Since there is no core/exchange on my motor we are going to fix it up and sell it for the going rate and split it right down the middle. If we make $2000 we both come out smelling like roses. He said he would jump at the chance to make a cool grand for a couple days of work. The anticipation is killing me. Aurorabrain, how's progress on your end of the world? Oh and I need some input from everyone. Would a small SS badge somewhere near the front fender be too tacky? ;D
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Post by algonquin on Nov 1, 2007 18:34:05 GMT -6
Would a small SS badge somewhere near the front fender be too tacky? ;D In a word - YES !! Last year there was a ACNA member that posted pics of his Aurora with SS badging. Looked ok but why not use 442 ?  |
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phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Nov 2, 2007 6:46:07 GMT -6
Mostly b/c it's a 244ci motor. Well my guy is a no go on labor. He said he cannot get access to his shop long enough without the boss there. Looks like I'm going to bite the bullet and get it installed. Cheapest estimate right now is a negotiable $1100. Not too bad all things considered. I would like to tackle it myself but I want it turned around and tuned by thanksgiving. I'm ready to start putting my 1000 break in miles on it so I can open her up and see what she'll really do. Oh, the motor, wiring harness, and PCM got loaded on Saia Motor Freight at 2:00pm Las Vegas time yesterday. Woot!!! If the SS logo would be gaudy, how about something like this?  No idea for location unless I could get 2 sets. Hey, that might work well for a signature pic.... |
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scottydl
Super Moderator
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
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Post by scottydl on Nov 2, 2007 7:52:06 GMT -6
Hey, that might work well for a signature pic.... I'd keep it at that.  Most people wouldn't "get it" on your car anyway, and not having it just increases the sleeper effect even more. This is going to be quite a unique project! |
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phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Nov 2, 2007 8:05:52 GMT -6
Yeah I am leaning toward the same school of thought. If I'm building the ultimate sleeper grocery getter why on earth would I want to badge it up with crap. It's staying just the way it is. Turning out to be quite a fun and truthfully inexpensive project. I'm thiniking more and more that I'm going to have to piggyback the Shelby PCM with the stock setup.
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Post by latenight72 on Nov 2, 2007 10:48:11 GMT -6
Just piggyback an after market ECU. Go big or go home. ;D
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phydeaux
Aurora Passenger
I keep extra bearings handy in case I can't fix it with a hammer
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Post by phydeaux on Nov 5, 2007 11:33:14 GMT -6
Saia motor freight put it on the truck a day late. It didn't start rolling until Friday.  Tomorrow should be the day. I'll drop the motor and car off at the shop Wednesday so my guy can start eyeballing it before he actually does the swap. Work should begin Monday of next week. Promised before Thanksgiving by the service writer but we all know how that goes. Would be nice to brag to friends and family though. |
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$1000 
Most people wouldn't "get it" on your car anyway, and not having it just increases the sleeper effect even more. 
Tomorrow should be the day. I'll drop the motor and car off at the shop Wednesday so my guy can start eyeballing it before he actually does the swap. Work should begin Monday of next week. Promised before Thanksgiving by the service writer but we all know how that goes. Would be nice to brag to friends and family though.