Thanks for the replies so far, everyone. Terry, you mentioned "Option 1) second hand low milage motor 2) Strip it and repair existing motor." For option #1, do you mean visiting a salvage/wrecking yard? And while I am good with cars, my expertise doesn't include rebuilding engines, not to mention removing and installing them. What are my options besides this dealer asking $thousands for this transplant? I hate the thought of merely browsing the Yellow Pages for major mechanic shops -- I am still new to the area (moved from California a few years ago) and have no clue about any reputable shops. The only places that have serviced my car aside from the dealer are not equipped or staffed for doing engine replacements. Does anyone in the northern Virginia/Wash DC area know of reputable places that do this work?
As far as putting a different-than-stock engine in ... yep, I know you *could* put other engines in, even a Chevy 454 or something. To be more specific, I was simply saying that the Ford dealer here refused to put anything than the original in, since they would be in trouble, EVEN if it was an SVT engine from a different year. Anyway, I was only repeating what I was told. I know I could probably go to a smaller shop or even to someone in the list here and get something else put in. All this said, though, I think I would prefer replacement with the same engine anyway, unless of course I could shoe-horn a Mustang Cobra R engine into it .
Anyway, thanks again to all for your posts thus far. I am going to be awhile thinking things over and reviewing my options. Meanwhile, feel free to keep posting !
