Poll: Has your SPI dropped a valve seat?

[rachel4291]

I am at 181,000 and still doing good. At almost 200,000 I wouldn't say that its probable, but more of an inevitability. In my case i think it's just luck, I'm hoping for 200,000 when it happens I've already decided to do the zetec swap.

[amc49]

I am quite sure that some engines make it to the junkyard without dropping a seat, but then again some Chevy Vegas went the distance without screwing up too, even so, that car developed such a bad rep that GM first changed the name of the car and then dropped it from the line.

It may not even be half, but even 30 or 40% will get you bumped into Consumer Reports no man's land.

[Ispi]

My 03 SPI is at 155,000 miles and going strong

I really baby it while the engine is cold, and use 2 oz. Lucas upper cylinder lubricant at each fill up. The UCL seems to give me an additional 1 MPG, but may also help keep the valves clean. May need some luck to get to 200,000 miles with out the inevitable valve seat drop.

I will be taking my chances for now, but will consider pulling the head and bringing it to a shop for the usual service (hardened seats, etc.)

[Donnyd21]

My SPI Escort did @ 173k miles, dropped #4, fixed it by adding a USED piston/rod from a JY motor, did not remove motor, new bearings, etc. Running good now

My 2002 SPI Focus that I just picked up a few days ago for $400 did the same thing, dropped a vlv seat on #4 @ 98k miles, ordered 4 new pistons and remaned head, again doing a motor in car rebuild. Total cost for BOTH cars will be $1000 to fix ($500 each). This car will be worth $4k when im done with it but I may keep it as a DD or sell the escort.