I just bought a 2003 that has been garaged for 14 years. The engine was blown and car was parked. I have to decide whether to rebuild or replace engine. They car only has 32,000 miles so it would be nice to keep original considering current prices. I’ve never even driven one of these so I don’t know for sure what I’ll do with it. I want anyone who’s ever modded this car or has driven bone stock to euphoria to tell me how to spend my money to put this car back on the road. I spent next to nothing on this car, so I can spend $10,000 + to get it going. Help!

 

The answer sort of depends on why the engine blew up in the first place.

But 99.9% of the time, its significantly easier and more surefire to just buy a good, used, factory assembled longblock. Never open it up. Just install it with factory sourced maintenance parts. And go drive it.

 

"The engine was blown" could mean a dozen things. For example a connecting rod thru the side of the block is hard to repair... and there's limited success rebuilding these engines. I'd start looking for a donor AP1 engine. Or perhaps a '04-'05 AP2 engine. Or a LS.

-- Chuck

 

These engines are notoriously difficult to rebuild. But it may be the issue with your engine is fixable.

First thing, find out what is actually damaged in this engine.

 

The mechanic that has been storing the car said that it has a spun bearing. Wouldn’t know the total extent of the damage without pulling it apart. If I go with a donor engine, thoughts on where to get one and would ap2 be a direct swap?

 

Find a reputable seller on eBay or this forum's marketplace

There are usually a few good F22 choices on eBay. An 04-05 engine is a direct swap, mostly. I think the fuel line at the engine has to be finessed slightly (omg). But that's about it.

It's not advisable to rev a F22 to 9K. So I strongly suggest using the AP2 ECU and reprogramming your keys to fit that ECU.

The F22 is objectively a better engine in every way. But...the F20 revs to 9K. So...pick what's more important to you. I'm not saying that to be funny. I really would have a tough time choosing.

I doubt your mechanic can succesfully rebuild the original engine. Maybe, if its just a rod bearing. But...its harder than it looks to do it properly.

If its just a rod bearing and you want to rebuild it...then you could choose to buy a new/good crank, rod, and bearings. These engines are hand built, and each crank journal/rod interface will require unique bearing sizing. Everything needs to be done clinically, per the FSM by someone who knows what they're doing with F series engines.

Not too high of a rate of success with rebuilds. But maybe worth a shot if its just a rod bearing and a crank.

 

Great info B. Much appreciated.

 

K24.
darcy

 

I haven’t done much research on the k24 engine swap. Why would I? Convince me Darcy.

 

Inline Pro K24 Stroker engine.