OK, so first off my new 3L really tore up Willow Springs this past weekend. The EVO's and STI's that were killing me before had a hard time passing me now (yes they still pass me on the straights, but come on they have an additional 100 hp on me and awd to get the power down). Question though (Warmonger and other smart people please help)....

The whole reason for my 3L swap was the fact that I destroyed my rod-bearings in the 2.5L due to the commonly known oiling issues (since the engine was out anyway why not do the swap). Now I was under the impression that the new oil pan (3L Escape), oil pickup (same) and windage tray (03 and newer 3Ls) along with the increased volume of oil in the 3L (6qts instead of 5.5qts) should almost eliminate the risk of oil starvation (I understand that I may be being naive). To protect against this I have even purchased an oil accumulator (It is not yet installed of course - I wanted to get to the track).

But now after a weekend of racing (on a track with two very long and fast - 90+ mph - right hand turns), my engine (with 500 miles on it) is making the same noise as when I first (misdiagnosed) starting hearing my 2.5L go.

Is it possible that I have spun the rod bearings on my 3L already? Are there other problems (hopefully less expensive) that could be making a noise similar to that dreaded sound of a 2.5L dying?

I fear I will be pulling the engine again this weekend but I would love to hear some creative (but likely) ideas on alternative problems that it may be.

Considering that you haven't described the noise and/or symptoms, not sure how we can help

The biggest oiling issue on the 2.5 was the lack of proper oil drain-back. The oil would accumulate in the heads at high revs leaving very little in the pan. Add a long sweeping right turn to throw what little oil is there away from the oil pick up and . . . . . well, you know.

The oil drain-back from the heads was resolved on the 3.0.

Originally posted by fastcougar:

---

Considering that you haven't described the noise and/or symptoms, not sure how we can help

---

Sorry - I thought the description of the begining of the problem with the 2.5L's rod knock would translate well in this group.

Noise = throughout the power band there is a sound that can best be described as being similar to when you would stick a baseball card in the spokes of your bike as a kid - of course the faster you rev the more proficient the sound.

Symptoms = None that are recognizable, but again I only have about 500 miles on the swap so not a lot of seat time with the engine yet. The power still feels solid throughout, no slugishness or missfiring (but my 2.5L was the same way until the very end).

I guess my biggest question is if there are any known problems with a 3L block that may not have been discussed on these boards.