Need Some mechanic Advise

[Hoosier Gun Coat]

Last April I bought an old ambulance to redo/fix-up for tailgating. This is what it looked like when I got it.



I worked on it from April to August, everynight. Here's what it looks like now. The inside has been completely redone as well.





Here's my problem. It has a Ford 460 with a 3 speed transmission. It is starting to leak oil....bad. Which is the best option, rebuild or replace? The ideal situation would be something that doesn't leak and a transmission that has more than 3 speeds.

[clickclickboom]

how much does that thing weigh? What's your budget?

Obviously the best thing would be a modern injected motor with a overdrive tranny. However, if you only drive this thing 500 miles a year, then it's a waste of money, and you'll never make it up in gas saved.

in that case, pull it out, have it checked by a machine shop, if all is well get a gasket kit, and put it back together.

Nice rig.

go hoosiers!

[Hammer]

A rebuild on the 460 would be the cheapest, as you already have the block and the motor mounts are already there in place.

Is the 3 speed you have in there now an automatic or standard?

If it is an automatic, it will most likely be a C6 transmission which if it is is almost bullet proof (do not test it though) and a good choice for a heavy vehicle. If fuel mileage is what you are after, remember what you are driving.

[Fenway]

I don't know about the oil leak but that is Awesome!

[Hoosier Gun Coat]

Originally Posted by clickclickboom

how much does that thing weigh? What's your budget?

Obviously the best thing would be a modern injected motor with a overdrive tranny. However, if you only drive this thing 500 miles a year, then it's a waste of money, and you'll never make it up in gas saved.

in that case, pull it out, have it checked by a machine shop, if all is well get a gasket kit, and put it back together.

Nice rig.

go hoosiers!

The thing is heavy. Especially on game day. Budget? As cheap as possible.

Originally Posted by Hammer

A rebuild on the 460 would be the cheapest, as you already have the block and the motor mounts are already there in place.

Is the 3 speed you have in there now an automatic or standard?

If it is an automatic, it will most likely be a C6 transmission which if it is is almost bullet proof (do not test it though) and a good choice for a heavy vehicle. If fuel mileage is what you are after, remember what you are driving.

Tranny is an automatic. Fuel mileage doesn't matter. I'm mainly wanting the piece of mind that it isn't going to blow up going down the highway. Oh I failed to mention that the valves rattle like dry beans in a metal can.

[Kingrat]

does it run ok other than the rattling and leaking?
good oil pressure? doesnt overheat?

assuming there isnt anything majorly wrong, i would have a mechanic check the rocker arms and readjust the lash/preload depending on cam, and do a compression check, if it checks out reasonably well and even between the cylinders, i would just pull off whatever is leaking and re-seal it

[NateIU10]

Oh...Em...Gee...

[Hammer]

Sounds like it just needs a little TLC. And with a good rebuild, that tranny will hold up better than a new one will.

[bwframe]

I'm not a mechanic, but according to how old that looks, it might be looking for premium and, or leaded gas. Old Fords are notorious for rear main seal oil leakage after 100k miles.

BTW - great job on the restoration/customization.

[Fenway]

It would be cool to have an INGO vehicle for events. An ambulance might be a bit messed up though