Hey, i have an 89 XJ. cluster says only 164k miles which is low. Previous owner got oil sludge to build up. Under the valve cover was a mess but I cleaned it up a bit. A bit wasnt enough as loose sludge got stuck everywhere and it messed up the oil pump however with synthetic oil and additives, it semi-repaired itself without removing the oil pan.

I want to buy an HO head under than 100k miles. Would it be worth it? A complete head will cost me at least $200 and with gaskets/bolts, the total will be $400 or so. Im looking for more HP, better MPG and a cleaner engine thatll run for at least another 50k miles. Instead of spending $400+ on the head, should i flush it $30, oil $40, 3" lift $150, remove/clean/gasket oil pan $30, and do an injector uprgade plus a throttlebody/intake manifold upgrade for the same price?

Thanks!

 

IMO i would go with the 2nd option,
i would also spring and put a new rear main seal in as you're already pulling the oil pan.
I've picked up a little trick in my time as a technician...
add 1/2qt-1qt of ATF in the engine and let it run for 10-15mins before you're next oil change. i usually add 1qt. ATF acts as a detergent and will help break-up and clean-up the engine. id recommend doing it for 2-4 oil changes then do it every 2nd - 3rd oil change.
the injector upgrade and TB are a good start.
im a firm believer of maintenance... plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter fuel injection service ie. clean throttle body (if adding spacer and not replacing), fuel system cleaner.
but just my $.02

 

HO head isn't worth the money.

Keep this in mind:

The HO only ever made 8 more horsepower than the latest Renix motors.
Not any more torque.
The power it DID make from the head was at higher RPMs.
The HO's true power came from a 58mm throttle body vs a 52mm throttle body on a REnix and a better flowing exhaust manifold than the Renix.

You can get a 60mm bored throttle body for under $110 from www.strokedjeep.com.

 

second option but add acouple things lol. one being replace rear main seal while the oil pan is removed. than do bored TB and header on it run a bigger oil filter on it replace plugs cap rotor wires. also if you havent remove valve cover and clean it real good. these engines are real simple no need to do more work than youll need.

 

okay, so i dropped the head swap. what allll should i do. please help, forgetting upgrades like injectors and throttle body, what maintenance should be performed?

For example the rear main seal?

thanks so much for helping another cherokee live!

 

so to elaborate, i will:
do an engine flush, drop oil pan, remove valve cover, remove and replace all timing chain and gears, clean clean clean, install new rear main seal, (what else should i do) and then put all new gaskets/RTV with additives stated above and new synthetic oil.

THANKS

 

inspect engine mounts and header for cracks while your doing the other stuff. caps wires plugs look into a bigger filter. inspect oil adapter seal if its leaking. while you have the valve cover of inspect liffters.

 

Alright thank yall very much