I've found a "low miles" SPFI EA82 that I want to put in my 87 XT that has a blown MPFI. All I need to do is swap the heads (after I rebuild them) and bolt it in right?

 

Bill

Should work fine. Only difference I know of between the SPFI and MPFI shortblocks is the MPFIs run at a compression of 9:1 and the SPFIs run at 9.5:1. It should work just fine.

The MPFI block has an extra PCV vent near the top-center-back of the block which the SPFI does not, and an oil-separator chamber/plate to feed it. The SPFI block is also not tapped for the knock sensor, although it does have the cast boss for one. BTW, what is "blown" with your MPFI block?

BTW, what is "blown" with your MPFI block?

 

so this aint a simple swap.....

 

Blown?...head gasket on right side is the most recent thing to go but its been blowin oil on start up for years, low compression (possibly due to the head gaskets) and its got a cam follower(s) that looses prime for no particular reason other than possibly a bad oil pump.

 

other than that..She's cherry....

 

I guess Im kinda surprized at only 157k on this engine...Im assuming the original owner (im 2nd owner) must have really abused the car. I got it 10 years ago and at that point it had 92k on it and a broke timing belt. Fixed that and a few other things along the way but its never really felt "right". I even put head gaskets on about 30k ago (6 years ago - non factory set - I've learned my lesson after reading other posts here) but compression was still down (130) after that. Now that I've blown another one, I'll put a dealer/factory set on this time.

 

It sounds like I just need to pull the engine, split the case and get the job done rather than trying to drop in a replacement heart

 

Bill

Most of the ills you cited seem to be head-related, with the possible exception of oil-pump. Low compression (was it evenly low?) could be head-related. Out of curiosity, do you remember what the top of the pistons looked like during your HG replacement? Dished, maybe? I am wondering if someone stuck a turbo block in there...

Most of the ills you cited seem to be head-related, with the possible exception of oil-pump. Low compression (was it evenly low?) could be head-related. Out of curiosity, do you remember what the top of the pistons looked like during your HG replacement? Dished, maybe? I am wondering if someone stuck a turbo block in there...

 

dont remember the piston tops... that was a looong time ago (in a Fairlane far far away)

 

you dont think the oil on start up is rings?

 

Bill

Oil on startup is usually valve seals. Also, if you overheated it when the head gasket went, the heads may have cracked.

I do agree that the majority of the problems you listed affect the heads.

Oil on startup is usually valve seals. Also, if you overheated it when the head gasket went, the heads may have cracked.

I do agree that the majority of the problems you listed affect the heads.

Ditto re: oil on startup. Another indication of valve seals is after a period of overrun (engine braking) and/or idling, does the first application of power send out a puff of oil smoke? Being SPFI, doubt that there is a head-crack issue; doesn't seem to be common with them. MPFI/turbos have the bifg problem.

Ditto re: oil on startup. Another indication of valve seals is after a period of overrun (engine braking) and/or idling, does the first application of power send out a puff of oil smoke? Being SPFI, doubt that there is a head-crack issue; doesn't seem to be common with them. MPFI/turbos have the bifg problem.

 

Only smoke is at start up and it IS an MPFI

 

Bill

...and it IS an MPFI

 

Bill

Sorry, misread first post and didn't remember from previous reading... tired

Sorry, misread first post and didn't remember from previous reading... tired

 

hey...absolutely no sweat