kyle332

So i've made up my mind that ima do something with the engine. It's just the stock 242 but it's running very heavy and has almost 300k miles on it so i figure its time to do something about it. I'm stumped if i should just get a new 242 or rebuild the one i have already. I know if i rebuild i'll probably have to send it to the machine shop for a good do over. What do you guys suggest. Oh and i have thought about a 350 or a 383 stroker but i don't see a use in upgrading the size. I'm tight on gas as it is.

Coraphix

if you know what you are doing and can do the rebuild yourself it will save you a ton of money. even if you send it to a shop for machining.

but a new one is much easier. and if its actually new not cheapy from a totaled jeep. its much more reliable and will last longer.

my .02

Jeepjunky

if u go new, u can get a stroker, but same if u rebuild

kyle332

the thing with rebuilding is is that once i have it out it's probably gonna stay out for a month or two because of work school ect. But if i get a new engine i can put back a weekend and just swap it out. And does a stroked 4.7 really make that big of a differnce? it'll cost a couple extra hundred bucks *im a cheapo, probably shouldn't have bought a jeep* and i'm not sure if a little more torque would be worth that.

bigvig

Here is the thing with a new one though:

How much longer will you REALLY keep her for? How much longer will her body hold up for? How bad is the rust NOW? Honestly, if you rebuild it the right way, its as good as a new one. And lets be perfectly honest for a moment: Will she still be going strong in another 300K?

PS: In my opinion, a stroker is overkill. Whats the point? Its an XJ, not a Camaro. There are very few people who really need a stroker in an XJ, and even then, do they really need it? Why not put a supercharged twin turbo with 250hp shot of Nitros on it too.

puredrive

"There is never enough horsepower......just not enough traction."

Slick761

My plan (not now my engines in pretty Damn good shape 130000) is to get a jy motor and build it (stroker) on the side. That way I can take my time and my jeep won't have down time.

djb383

U can bet a reman motor has been thru a machine shop so if u want your overhaul/rebuild to be successful, your old block/head need to be machined to get max benefit from the new parts.

stroked

Whats the point? More power, more fun. I noticed no decrease in fuel economy, I love stopping at red lights now, and its just all around more fun. What other point do you need? How is a few extra ponies and torque overkill? Are you sure you drive a Jeep?

edit: Also, my Jeep is 10x better in sand. Before it just didnt have enough umph to make it up most sand hills. Now it powers up them. So there are plenty of reasons for a stroker.

djb383

Why was the wheel invented?

Slick761

Bored with a tq plate and line honed, main caps align bored, hot tanked. New cam bearings. Good to go!

djb383

Hope the OP takes the advice.

Slick761

Oh and you HAVE to have the head milled. Good to get the block done too. I would go for a good 3 angle valve job as well.

kyle332

The body is good in shape, little to almost no rust. She's beat up a little from the trails *haven't taken her to any tough trails* I'm thinking about doing the stroker. As far as how long i want to have the jeep. As long as she lives she will be driven. *hopefully for years to come* If the body breaks down its nothing i cant fix with a good welder and some spare time. And twin turbos and a shot of nos doesn't sound too bad either. Even tho i'll probably never do it.

Coraphix

Should I NOS it?!