Engine swap...any pitfalls to watch out for ?

[Jonzo]

After the big ends deciding they didn't want to play with the horses anymore, i have finally sourced another engine that seems in good shape and a good healthy runner. Getting it stripped down, cleaned up and complete set of new gaskets throughout.
Are there any potential problems to watch out for, doing a swap over? Any elements that are modified to suit the 'S' etc ? The exhaust manifolds look a barrel of laughs to negotiate for starters!

The guys doing the work are experienced in building thunder-saloons and racing-ford engines so its safe in their hands, just wondered if there was anything to forewarn them of.

[RichardR]

Is this the 2.8 or 2.9?

I think the positioning of the alternator's different on the 2.9, and the arrangment of the belt is different i.e. one long belt instead of two smaller belts, as there's no power steering pump.

Don't know how far the cooling system changes go either.

[Jonzo]

Its a 1989 2.9 V6 Cologne.

[Psychobert]

Knew someone that did this on a kit car a few years ago; don't do what he did which was half way through decide on a high lift cam, ported heads and various other things.. If thats on the cards, price it all up before you start the job, added quite a bit more to the cost IIRC..

[Jonzo]

Yep, going to get the flywheel lightened and balanced and possibly ported heads depending on costs. My wallet is already whimpering in the corner !