Ricky's Stallion 3L Build!

[bigboyricky93]

So long story short I spun a rod bearing on my 2.5 and just replaced the bearings so I could drive it temporarily til my school semester was over. It got rid of most of the noise except for a faint knock but now it's summer, the semester is over and...

IT'S TIME FOR A 3-LITER SWAP!!!!

I am an engine swap virgin so I am going to be taking it step by step but after doing some research and pricing, I do have a plan of action...

First thing is to remove my old engine topthrough the and clean up the bay. As for the new engine, I still have yet to find a replacement engine, but I would like to try and get a 3L from an escape at a yard... I would like to swap the SVT cams into the 3L but am not quite sure if i want to do that now or just do the full 3L and wait to use the SVT cams until I boost it later. I still have time to decide that but I know for sure I do not want to port it now due to time and cost and possible problems I may face, but I'd like to later also when I boost. My goal right now is to get a 3L and get my baby running again!



Some other things I would like to take care of while the engine is out...

• Swapping in an 01/02 cougar?? tranny that I bought from Mystique_95 to fix my grind issue and will repair my shift cables at the same time.
• Upgrade the headers-- possibly MSDS
• Fix my pulsating lights that has to do with alternator wiring
• Replace my loud and failing power steering system
• Replace my spark plugs and wires
• Poly fill my roll restrictors and mounts... i dont want to go to hard and cause a lot of vibration though at idle
• Install audi sidemarkers for some flair...
• repaint/repair the body of the car

What I would like to do when I have more time and money is...

• redo whole exhaust system with the headers I am doing now but add a magnaflow cat back
• upgrade the rods and bearings
• add a turbocharger
• rework some of my sound system
• Port match the engine or set it up with an ST220 intake
• Install a new suspension (Preferably BAT Euro Kit)
• Upgrade the brake system

I plan to start to pull the engine sometime next week. I will take pictures as I go. If anyone has any suggestions or thoughts or tips dont be afraid to chime in because I am sure I may have some questions as I go through with this build!!

Also if anyone has any parts I may be looking for or if they can point me in a right (and cheap) direction!

Pics and updates to follow...

[bigboyricky93]

So the build is officially underway... I have some pics too!
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[bigboyricky93]

Sorry for the quaility, I have to rerun through photoshop at some point or you can check out my fb!

[98 Contour]

I think i remember seeing you drive this car on rt 78 in allentown. Good luck with the swap. If you need help, there's a few of us local to you...

[Dieschwarzung]

Is you car on stands up front and dollys in the back?

[bigboyricky93]

I think i remember seeing you drive this car on rt 78 in allentown. Good luck with the swap. If you need help, there's a few of us local to you...

Thanks and yea that was me on I78 between my house and NCC... Only about 30 miles or so one way.

Is you car on stands up front and dollys in the back?

Yes it is but only temporarily. I don't plan on doing any serious under car work like that. Most of the stuff I'm doing right now is on the top. I left the dollies in just in case I have to swing the rear of the car anymore while in the garage but I doubt I will have too.

[Blackcoog]

I'd be careful. Those dollys can roll and if they move at all the car can fall off the stands. That is why you always put it in gear and put the E-brake on when you jack the car up.

[bigboyricky93]

Yes I know they can roll the stands thats why I only had them there for a little. But I'm taking a break for today anyway!!! I am going out tonight and I am kind of annoyed that I am having trouble dropping the radiator out. Its keeps getting hung up on itself or the a/c radiator... so ill just chill and not force anything. hopefully ill figure it out!

[98 Contour]

Yes I know they can roll the stands thats why I only had them there for a little. But I'm taking a break for today anyway!!! I am going out tonight and I am kind of annoyed that I am having trouble dropping the radiator out. Its keeps getting hung up on itself or the a/c radiator... so ill just chill and not force anything. hopefully ill figure it out!

I think its possible to remove the motor from the top without removing the radiator. If so, I'd leave it till the motor is out.

[bigboyricky93]

Haha in the ten minutes i came inside I had an epiphany and did some quick research. Well anyway I decided to run back out to the garage and try something different and it worked under five minutes so I got the radiator and fan shroud out of the way.

^^It is possible to remove the motor without removing the radiator as others have done it, but I have large hands so its tight for me and because I am an engine removal virgin (this is my first one ever on any car) I decided I didnt want to risk damaging the SVT radiator which you cant get anymore and give myself some more clearance.

But today in the few hours I got to work today, I got quite a bit out of the way and want to have everything disconected by sunday just short of the axles and the last two motor mounts. Haha sorry if I move slower than others but I want to take my time and not make mistakes! I am only 19 years old and working in my parents garage so I dont have a lot of funds to cover for mistakes.

Thanks for the advice tho everyone I really do appreciate it as to being new to this and all!