i purchased a ute from car yard 6 weeks ago have had nothing but trouble with it, and found out today the engine does not match rego papers, apparently its a 93 engine in a 97 xh ute, any ideas where i can get a newer engine cheap.

either wreckers or ebay

Is the current engine ok?
If so, then leave it? they're almost identical.

If its rooted, try a do it yourself wreckers. a long engine can be had for around $120
if its off the shelf you'll be paying around $450 for the same item.

These things are a dime a dozen.

BTW, your 97XH should have a 95/96 EL engine in it.
Possibly with a EB type manifold. so don't be surprised if someone has said, 'hey, that's got like a 93 model EB engine in it' just because looks like it does. (because that's how they are from factory.)

If you really do require a replacement engine, try find one that has had the head done before, and if you know how to identify a head gasket, try find one with a AU MLS gasket. If you do, chances are someone that knows how to repair a ford engine might have done it, instead of a cost cutting crap mono-torque using butcher.

Big deal, engine number doesn't match the rego papers. Get the number changed with the local RTA, problem solved.

Or get up the car yard you bought it from, they might have written up the paperwork wrong. Make them send off an amendment to vic roads to fix the number issue.

If the current engine is ok, leave it alone.

Cheers

ToranaGuy

Ive got one! $200 bux + freight and its yours. Its in Cairns though.

theres one on ebay from a XH with a blown head gasket for 10 bucks

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Ford-EL-XH-4-0-6 ... 1c1580dcb1

any cheaper and it would be free

just bought it