I'm just tallying up complete timing job plus HLAs and rollers at $1600 versus a reman'd engine for $2900. It's an 05 Expedition with 157k miles that is in wonderful shape. I just can't decide what makes more sense. I also wonder whether a reman'd engine would have quality parts.

 

Are you doing the work/swap or getting a shop to supply the labor?

AER seems to be a good choice for remans, but a fair amount more $$$ than $2900.

If you have the means/will, I'd be inclined to do a small rebuild myself.

 

If you go reman route, I’d recommend making a detailed list of the parts you are concerned about, and get it in writing from reman company about what is/was actually used. In my experience, it is very difficult to get them to disclose exactly what they use. Seems they like to say “OEM or equivalent”, but that leaves it up to argument/interpretation as to what “equivalent” actually means.

 

Unless they've gone up considerably in 18 months, which they might well have, my AER produced 5.4 3v was $2900.....extra $200 for the "no fault" warranty....total $3100. Ford dealer installed was $4300 total....best I remember. I replaced pretty much EVERYthing while the engine was out.... manifolds, entire cooling/charging/AC systems, sensors, wiring, etc....total, ALL in, was $7100. 20k miles so far and its been flawless. Drives as new....

 

We just installed the Fraser Gold HD or such. I am very happy with the purchase. Only have about 1000 miles at this time. Just installed last month.

 

Almost all remans come from the same production lines. Dont fall for the retail branding gimmick, LKQ owns the supply / production and all of these names are the same motors. Call and ask the tech reps. Knowing that either buy on price or go to one that is owned by lkq like a local builder or powertrain.

 

Thanks for the info. I've only ever bought one engine and decided on the seller based on good reviews, a decent warranty and their response to my questions. It is scary to know that this entire industry is pretty much owned by one company, and lkq is not exactly a customer oriented company.

 

Does LKQ own AER? I don't think that they do. IF I'm correct then your assertion wouldn't be exactly correct.

You're technically correct in that most remans are manufactured by a limited number of companies. You're also correct that numerous resellers APPEAR to remanufacture, but, in reality are nothing more than resellers.

However, I don't think LKQ remanufactures engines for Ford and I KNOW AER does and a LOT of em..... including the one in my truck. BTW, I saved several thousand dollars by going through a reseller rather than directly through Ford.....for the EXACT same engine.

When the techs at my buddies Ford dealership installed my engine they were astounded at the quality of the engine. They all remarked how it was EXACTLY like the "Ford remanufactured" engines they were accustomed to installing. (and they opened it up)

Well it did look exactly alike, and for good reason. It was and is EXACTLY the same engine. Ford doesn't remanufacture 5.4 3v's, AER does FOR Ford....at least in our region.

I can also vouch for the fact that it's a fine engine. All of the original overengineering has been corrected, etc. At least to the highest degree possible within the 5.4 framework.

I'm very satisfied with my engine through 20k miles of absolutely flawless service.....runs like brand new.....because it essentially is.

Powersource out of Memphis (a reseller) was also great to work with in procuring my engine. They get their engines from AER and will freely tell you this. They'll also tell you exactly how the system works....the reman process....reselling process, etc

 

???? Did I say AER was owned by LKQ? Only reason I know ATK, Jasper, Surefire and like 5 others are is because I called the tech lead from LKQ and asked him. Not to hard to figure out. You say AER is outsourced Ford then whatever you say.

You have 3 choices for remans:
1. OEM
2. volume production aftermarket
3. Specialty machine shops

Ive done all 3 with good outcomes, all 5.4s. For the OP last thing I would do is buy a branded reman just because some dude online says he has 20k of flawless miles on one but thats just me. If your gonna do that at least follow the fordtechmakuloco guys recs.

L8er

 

I agree thats why I told u. As long as the warranty is solid and executable ur good. Make sure the warranty covers labor and shipping to some degree. And ur installer isnt afraid of doing warranty claims cause he will need to do it.