Where to buy
It’s all well and good knowing what engine you want for your car, but where do you look to actually buy it?
Specialists
The safest place to buy because if there’s a problem, it can be easily sorted. The majority of classic Ford second-hand parts specialists keep a selection of engines in stock, from classic to more modern, including Escort Tec, Rally & Competition Equipment and many others. They’ve also been known to buy up stocks of new-old stock crate engines too — Zetec specialists, Retro Ford offer Zetec, ST170 and Duratec crate engines from time to time.
Breakers
The decline of traditional breakers means you might have to put your faith in your local dismantlers — nothing wrong with that, most are very reputable, plus you don’t get quite so dirty. However, getting a guarantee on any engine you buy is essential. Most are short like 10 days so don’t leave the engine lying around before you put it in. Do the deed and try it or take a gamble.
On the modern engines you also need to make sure you get everything you want — like the ECU and wiring. If it’s a classic type of engine you’re after, then the breakers/dismantlers aren’t actually such a good bet. Basically the engines themselves are too old and the possibility of serious problems with them is very high. Anything remotely classic means buying from a specialist.
Online
Let’s face it, the online the world revolves around eBay and Facebook Marketplace, and everyone knows what the score is there. But bargains are getting rare, plus whatever you’re buying tends to be the other end of the country. Nevertheless it can be a very good source of engines and even more so for complete donor cars. Our advice would be to go and see whatever you’re buying first, although if you can’t do that and the ad says it’s a runner and in great nick make sure it is when you get there. If it’s not exactly as the seller described it as then we reckon you’re well within your rights to say you’ve changed your mind.
Enthusiasts
The other option is to make contact with other enthusiasts like you and us. That means searching relevant websites and groups, owners’ clubs, plus good old word of mouth. You’re more likely to buy a dismantled engine this way too. However, don’t be naïve and take the seller’s word that all’s fine — check everything!