Buy or build

[Bob Keyes]

I have a classic (elderly) 89 xj and it is time to start thinking about a new engine as part of its 2nd quarter century rebuild. I am trying to decide whether to rebuild a pick and pull engine as I have the skills or just buy a crate engine and stuff it in. As part of this process I will have the existing transmission and transfer case rebuilt.

Bob

 

[Septu]

If you're confident in your skills in rebuilding the engine, wouldn't that be just as reliable as a new crate engine (assuming what was worn was replaced)? And wouldn't it be a lot cheaper? Then it's just a matter of weighing time and effort vs the price difference.

 

[docwatson]

I agree that it seems like the rebuild makes more sense, unless time is a constraint. Another upside to rebuilding is you could easily stroke your 4.0 for an increase in torque and hp (assuming you are talking about the 4.0).

 

[mudbutt]

Does the crate motor come with a warranty?

I have a friend who rebuilt the motor in his ZJ. He sent the heads out to a shop. Less than 500 miles later it dropped a valve. He had to pull the motor again, but it was fixed for free.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Good used 4.0 engines are very easy to find and swap in.

 

[jeepmedic46]

I would rebuild, you can do modifications to the motor at the same time

 

[Jakes01234]

I just picked up a 95 xj for free with 171k on it and I'm just starting to fix it up. I figured when the engine blows I'll do a swap for either a diesel or 5.3

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I just picked up a 95 xj for free with 171k on it and I'm just starting to fix it up. I figured when the engine blows I'll do a swap for either a diesel or 5.3

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Not sure if I have seen an XJ with a 5.3 swapped in but it's a good engine.

 

[stomperxj]

5.3 or 6.0 Gm swap all the way. It would probably cost more in the long run for the swap but you'd get an increase in mileage and your fun meter would be pegged all the time...

Couple threads:

LS2 XJ
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1033464

Frank Z's 5.3 swap:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1007477

There's another guy on naxja JohnD that did a 5.3 on his.

Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrcGey1sjxs&list=FL0FhefbSMyYCP13iyltAzhQ&index=5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTZbcx7OF1Y&list=FL0FhefbSMyYCP13iyltAzhQ&index=2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdiFP216qFk&list=FL0FhefbSMyYCP13iyltAzhQ&index=6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbuFbqiyMXE&list=FL0FhefbSMyYCP13iyltAzhQ&index=10


I am planning a 6.0 swap sometime in the next year or so.

Jess

 

[jeep-N-montero]

5.3 or 6.0 Gm swap all the way. It would probably cost more in the long run for the swap but you'd get an increase in mileage and your fun meter would be pegged all the time...

Couple threads:

LS2 XJ
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1033464

Frank Z's 5.3 swap:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1007477

There's another guy on naxja JohnD that did a 5.3 on his.

Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrcGey1sjxs&list=FL0FhefbSMyYCP13iyltAzhQ&index=5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTZbcx7OF1Y&list=FL0FhefbSMyYCP13iyltAzhQ&index=2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdiFP216qFk&list=FL0FhefbSMyYCP13iyltAzhQ&index=6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbuFbqiyMXE&list=FL0FhefbSMyYCP13iyltAzhQ&index=10


I am planning a 6.0 swap sometime in the next year or so.

Jess

Add to that the cost of stronger axles and he could have almost bought a used JK.

 

[88Xj]

Ever hear of a mini stroker? Cost about the same if not equal to a stock rebuild. You gain in efficiency, power & torque, possibly mileage and emissions.

 

[GP'd]

http://www.golenengineservice.com/engines/jeep

 

[stomperxj]

Add to that the cost of stronger axles and he could have almost bought a used JK.

Go read Novaks site. You don't need stronger axles unless you are a throttle jockey or have a dana 35 out back. A Chrysler 8.25 is plenty strong enough. Strokers are nice but a V8 is better...