Hey All,

So I'm just doing a little bit of research as I may be getting a pristine 98 XJ from a family member for FREE!!! Only thing is, it's missing an engine. I would like to get a solid reman 4.0L for it, and I keep coming across ATK. Does anyone have any experience with these?

I'd really appreciate any feedback, recommendations, or any experiences you guys have had with ATK or any other remanned 4.0's. I just want to feel good about the coin I drop, and know it'll last for many years. I want to go the remanned route as I don't rebuild engines, and I have trust issues with shops doing big work like that.

Thanks!

 

When I was looking at replacement engines or rebuilding, I found quite a few things voting against ATK. Random forums from random people said that they use used parts in rebuilding the engine. Its not a complete 'new parts' rebuild. When I rebuilt my original block with parts I knew were new and did most of the work myself, the price came out to be around the price of an ATK engine.

 

I don't know much about the manufacture of ATK engines, but my Cherokee has one in it the the PO dropped in and it just passed 10k with no problems what so ever. No odd noises, good oil pressure, etc. I did have to change the seal on the distributor because of an oil leak, but I don't think that was ATKs fault.

 

Oh and it came with a 3 year, unlimited mile warranty

 

The problem is you will have to buy all the accessories starter,sensors,manifolds,throttle body,injectors,alternator,power steering pump,etc,etc. This will equal or exceed the cost of the ATK. IMO I would look for a good salvage engine and go from there.

 

It is sad to see that the Engine remanufacturing industry now has so many issues with trust. I remember when most of them took pride in their work and did it right. I am now reading so many discussions about lack of quality and pride in craftsmanship.


Maybe I should start specializing in 4.0 exchange rebuilds with a little personal "Build it like it was my own" type of care and pride? My costs would be about the same as theirs, the only difference would be taking a few extra minutes to better organize, double check, measure and machine correctly.

 

Where you live there are many very good engine builders at least for race engines I have bought 2 there in the last 25 yrs. At least that way you know you are getting new parts where you need them and not recycled parts from other engines like the rebuilders do most of the time.


That is the only I would go or find a good used engine and swap it in. My 4.0HO a 99 has 235,000 on it and still runs great uses no oil either.

 

Thanks guys! I appreciate the feedback!

Fred, where did you have these engines bought/rebuilt? I honestly have a busted 2000 in the garage, and was thinking about taking that out and having it rebuilt and a nice new head put on it. Damn 0331!

I believe that there are nice rebuild/machine shops around here, but we also have plenty of scheme places around as well. For example, a so called "reputable" repair shop thats been around for years, tried charging me $350 to have my coil pack replaced on my 2000. Granted that was the problem, but $350? Did it myself for $100.

They also told me, "I was wrong, and my PS wheel hub was fine." Replaced it myself, everything was smooth as silk!

Again this is a "reputable repair shop" that lots of people I know go for car services. I would HATE to see what a "not so reputable" repair shop would be like.

And now I'll shut up with my rant.