Thread: Spat the dummy

Nobody has mentioned it so I will! Try a new radiator cap! Sounds to me like it's buggered...

Well guys it's definitely a top end issue again. The problem we have is that (and I'm not sure if I mentioned this before) I have already had to modify the intake holes to match up with the head that I had fixed because again, the previous repairer had machined it a fair bit and a simple facing caused the mismatch of holes. This being said, my mate is concerned that any machining now may cause the intake to bottom out and not line up at all. I mentioned if I get some good secondhand heads that this could fix it. He said that we could but on the other side of it, we don't know how bad the block might be with how dodgy the previous repairs have been thus far.
My question for you knowledgable folk is, which heads/engines can I use as transplants? If I do an engine swap do I require an ECU swap too? CAn I upgrade to a 4.6 without too much hassle? Can I use any v8 from the 96-02 series?
Sorry, to ask all of these questions but I am still a pleb when it comes to these. I am just hoping that down the track I can return the help.

BTW the current engine is the 4.0 (non SAI as far as I know) in a 2000 P38

Thanks
Porchy

Originally Posted by Porchy

Well guys it's definitely a top end issue again. The problem we have is that (and I'm not sure if I mentioned this before) I have already had to modify the intake holes to match up with the head that I had fixed because again, the previous repairer had machined it a fair bit and a simple facing caused the mismatch of holes. This being said, my mate is concerned that any machining now may cause the intake to bottom out and not line up at all. I mentioned if I get some good secondhand heads that this could fix it. He said that we could but on the other side of it, we don't know how bad the block might be with how dodgy the previous repairs have been thus far.
My question for you knowledgable folk is, which heads/engines can I use as transplants? If I do an engine swap do I require an ECU swap too? CAn I upgrade to a 4.6 without too much hassle? Can I use any v8 from the 96-02 series?
Sorry, to ask all of these questions but I am still a pleb when it comes to these. I am just hoping that down the track I can return the help.

BTW the current engine is the 4.0 (non SAI as far as I know) in a 2000 P38

Thanks
Porchy

Not having much luck there Porchy, sounds to me the whole engine is completely 'So-and-So'd'. I'd almost say to buy another P38, and sell the other one of for parts, alternatively as you mentioned a good second hand 4.6 could be the go.

Just make sure that engine isn't 'so-and-so'd' also.

Haha, Don't worry Red, that has crossed my mind (getting another). The only problem is that I took a 16K loan to buy this one so I am kinda stuck with the latter option.

Originally Posted by Porchy

16K loan

Caught between a rock n, a hard place, eh



Have you got both heads ripped off?
Is your mate "Donating his time"?


You have given the thumbs down on this motor ... So rip both heads off and post up some decent photos of the bores, block, head and valley gaskets ... and see if the block, at least, is salvageable

Cheers
Mike

It all probably seems really daunting right now, but keep posting here as you progress. As you are already seeing, there are forum-ites out there who have parts, knowledge and trade/industry contacts that will be very helpful. Not sure exactly what I can help with but have owner history to share on the topic of rebuilds.

Personally, I have had a really good P38 journey since regularly jumping on and becoming a member at AULRO. I just wish I had known about it before my pigs liners slipped a number of years back. Would have made different (um, better) decisions.

FWIW, I was into my P38 for $35K when I had to make the hard decisions you are facing and am still very glad I stuck with her.