Timing Chain or Motor Swap

[s197jaden]

Im stuck between getting the timing chains done by a shop or just swapping the motor myself. I’ve read that the motor needs pulled to do the chains anyway so why not just swap it. just looking for input/ information. thankyou!

2008 4.0 Mustang 162k mi

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

If your motor is otherwise healthy, it's probably better to stick to the devil you know and replace the timing systems on both sides rather than gamble on a used motor with an unknown history.

 

[wildlifeguy]

If you get a used engine, how long will those timing chains last? My thoughts are that the most cost effective of the 2 options listed is to find a used one that has had the timing chains done when pulled. However, if you can handle pulling the engine yourself, you can probably handle the timing system yourself. I can't imagine what a shop would charge to do it. I did it and it was relatively painless, even with a cheap ebay timing tool.

 

[DieHarder]

Changing out timing chains on a 4.0 is a bit tricky in some aspects. There are some YouTube vids on it and few threads on this forum you can reference. More online:

https://www.s197forum.com/threads/4-0l-new-timing-chains-and-guides.141270/