Can someone tell me with the V6 TF exec I have that is starting to blow smoke badly would it be better to repair the motor I.E. Valve stems etc or would I be better getting another engine either the same or a newer models engine. If I was to get a engine from a more newer model would I need engineer report etc and what would be the prices on either way be cheers

You might be better replacing the motor with a second hand one, as long as you can find someone sensible who knows Magnas. If in Victoria Mal ("Madmagna" on this site). The problem is any second hand engine is likely to have a few issues such as oil leaks, leaky stem seals etc. What is the rest of the car like? Transmission, exterior, suspension etc? If otherwise in great nick a 380 engine conversion would make it one very peppy TF. A later third gen is another option given their fire sale prices. You could go up to a higher trim level? All comes down to money I guess. You'd be looking at $1500 for a second hand engine installed with a skilled, sympathetic local mechanic. New valve stem seals might set you back $600-700 but other members might want to correct me on these estimates.

I know for personal experience that the early third gens do have the potential to last. Cosmetically white cars still hold up in the
paint department. It's the darker colours that make a lot of these cars look more worn out then they are.

We had a white TF as a family car with our kids back in South Australia. Bought with 60000km from a dealer. Had a Landrover Discovery that we needed to get rid of and the Magna was the only car we could trade for. People we knew suggested the transmission would be dead in 12 months and we'd break down all the time. 12 years later the car has had no problems except a rebuilt steering rack although that was not that bad.

There is always something special about the car you brought home 3 newborn babies in................

Anyway, let some other members put their 2 cents worth in. Madmax, are are you? :)

And as to engineer's reports, my understanding is none is required as you are swapping for an engine in the same family and will look factory anyway. That is my understanding from previous threads on the subject but remember each state is different with these types of regulations. Where are you anyway?

No need for an engineers report unless you are doing some serious mods, if just popping a newer 3.5 or 3.8 there is no need for any reports.

When we get all motors in we do hot tests on the cars, part of this involves running the motor hot for 20 or 30 minutes at idle to check for stem seal condition. Yes you may have leaky rocker cover gaskets down the track but this is a risk you take however internally you will not have issues

Hey Madmagna out of curiosity what are the prices like for the V6 engines if I came to pick up what would if cost for three litre V6 as I have now also the 3.5 litre and one from a 380? if upgrading from the three litre as is now to one of the others will I need to change anything else in the car to fit?
Steve-bunkle thanks for the input about this subject as to the condition of the car I have other than the engine smoke its a great car next to nothing to be spent since I got her eight years ago other than new trans, and recently I had the rear bushes done other wise shes a good car. The trim is great only for a hole in the front pass seat and both front seats look as thou they need new foam inside as are looking a little flat in spots. cheers