Spi threw a rod. Where to get shortblock?

[FocusPilot]

Hi guys. I just bought an 03 SOHC sedan lx with a blown motor. After tearing it down I found out the number 4 cylinder had thrown a rod and it made a big gouge in the cylinder wall so the block is unserviceable. The head is still in pretty good shape although it did take a beating on the number 4. I am looking for rebuilt shortblock or a low mileage shortblock and wonder what year model cars have blocks that will bolt up. I saw some 99 tracers and 00 escorts that had a variant of the split port injection at the local junkyard and I was wondering if a shortblock from those motors would bolt up to my heads. Thanks.

Steve

[Sponsor]

[viney266]

JUst do a whole motor swap, its prolly easier and the SPI doesn't cost that much used.

[FocusPilot]

Originally Posted by viney266

JUst do a whole motor swap, its prolly easier and the SPI doesn't cost that much used.

Thanks for the reply. I haven't been able to find a reasonably priced motor at the local junkyard. They want $950 and don't even know how many miles are on it. Apparently the SPI motors are going for 1200-1700 at most junkyards.

[viney266]

Ouch! I figured they would be 500-600 bucks..I guess I was off on that price.

[j-zetec_pr]

would a Zetec be easier to find than an SPI?

[FocusPilot]

Originally Posted by j-zetec_pr

would a Zetec be easier to find than an SPI?

Yep Zetecs are a dime a dozen averaging $400 for a low mile used engine. I'm just not wanting to spend the time to do a swap. My focus is going to be my daily driver. My other car is a muscle car so I plan on keeping my focus relatively stock.

[FocusPilot]

Ok after doing some research I figured out that the escort, tracer blocks/engines will not work on the Focus cars. There are no bolt holes on the block for the focus drive axles to mount. The head on the escort doesn't have the motor mounting studs for the focus. So it won't work either. And thanks to all the escort owners buying up all the 2.0 blocks there is now a shortage of blocks.

[FocusPilot]

Here is an interesting site with info on the history of the SPI block/heads. SPI engines are known for dropping valve seats in the combustion chamber when overheated. The pieces will tear up one cylinder/head and then make their way into the other cylinders by way of the intake manifold.

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ar/eb90336.htm

[FocusPilot]

I found a remanufactured engine from Pep Boys for $1925 with a 3yr unlimited mile warranty. I think due to the track record of this motor it would be wise to get a warranty.

[loudfocus01]

That link two posts up has some good info. Thanks for posting that.
Now I better check my fan relays to make sure my fans are still coming on.
At least now we know why these engines drop valve seats. Great info there.