I reported my piston slap to the dealer just a couple of months after I bought it back in January 1998. They had discounted it as normal engine noises and dismissed it. Fortunately, I had made mention of it pretty much every time I had the oil changed at the dealership until they finally recognized it about July of this year. Finally!!!...60K later. They had indicated that they would replace it with an FQR engine...not good enough. I am going to make some noise and let the rest of you Canadians know (and you US'ers) what I come up with. Only we seem to be having a problem getting a NEW engine.

 

Paradeis,

99s get new engines and 97-98s get FQR engines. This is consistent in both Canada and US. My dealer tells me Ford made considerable engineering changes to the 99 engines (from the 97-98s) and even further changes were made to the 2000 engines (from the 99s) which would make installing a 2000 engine in a 97 or 98 truck extremely difficult. There is a lot more complexity inside the engine bay today than there was 20 years ago when "dropping in" a new engine had fewer downstream consequences.

I can understand your desire to have a brand new engine installed in your 98. Most of us encountered the problem when the vehicles were fairly new (I have 97) and it is easy to understand how one might be concerned over a "rebuilt engine". (also it would be nice to have the 35-40 extra HP)

If you review current and past posts you will find that most owners of 97 or 98 vehicles are very pleased with their FQR engines (1 or 2 had initial oil leaks - not sure whether dealer install of Ford factory issue). The engine comes complete with new heads, pistons, valve covers, cams, water pump, oil pan, plugs and more. They do use your existing intake and exhaust manifolds, alternator, etc.

One way or another, new or FQR engine, I think you will find that your replacement engine will meet your expectations for performance and overall build quality. bets of luck with your dealer!

 

Yep, I am absoloutely, positively, certain, that this is a NEW 2000 engine. As stated, the 2000 has a little different exhaust manifold and a plastic intake. The dealer stated that there were some minor mods required to install the 2000 in my 99, but, nothing major. Ford calls this a 2 day job. A few vacuum lines must be routed differently, but, overall a very clean, simple installation. Fod US and Ford Canada use the same fix, FQR engine in 97 & 98 trucks and a NEW 2000 engine in the 99's.

Any more questions, feel free to e-mail me at ddracing@netscape.net

Later D

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99 Lariat, sc, 5.4, 3.55 ls,loaded,Superchipped, Flowmaster, K&N.