pufferfish
Supporting Vendor
Well, as luck would have it, I'm in the market for a short block. Here's the story:
I was at Summit Point this past weekend for a fun birthday weekend and my first event of the season. My second session, I noticed my oil temp spiking. I got off track to let it cool and started planning my air-to-oil cooler (I only run the boss cooler now). I pulled the dipstick and while there was plenty of oil, the stick was scorchingly hot. I knew then, there was a problem. What, I just couldn't say. I didn't want to say anything and quitely packed up and blamed it on the rain. Got it out and apart this week and found #3 rod bearing welded to the crank, as well as 2, 3 and 4 main bearings with partial "re-clocking". I can't find any reason for it? Whole top end is well lubed and looking perfect. I disected the oil pump and its all good. Maybe theirs blockage in the oil galleys? Anyhow, the crank is toast and the block is iffy. It took some heat. Cast aluminum that has been locally over heated scares me. The rods all look perfect (even #3), but I will have to measure them to make sure. So, I need a block, crank and bearings at a minimum.
This got me searching the web. Getting replacement parts is no problem and way less expensive than buying a built short block...as well as being available now instead of waiting 4-6 weeks for it to be built. Then, as we do, I evaluate upgrade options. If something needs to be torn out, its natural for power junkies to look at upgrading. Well, with all the Voodoo buzz and constantly having the DG Racing boss with its built 5.2 in my shop, I think about the possibility of having a 5.2 for myself. Well, the M-6007-A52XS doesn't appear to be available for purchase yet, but its going to be expensive. I talked to MMR and they can get me a re-sleeved 5.2 short block for $7000 and I can wait 6 weeks for it. But then, I see this: M-6010-M52, which is the part number for the Voodoo 5.2 block! From all I've heard, it has the coyote architecture, which should allow the coyote crank, heads, timing components and everything else to be bolted up. With a fully functional top end, I could potentially be in the 5.2L game on the cheap.
I am going to start evaluating this...hopefully in a hurry. I want to have my car back togehter for Superfest in 1 month.
I have already confirmed Manley has a 3.700 forged piston with all the rest of the dimensions the same as the standard 1.630 piston. I am awaiting price and availability right now. Then piston rings. I need to evaluate the Manley ring package for their piston verses something more exotic, like the Total Seal gapless top ring package. With all the rest of the dimensions being the same, the standard issue Manley H-beam forged rod will be spec'd. I will have to find out which of the Ford cranks are the cheapest. The choices are the F150, the GT or the Boss. All are the same forged piece, but with different balancing. Since it will have to be re-balanced, it doesn't matter which. For the balancing, I will have to enlist an engine builder to balance the rotating assembly.
The goal is to get a forged 5.2 short block that costs no more than buying an MMR forged 5.0 short block for $5000 (including shipping). If I can't achieve that, then I will abort and just get the components to repair my engine. Wish me luck!
I was at Summit Point this past weekend for a fun birthday weekend and my first event of the season. My second session, I noticed my oil temp spiking. I got off track to let it cool and started planning my air-to-oil cooler (I only run the boss cooler now). I pulled the dipstick and while there was plenty of oil, the stick was scorchingly hot. I knew then, there was a problem. What, I just couldn't say. I didn't want to say anything and quitely packed up and blamed it on the rain. Got it out and apart this week and found #3 rod bearing welded to the crank, as well as 2, 3 and 4 main bearings with partial "re-clocking". I can't find any reason for it? Whole top end is well lubed and looking perfect. I disected the oil pump and its all good. Maybe theirs blockage in the oil galleys? Anyhow, the crank is toast and the block is iffy. It took some heat. Cast aluminum that has been locally over heated scares me. The rods all look perfect (even #3), but I will have to measure them to make sure. So, I need a block, crank and bearings at a minimum.
This got me searching the web. Getting replacement parts is no problem and way less expensive than buying a built short block...as well as being available now instead of waiting 4-6 weeks for it to be built. Then, as we do, I evaluate upgrade options. If something needs to be torn out, its natural for power junkies to look at upgrading. Well, with all the Voodoo buzz and constantly having the DG Racing boss with its built 5.2 in my shop, I think about the possibility of having a 5.2 for myself. Well, the M-6007-A52XS doesn't appear to be available for purchase yet, but its going to be expensive. I talked to MMR and they can get me a re-sleeved 5.2 short block for $7000 and I can wait 6 weeks for it. But then, I see this: M-6010-M52, which is the part number for the Voodoo 5.2 block! From all I've heard, it has the coyote architecture, which should allow the coyote crank, heads, timing components and everything else to be bolted up. With a fully functional top end, I could potentially be in the 5.2L game on the cheap.
I am going to start evaluating this...hopefully in a hurry. I want to have my car back togehter for Superfest in 1 month.
I have already confirmed Manley has a 3.700 forged piston with all the rest of the dimensions the same as the standard 1.630 piston. I am awaiting price and availability right now. Then piston rings. I need to evaluate the Manley ring package for their piston verses something more exotic, like the Total Seal gapless top ring package. With all the rest of the dimensions being the same, the standard issue Manley H-beam forged rod will be spec'd. I will have to find out which of the Ford cranks are the cheapest. The choices are the F150, the GT or the Boss. All are the same forged piece, but with different balancing. Since it will have to be re-balanced, it doesn't matter which. For the balancing, I will have to enlist an engine builder to balance the rotating assembly.
The goal is to get a forged 5.2 short block that costs no more than buying an MMR forged 5.0 short block for $5000 (including shipping). If I can't achieve that, then I will abort and just get the components to repair my engine. Wish me luck!