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I've had that happen to me quite a few times over the years. Saw a good deal and didn't take advantage and then regretted it a few days later. You're a wise man!
Freshening an engine for the new to me nice 03. All the engine parts should arrive by the weekend. I bought a OTC cam tool set for this engine. This is one of the 4 cam Ford engine that they used in the hot Mustangs, Mercury Marauders and the big Lincolns from 96-04. The Coyote engines are later and have variable cam timing.
Looks like you've got it all laid out nice and neat for a fairly quick assembly, Andy. That's awesome. I'm guessing you're not replacing rings, rod or crank bearings?
I wanted to pull the heads to make valve seal replacement easier and to look at the bottom end. The engine has great oil pressure and the pistons are not washed at all. So the short block will run as is. Got all 32 valve seals replaced and the valves, guides and seats are nice. The seals were tired and the hot rear corners were not sealing at all. They had no resistance on the stems or the guides. Ready to clean and reassemble. All new Cloyes chains, guides, tensioners and gears. Felpro gaskets and Motorcraft thermostat and oil pressure switch. Should be together by the weekend, then pull the engine that is in the car and swap this one in.
All new timing, with special timing tools still in place. It will get covers tomorrow. Then I will pull the Lincoln apart and get it ready for the transplant. ❤️
Last edited by 02 LW300; Nov 14, 2025 at 08:29 PM.
Looks great, Andy. You're probably one of those guys who'll work until you fall over, some day. Not sitting on your butt like I seem to be doing more and more of the older I get.
One PM on the West coast and it is in the chassis. Those of you with Ford experience will recognize the studs on the torque converter. An added joy at assembly time. The engine compartment is tight dropping it in and it has to go back 12” under the cowl.
