More than likely it has worn piston pins. However it could be a bad rod bearing. Both are relatively easy to fix if caught in time.
So with that said, I'd keep it numbers matching and use some of the newer stronger components in your block to increase its longevity. Forged T2 rods and stock Mahle cast pistons (forged pistons if you're really concerned) with a good headgasket, MP bolts or ARP studs ought to allow it to survive your Sunday drives. Drop a roller camshaft in it to help it idle a bit better and depending on the cam chosen it might help the power range a little. Have the oil pan baffled and install a crank scraper and/or a windage tray in the pan to reduce unnecessary oil abuse and therefore shortening the life of the motor. Moving the transmission cooler to its own large cooler (I think the SL's with automatics already had this though) will help as would installing a thermostatically controlled engine oil cooler solution. Have the T2 radiator re-cored. Good luck, Stefan -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 25, 2005 11:56 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: SD> Rebuild, Crate or Used engine? Hi All I going to pickup a Shelby Lancer this weekend that needs an engine. The engine has the knock, knock, knock thing going on. So my question is, rebuild the engine to keep the numbers matching or get a crate engine from a builder, or find a used engine and take a chance. I'm thinking just rebuilding the original (if it can be rebuilt) to keep it numbers matching it will cost about 1500.00. This car is going to be my Sunday driver so it doesn't need to hi po just reliable. Roy 86 GLHS #200 87 Shelby Lancer #781 5sp cloth 81 Fiat Spider LE #501 81 Fiat X1/9 -----------------------REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING---------------------- ------ Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/ To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html -----------------------REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING---------------------------- Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/ To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html
