I recently came across a guy selling the 4.0 out of a donor XJ, and he’s selling it for 20 bucks. Miles unknown, locked up, been sitting out in the rain for who knows how long.

Now, naturally, I want to buy it.

But I don’t know what I’d do with it.

Should I try and get it running? Should I rebuild it and put it in my XJ? Should I rebuild it and flip it? Stroke it?

I don’t know what i’ll do if I end up getting it. Should I even bother with it?

 

I wouldn't buy it with a plan to rebuild and flip it. No way you'd come out ahead on that. But for $20 as a core to rebuild for yourself, maybe, assuming the cylinders aren't damaged or rusty.

 

I would buy it for $20 as long as there isn't a hole in the side of the block. It's worth more than that in scrap metal worst case.

 

What year?

If it's 2000+ and has 0331 heads, and there's crank/rod/piston problems, not worth hurting your back to haul it to the metal recycler.