95 Thunderbird, Engine Swap/Repair Issue

I have a 1995 Thunderbird with a 4.6 SOHC engine, I recently had water in the oil issues and had it taken in to get repaired. (Bit of humor as everyone was screaming head gasket and I didn't believe it. Engine ran too smooth) Turned out a freeze plug had rusted out. So.

This engine, as far as I know, is the original. It has 130,000 miles on it and for at least 10-20 Minutes ran with oil/Water/anti-freeze in the crankcase.

The mechanic said he can fix the freeze plugs and my radiator, which he said is also shot, for 1700. However, knowing the mileage of the engine and the fact that it had water in oil and the like I am more inclined to swap the engine.

I am looking for ideas for this, books, DVD's, advice, anything that will help.

Engines I'm thinking of are sticking with the 2V 4.6m or going to a 3v or 4v. Or getting a 5.0 to stick in it. However I'm not sure that any of the last 3 engines will pass smog with the current Tbirds cat's. So, fire away. Lemme hear what you have to say :)

Thanks.

Welcome to the forum David. I don't know what kind of shape the rest of the car is in so you should go to a website like Edmunds.com to see what it is worth before throwing a lot of money into it. The car is worth roughly around $1000-$1600. The price for a rebuilt engine is $2-3000 and your mechanic wants $1700. These prices are more then the car is worth. You have to consider how much it cost you and how much more you are willing to put into it. Tough decision! $1700 to replace freeze plugs seems mighty steep. If this is a job you can do yourself I would say replace the one that leaks and keep driving it. You must remember there are two freeze plugs in the front of the block that you should also replace. You have to remove the timing chain cover to get to them. I've had one of those rot out on me but not any on the sides of the block. Be sure to change the oil and filter at least once a month for a couple of months to get rid of the antifreeze and then use a synthetic oil to help protect the bearings. Good luck with your decision. I know it won't be an easy one if you love your Bird like most of us here.

Actually, I found a really good deal on a 2 Valve in good shape with less than 60k Miles on it. I trust the mechanic I work with, and some additional damage was around I wasn't aware of yesterday. I have money into the car already and that is the only reason I am doing this. (About 500 in Exhaust/Intake and over 1000 in a sound system)

So we are going to swap the engine straight across with a Nice 2 valve....

So now I have to ask...

Any suggested, and fairly inexpensive, things to do before I put it in.

And thank you for the answer and the welcome :)

Replace the front seal in the transmission while you have the engine out.

Thank you

You're welcome. Good luck!