So my xj is at 350,000km, running pretty good. But a buddy has a parts jeep that had a fire under the seat from a poorly installed amp (he bought it as a write off from auction). He is letting me take the engine which runs quite well and has 200,000kms on it. So the plan is to rebuild the younger engine without the rush and then drop it in at a time of my choosing.

So here is the questions for ya. Well first, I am not looking to spend a bunch of cash. I don’t need max performance I just want a fresh engine that won’t let me down. So while I have the engine on a stand, what, in your opinion, are the must do’s and what are the things that would be a nice idea?

Also, I’m not sure if the details of the engine I am pulling as I think it’s been swapped already. It’s in a 2000 as well but has a distributor so…


Thanks.


PS: I have started to pull it, not too bad of a job.

 

How deep are you going into this engine to freshen it up?

 

I guess I am wondering what your opinion is if you were doing a low budget swap. Or does it need to be a little more then low/no budget? Also, is there anything else not directly engine related that should be done while it’s out of the jeep?

 

Low budget swap for me would be simply pulling the old engine and dropping in the replacement without changing anything.

If the spare engine runs well, has good compression, good oil pressure, and doesnt overheat then I wouldnt worry about anything. I would probably replace the thermostat and water pump and slap her in. If it's a manual you might aswell replace the clutch/pp/flywheel while its apart.

If it's good but leaks alot of oil you could do all the gaskets and seals. They are easy to replace while the engine is not in a vehicle.

If the engine needs a total rebuild, that is a different story

 

I would be inclined to replace the seals and items you mentioned. Is a rebuild kinda all or nothing? I understand you can rebuild the upper or bottom end but both of those are pretty serious.