Just my luck...

Topic: Just my luck... (Read 888 times) previous topic - next topic

Just my luck...

June 08, 2009, 03:27:13 AM

That seems to be the best way to explain how things have been going.

Buy a motor to rebuild at my pace and learn on, mine starts to knock. Figure its safer to buy a trusted, built short block then rush myself on my first attempt. Couldnt find what i was looking for, and when i did i missed them. So then I find one that is in better shape than my current block and set up a date to pick up. That night guy i know calls and wants to trade my short block for Mass air sensor (cal 24#), piggy back, computer, and 24# injectors. Hell of a deal for me. How perfect did things play out there and in so little time. So I call him after work and he backs out. Next morning go to borrow the truck to get the other motor, guy sold it.

At this point I just give up on it and figure I better find a good machine shop and quit wasting time. So I post over on SHOForum in the STL Club about local shops. That is when one of the guys tells me one of the cars is for possible sale. James' of St Louis SHO, Green Gen I+. God does still love me. So I figure since it isnt totally decided I had a little head start to get the money. Now it isnt seeming that way. Got the feeling from him today that he needs it gone soon so I might miss out.

So here is where I am now. I have given up on a motor for the Cougar. After I spent the money doing all that I would be around $1000 if I was lucky. Then I would need a tune. Once it was in the tranny would be next to go, on and on. Plus all the other work I need to do to the car, it would exceed $2500 very quickly to be at the point the SHO is at. I am at the point that I need a car, not a project to drive daily.

I am trying to do anything and everything (that is legal) in my power to make money. Selling off whatever I have, working as many hours as I can get, trying to find odd jobs to make any little money I can. I am at about $400 right now I think. $2100 short. That wont do a thing for him.

Good news, went and picked up a Cherokee for my Dad tonight. $1500, family deal. One less thing to worry about now. Anyone want a rice?:D

End of my rant. Need to get back into my "positive" mind set.

Just my luck...

Reply #1 – June 08, 2009, 08:22:35 AM

Just keep saving money.Patience goes a long way.It's not like all the engines will be gone very soon.There are 5.0's everywhere.One will show up.Keep checking salvage yards for an Explorer with the 5.0. Great starting point.Check the classifieds,trader papers,and even Ebay for a "nearest first" deal.It's like a treasure hunt.You keep looking and you'll find what you need.Believe me,That's how I built the Sport.I just got a brand new TC header panel for less than $120.00 shipped.Not too bad of a deal.Deals are out there.One piece at a time.

Just my luck...

Reply #2 – June 08, 2009, 08:44:35 AM

sounds like your running in circles, been there to.

try this site , it will help you find what you are looking for in local yards.

stick to one plan and dont change is my advice. we all spend more on our cars than what we originally budget for even if its just a small amount.

In the end, all new drive train / power plant parts on your car will not exceed the cost of a new one. THink like that and you wont mind spending.

getting the cash is something we all struggle with. your a hard working ethical kind a guy , a good deal will crop up for you soon.
http://www.car-part.com/

Just my luck...

Reply #3 – June 08, 2009, 10:09:18 AM

Vinnie my major concern was time. I was feeling like I had to have it done a lot faster than I really did. I have been looking for complete Ex motors now. makes more sense.

Quote from: jcassity;276422

sounds like your running in circles, been there to.

stick to one plan and dont change is my advice.

True, and that is the hard part with me. If you look back on almost everything I plan, 90% of the time it doesnt come out like my original plan. It is usually closer to my 3rd or 4th.

I really see the cost being close if not exceeding getting the SHO. Should be talking to him again this week to figure out what is going to happen.

Just my luck...

Reply #4 – June 08, 2009, 10:40:36 AM

Getting in a rush can often make the costs go a lot higher than necessary./Check the Corral forums.Engines are all over that place for sale.Perhaps one is close to you.Also,don't forget about Mark VII's.You may also want to look for a complete car with the engine you can use.Sometimes a donor car is actually cheaper in the long run than buying a load of needed parts separately.

Just my luck...

Reply #5 – June 08, 2009, 10:46:57 AM

Late model restoration has 5.0 short blocks for sale at $699 plus shipping. That's not a bad price but it all depends what you want to do with it.

Just my luck...

Reply #6 – June 08, 2009, 01:06:00 PM

Quote from: vinnietbird;276448

Getting in a rush can often make the costs go a lot higher than necessary./Check the Corral forums.Engines are all over that place for sale.Perhaps one is close to you.Also,don't forget about Mark VII's.You may also want to look for a complete car with the engine you can use.Sometimes a donor car is actually cheaper in the long run than buying a load of needed parts separately.

Vinnie I have seriously thought about that. I want a Mark rear for my car plus I can sell the parts I dont need and still s the rest. They seem to be hard to find around me lately.

The rush thing is why I didnt want to build it myself. Since it would be my first attempt, and just as the title says, it would be my luck I slip up on one little thing and then I am farther back then where I started. I found a low mile Ex 302 that was complete and only had 89xxx IIRC for $600 i believe a few months ago. Wish I had the money. Thanks for all the ideas, I need some input from others right now.

Quote from: 04FordHarleyF250;276452

Late model restoration has 5.0 short blocks for sale at $699 plus shipping. That's not a bad price but it all depends what you want to do with it.

That isnt bad at all depending on what they are. Thanks I will look into that. Thanks

Another thing about all this I am going to be making some long drives this fall. My gf is going to school about 3 hrs away, which is also one of the schools I have been thinking of transfering. That is a lot of miles, and a lot of wear. Have to remember that the majority of my car is still STOCK parts.

Just my luck...

Reply #7 – June 08, 2009, 01:21:36 PM

I have an SO block sitting here in my way...and you have a PM

Just my luck...

Reply #8 – June 08, 2009, 05:16:31 PM

Dont forget the crown vic's. If I were you I would just get a e6 block from any 86-91 crownvic and throw it in there for $100. Then rebuild your old motor or wait for a good deal on a 5.0 mustang or explorer motor.

Just my luck...

Reply #9 – June 08, 2009, 06:01:57 PM

Hang in there man, it will all come together at some point in the future :D