Why not just build this one into a performance motor?

 

I thought about taking the time and building this one but I really want to drive it around some and the pecking noise makes me insane. Since the 17 yo daughter laid claim to the 97 D1, I'm disco less. Have other vehicles but nothing cool. Lol.

 

I guess its nice to have the money to not care what is wrong with the current motor.

Unless you've left out some details all you've done is run some marvel and seafoam through it.

might be a good idea to see what you can do about the tic if anything while the engine is in the truck and running.

Generally speaking the best approach is to know what's wrong before spending money... even if you have it to spend.

 

If you're planning on building the old engine with performance in mind, I'd just toss the new one in. Maybe replacing any obviously leaking gaskets. It sounds like this is just to get you by until you get the 5.0 built. No sense in spending good money, just to pull it back out a year later.

 

I own a small ambulance service and currently use the 97' to get people in and out of where they shouldn't be. As well as pulling stuck ambulances, vehicles, downed trees, etc. It earns its keep every time it goes out.
I was able to run the donor car prior to pulling the engine. Done compression on it and all was good with no noises.
I am meticulous about all things vehicles as you'd expect with 12 ambulances running everyday. If it's questionable, it gets replaced, before it breaks with something new and better.
It's not I have an unlimited budget, I just need to for sure know what's under the hood. When I turn the key it has to go and I only have 1200 in the truck as it sits. Ordered the usual stuff, ultraguage, lift, winch, tires n whatnots to make it go where I need for now.
And the 5.0 build will be a few months of tinkering with it after researching and sourcing parts. Even when the 5.0 is in, this engine will be cleaned and crated for the next project I absolutely don't need.

List so far
Steering pump and hoses ( it squeals even after flush and Lucas)
Water pump
Head gaskets and stud kit
Cam and lifters (since the heads are off, might as well)
Timing set.
Gasket kit.
And of course powder coating everything that I can. Dirty anything under a hood makes me twitch. Lol
Lots of opinions and notes taken. About to push the button to start the orders.
So am I missing anything?

 

Oil pump for sure while it's apart.

Coils and wires are a good idea.

I'd replace the crankshaft position sensor. They tend to randomly fail and leave you stranded, and are a PITA to swap. So if it's history is unknown, I'd swap it.

Get the best head gaskets you can.

RTV everything except the head gasket itself.