jerniganj90

Ok, sounds great, thanks. Gonna get on the hunt for a Windsor, mine has a sticker on the valve cover that says it

Snake plissken

When it sounds/looks like a crazy deal it most likely is, as in this case. There's a high probability the previous owner knew the condition of the motor. YOU CANT TRUST ANYTHING PEOPLE TELL YOU.
When you find another motor, don't trust what they tell you. Expect to have to crack it open as well and who knows what your going to find. So let's say this new used motor costs $1000 and you still need to spend money on it. Do you feel like this project is worth it? By the time you finish you may very well spend more money than if you just went out and bought a truck that is running for its normal going price and you would not have to bust your knuckles on it.
Might be best to just get rid of it and learn from it.

jerniganj90

I agree and thanks for the advice. I did find a stripped down short block and heads locally for $300 out of a 98 f150. I think this might be the way to go because even if it's total junk it's not a massive loss, but it seems ok.

Obviously I don't want to burn money, but I'd also rather build the engine back up with all new parts rather than getting an engine for $1000+ and have unknown history and mileage.

Also have been considering a Navigator 4v swap. Looks like after some research there isn't too much to worry about there. Not sure yet that's the way I want to go because my goal is to get this truck back on the road sooner rather than later.
I don't really wanna be stuck in custom modification hell. I'd rather it be running and driving again than to be able to say I have a 4 valve in it and a few extra torques.

jerniganj90

This video actually covers a lot of detail about the 4 valve navigator swap into an f150:
Very interesting. I am going to heavily consider this route