Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

[javohio]

Spent several hours touring the Lima Engine plant during "Lima Appreciation Day". Was assured by several plant workers on hand to field questions that the 3.9 duratech was "One of our best engines produced in Lima". Made my day! Just a short news release about the event.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland in the Lima area today. The governor spent some time at the Lima Ford engine plant, getting a chance to meet with company and union workers who built engines for many popular Ford models. The governor even test drove one of the new cars. But the news this week that the governor decided to postpone the final year of an Ohio income tax cut isn't sitting too well with republicans. We recently spoke with state Senator Keith Faber about the move. The governor claims that taxes are not being raised. The tax cuts were initially passed by former Governor Bob Taft and the republican legislature, which provided a 21 percent cut in income tax for Ohioans over five years.

[WLW]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

John - when did that happen - are tours available? WLW

[javohio]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

Wayne,
The event took place on Sat. Oct 3. Full page announcement was published in the local newspaper. The event had tour of the production area & engine history display area. I found it interesting as I hadnt been in the plant since 1968 when I worked there as a young man. Lima Engine plant employed in excess of 4000 people at that time and was a "state of the art" engine manufacturing & assembly plant. Current employment is at around 500 people total. The production process has changed dramaticaly. Lima Engine plant continues to be a major engine manufacturing facility, with lots of automation replacing people. Tours are infrequent, however would be glad to contact plant for their private tour policy.

[WLW]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

Thanks John - that could lead to an OH Road Trip for other enthusiasts. Perhaps you could post it on that thread. WLW

[Lindy]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

...speaking of engines...

Always was a bit curious as to how the "Jaguar" motor came to be part of the Retro T-Bird legacy? For instance, what type of partnership was made between Ford and Jaguar? Also never saw any pics of our motors as they would look outside of the Thunderbird. As I understand it, they have aluminum blocks, and I'am not sure about the cycliner heads? The 2005 have a higher compression ratio, something like 10:75 to 1 than do the 2002's, which means they have better starting torque as I understand it, which translates into a better take-off from the get-go. Maybe another member has info or pics that they would like to share so that we can gain even more appreciation of our cars? Anyway, certainly a tour of the plant would be very interesting.

--Lindy

[Lonestar]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

During the 02-05 era Ford owned Jag. The Thunderbird, Lincoln, and one of the Jag models are all the same (somewhat) under the cover. The engine was developed by the Jag guys ans showed up in versions in the Thunderbird, Lincoln LS, Jag, and Land Rover.

[Lindy]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

Thanks "Lonestar"!

Oh, er...in my previous post, just to clarify, I meant that the 2002's have the better torque, because they have about the same motor, only their compression ration is a bit lower than the 2003-05's.

--Lindy

[Lonestar]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

The 03-05 incorporated electronic VVT and that is how a few more ponies & torque were squeezed out of the 3.9L engine.

[Lindy]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

Oh, yeah, we live in the age of google and here's a very candid article on the motor in our Thunderbirds:

http://wardsautoworld.com/ar/auto_ford_motor_co_3/

--Lindy

[Lindy]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

OK, just doing a bit of brain storm'in...and I speculate that Ford intentionally designed the engine cover atop the T-Bird 3.9L precisely to masque the Jaguar engine, that the Jag might retain its' unique look. The engine looks a bit more "threatening" with the intake exposed, in my humble opinion. Here's a creative idea, how about some Jaguar cop covers or intake cover? Hmmm...

[Lonestar]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

OK, just doing a bit of brain storm'in...and I speculate that Ford intentionally designed the engine cover atop the T-Bird 3.9L precisely to masque the Jaguar engine, that the Jag might retain its' unique look. The engine looks a bit more "threatening" with the intake exposed, in my humble opinion. Here's a creative idea, how about some Jaguar cop covers or intake cover? Hmmm...

If you peek under the hood of a 03-05 Jag with the 4.0L I believe you will see basically the same covers that are on your Thunderbird.

[MikeB]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

Harry Sharp (Quickdraw) organized a tour of the Lima Engine Plant in August 2004 that Sue and I attended along with a lot of TBN members. It was a very interesting and enjoyable tour.

[jimvit1]

Re: Lima Engine Plant-"Appreciation Day"

This is the only 3.9 engine I have been able to find. Hope it serves the purpose.
the picture didn't go through. Not sure what to put down for the url.