Opinions about Man-A-Fre engines?

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msahr

msahr

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So after Jason at Truckwerks got my engine he thought it looked a little strange.... pulled the head and oops... rust in the cylinders and needs a rebuild or replacement! I had THOUGHT it was a good motor but that's another issue. So thinking about a rebuilt Man-A-Fre engine, any opinions on these? Personal experience? Thanks!
 
I have heard good and bad about their engines.

Define "rust in the cylinders", did the engine run well before storage? Is it going to be a daily driver or weekend toy?
 
#6 has about an 1/8th" coating all around it. the 3 other cylinders I could see based on piston position looked like the walls had some scoring. No evidence of head gasket problems and the intake had what seemed to be water staining in it below the carb. Seems to me that the enging may have spent a night or two out in the weather, sitting with the nose tilted up. Water down the carb ran into #6 and rusted away. Not a HUGE deal, but not a running motor none the less.

The motor looks to me to be rebuildable but I wouldn't call it a "good runner" from what I saw.


SMALL BLOCK IT!
 
I have the MAF engine, very smooth but only 300 miles so far. Power seems good, nothing to brag about but better than my old 1987 FJ60.

Only one complaint, had a front timing gear cover leak once it was up and running.

After making local calls on the cost to re-build the original 6, I came to the conclusion that a MAF rebuild was not too far off the mark.

Bottom line....happy so far.
 
Tools R Us said:
Define "rust in the cylinders", did the engine run well before storage? Is it going to be a daily driver or weekend toy?
Click to expand...

See for yourself...

Rusty2FpicsforMark007.jpg


Rusty2FpicsforMark006.jpg


Rusty2FpicsforMark005.jpg


Rusty2FpicsforMark003.jpg
 
Jason and I discussed this and called around, MAF wants $4000 :eek: plus $1000 core charge AND $300 shipping, plus you have to pay to have your old core shipped back. Nice.

Specter has used engines that they "service" (new rings and valve job) guaranteed I think for 6 months, 6000 mi. $2000 inc. core plus shipping.

Rhino, you have a PM... :D

BMAN, I did the 350 in a FJ40 a while back with my 74. It was a 350 from a older Camaro Z28 (4 bolt mains, balanced and blueprinted, 650 CFM carb, Edelbrock intake, bored .060 over, double-row timing chain, HEI, fenderwell headers, etc etc) liked it, but it's just now where I want to go with the current rig.

I have a significant investment in the 6-cyl route. Bought a whole bunch of goodies for the replacement inc clutch, starter, headers, exhaust, power steering kit, etc.
 
msahr said:
Jason and I discussed this and called around, MAF wants $4000 :eek: plus $1000 core charge AND $300 shipping, plus you have to pay to have your old core shipped back. Nice.
quote]

The last time I was in Marana Tim Hill had a running 2F he just pulled outa a forty that he was parting out. He usually has several laying around most of the time.......
Click to expand...
 
msahr said:
Jason and I discussed this and called around, MAF wants $4000 :eek: plus $1000 core charge AND $300 shipping, plus you have to pay to have your old core shipped back. Nice.

Specter has used engines that they "service" (new rings and valve job) guaranteed I think for 6 months, 6000 mi. $2000 inc. core plus shipping.

Rhino, you have a PM... :D

BMAN, I did the 350 in a FJ40 a while back with my 74. It was a 350 from a older Camaro Z28 (4 bolt mains, balanced and blueprinted, 650 CFM carb, Edelbrock intake, bored .060 over, double-row timing chain, HEI, fenderwell headers, etc etc) liked it, but it's just now where I want to go with the current rig.

I have a significant investment in the 6-cyl route. Bought a whole bunch of goodies for the replacement inc clutch, starter, headers, exhaust, power steering kit, etc.
Click to expand...


I was just giving ya hell more than anything... I saw the pile-o-parts at the shop, so I know what's tied up in this swap.
 
Unseat the #6 valves and have a look behind the valve seats. I suspect a cracked head.
Find a used head,remove oil pan and #6 piston clean piston and cylinder bore. Clean surfaces and slap it all back together.....But thats what I would do. Good luck.

Forgot to add. I did all this 10 years ago and since the repairs it has still been running strong.
 
Last edited:
i built mine and copied what they have in thiers.

bored it
rv cam

i love it!

you can build a block and head cheaper than thiers, it's all the extra add ons that add up :eek:

like new ignition,carb ect.ect.

were you using that block as a boat anchor? :eek: that looks awfull

jim
 
I have a ATK rebuilt in my 60.

http://www.atk-engines.com/

The previous, previous PO had it installed at about 190K. It's got 207K on it now.

No complaints about it.
 
yotanut said:
Unseat the #6 valves and have a look behind the valve seats. I suspect a cracked head.
Find a used head,remove oil pan and #6 piston clean piston and cylinder bore. Clean surfaces and slap it all back together.....But thats what I would do. Good luck.

Forgot to add. I did all this 10 years ago and since the repairs it has still been running strong.
Click to expand...
Howdy! Yea, I would try cledaning it up and putting it back together. Run for a while to see where your at, then pick up another 2F to bench-build at your leisure. Drop that one in later. Gets you on the road sooner, and spreads out the $$$ a little easier. John
 
It looks bad, but isn't, it's all "new" surface rust, there is no pitting, the bores look good, no ridge. You could just scrape the rust off, clean it and run. I would push the pistons out, hone the cylinders, install new rings and bearings, then drive, probably good for another 250,000 miles give or take!:D If it were mine, I wouldn't even rebuild the head, it had good compression, just clean it up and change the guide seals.
 
I saw no evidence of a cracked or leaking head, block or gasket, it looked like it ran clean other than slightly leaking valve stem seals.
 
I just checked the name of the engine shop who rebuilds for Man-A-Fre....Eddings Engine in San Fernando, CA. http://www.eddingsengine.com/home/.

MAF core is refunded once the get your rebuildable core. $3500 for a rebuilt long block. $4000 for their HO motor.

Maybe Eddings will deal direct and save some middle man mark up.
 
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