I have been going back and forth about this for a while now and i am not sure if is worth it. I have been thinking about rebuilding my 96 XJ's engine. I am pretty sure that the exhaust manifold is bad and there are leaking gaskets all over but my main point is longevity. I think I am right in assuming that if i rebuild it, clean it throughly, break it back in, and such that it will add a few years to the life of the engine. I was also considering adding a stroker kit to get it to 4.5or 4.7 somewhere along those lines. Is all of this worth it though? Its at least 6 weeks work for me if i mess something up i have no engine. What do you guys say?

 

Rebuild it!! Dont stroke it though just will cost money and break parts...

 

Rebuild it!! Dont stroke it though just will cost money and break parts...

 

What kind of parts list am i looking at for something like this?
I assume, gasket kit, piston rings, exhaust manifold (in my case), oil pan... What else? Should i replace the rockers and the valves and springs?

 

Mine as well while your in there

 

don't forget all your bearings (mains, wrist pins, cam), timing chain set, maybe a new cam and lifter set (that's the only part you really have to break in).

 

and machine work. atleast cylender bore/hone depending on scoreing/out of roud.

 

Does anybody know of a place in MA or the new England area that I could send the block for machining? Also how important is the electric radiator fan....... In other words how long can I last without it?

 

right after dumping money into the motor I think I'd go down to pick n pull and get an electric fan, rather than risk anything happening to that nice, fresh motor. Also, NAPA has machine shops in most areas that can take care of you.

 

x2, no point is putting a fresh motor in just to overheat it and blow a gasket/warp a head... I paid 60$ for mine new, well worth the reassurence.

 

That makes sense, thanks for the info guys, it will be a while before I get to rebuild her but when I do I wil start a new thread or continue this one

 

What should I use to clean the inside of the block, pistons , valves, etc...? Will just a detergent do or is something special a good idea?

 

tear it down to a "long block" and take it to a local machine shop. They will do the head work, check for warpage and cracks, redo the valve train. They will tear the block down, dheck it for cracks, do the machine work on everything and reassemble it to a "long block". In my opinion, that is the best route for you to take. If you pull the motor, remove the accessories (manifolds, oil pan, flywheel,valve cover, waterpump and the alternator, PS pump, AC unit), it will cost you maybe around $800 to a grand for a stock rebuild. If you throw in a stroker kit, you will spend alot more for parts and machine work.

 

Since your from Quincy i will recommend Reid's Automotive for machine work. I know they do a lot of race cars. They did the machine work on my buddy's 4g63 evo block and head and they did an amazing job. They also do all of DSG's machine work that they can't do in house. IIRC they are reasonably priced, and there in your back yard. Check them out, can't hurt to give them a call. Here is their website.
http://www.reidsautomotive.com/index.html

Good luck with your rebuild