Jeep 4.0 6cyl engine build- who to take it to?

[Deckin Around]

First off I am in So-Cal...

I'm re-building my Jeep YJ that was stolen from me in 2010 and recovered last year. I already swapped and rebuilt an automatic Aw4 trans and re-built the transfer case with SYE and bigger chain. The 1993 4.0 Fuel injected engine that is in the jeep runs fine but looks like it has a small head gasket leak and I do not know the history on the motor miliage or anything. The bigger issue is that one of the "ears" is broken off the block so it is missing a main connection point for the trans.

I want to find a 1996 or older 4.0 block (I am told these have beefier engine internals than the 97+ 4.0 motors) and have it built from the ground up by a reputable shop and use the stock efi and computer. I will use my new starter, alternator, radiator, and AC compressor off the current motor, but all other bolt-ons will be new.

Maybe a slight overbore and a cam upgrade with some headwork??. This jeep will not drive more than a few thousand miles per year max, mostly on the street.

Any recommendations? I know there is a wealth of motor builders and info on this site but didn't know about 6cyl work.

I see I can buy stock to "built" short blocks on ebay for $1400-$2600.00 but would much rather meet the builder face to face.

Any advice is appreciated.:thumbup:

 

[lebel409]

Obnoxious001 is a great place to start

 

[coolchange]

Those engines suck. Mine barely has over 300,000 on it and is starting to act up.

 

[primetime]

Same issue here, '89' everything leaks want to rebuild. Where do we go that's good but descent price

 

[Paul65k]

Junk yard........those engines are typically bulletproof......why not just look for a low mileage engine and do a quick swap???

I don't know who specifically to point you to in your area but the good news is that you are looking at one of the most reliable engines to have been in the market so getting it right should be relatively easy.

Good luck as you go forward!

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Buy a salvage yard one with fuel injection. Mine has 156k on it and going steong. Dash clock still keeps perfect time after 26 years as well. Amazing.

 

[primetime]

150k on mine also but everything is leaking. All the gaskets need to be redone. Freshen it all up

 

[Deckin Around]

I'll PM Obnoxious001 to see if he is interested and at what price.

I know the jeep 4.0's are great motors, That's why I'm leaving the drivetrain all jeep stuff, I just upgraded my YJ wrangler to the XJ cherokee trans (Aw4) for the swap to an auto with overdrive. The aW4 is actually a toyota based tranny found in some Supras good for 350+hp with no trouble according to everything i've read.

I've searched junkyard motors and I will buy one as a core for 200-400 fully dressed, because one of the mounts on my block is broken. I'm spending a bunch of time and $$$ rebuilding this jeep from basically from the ground up and am willing to spend the $$ to put in a new reliable motor.

My jeep was recovered after stolen with a different body on it, so now that I am done with the fab I want to send it to the body/paint shop striped before the new motor goes in.

I just finished the full chromolly roll cage and rock sliders all tied into the frame, 4-linked and stretched the rear on KIng coilovers, went through the axles I built before it was stolen (8-lug w/ lockers/chromolly shafts etc etc) and this is my new aluminum dash for my 16 switches and new autometer gauges, race radio, cb etc etc.

I mounted a new Vintage Air "universal" heating and AC unit behind the dash so I can be cold in the summer and hot in the winter.

I will post a build thread in the offroad section one of these days


I have the hardtop and both full and half doors and will get the body and paint work done over the next month.

My wife just had our first baby boy Ethan 2 weeks ago, and this jeep will be his when he turns 16.

white jeep pic- before stolen
black jeep- after recovered
Baby pic of Ethan at 23 hours old:thumbup:

 

[Carlson-jet]

Many, many options with the 4.0. I see way more stuff for them than the 5.2 and 5.7. I have a 95 G.C. I just picked up a long block mopar remanned engine built by cummins for $1125 off of the bay. I can't decide on injectors at this point with the cam I stuck in it. Take your time.

 

[Deckin Around]

Same issue here, '89' everything leaks want to rebuild. Where do we go that's good but descent price

I had the 89 which is the carburated 4.2 not the 4.0.

use the 4.2 block with 4.0 heads for the popular stroker mod:thumbup: google it

 

[obnoxious001]

Obnoxious001 is a great place to start

Thanks,, been in touch with him, will see what I can figure out about them!

 

[Gelcoater]

http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG...ttp://www.golenengineservice.com/engines/jeep

 

[Deckin Around]

http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG...ttp://www.golenengineservice.com/engines/jeep

I like the 3 year no mileage limit warranty:thumbup:

 

[Paul65k]

Here's one; http://mohave.craigslist.org/pts/3743958286.html

 

[alohajeff]

Jeep made a few changes in the 90's to the sensor locations. You might find that using a newer motor may require drilling/tapping to retain certain sensors. I have a 93 Cherokee (XJ) that threw a rod through the block 2 years ago. I purchased what I thought was a good low mileage 1996 and it has issues. I am getting ready to rebuild the new to me motor and it seems pretty straightforward. My advice is make sure the cylinder head has the desired build code. Some mid-90's heads are notorious for cracking. There is a guy on NAXJA that is well respected for rebuilding these motors. I can't remember his name but I know he's in SoCal. I will dig it up and post it.

Aloha

 

[Deckin Around]

Yep everything I've read about using a newer 4.0 says I can't swap a fully dressed engine, I will need to re-use all my old mounting brackets, accessories, pullys etc etc. I'm sticking with re-building a 1991-1995 H/0 motor block

Part Casting
Number Year Note
Block 53005535 '87-90 Non-HO
Block 53008405 '91-95 HO, early
Block 53020569 '96-99 HO, late, best for pre-2000 Jeeps
Block 53010449 '99-06 HO, metric fittings
Crank 3199738 '71 Drilled for Borg-Warner automatic, bad pick
Crank 3214723 '72-80 12 counterweights, long nose, strong & heavy
Crank 3235477 '81-86 4 counterweights, long nose
Crank 3727 '87-90 4 counterweights, short nose, best pick
Con Rod 154 '64-66 5.875 length, 232ci, weak rod!
Con Rod 207 '64-79 6.125 length, 199 & 232ci, weak rod!
Con Rod 707 '71-81 5.875 length, best pick short rod
Con Rod 352 '82-90 5.875 length, ok
Con Rod 53020126 '87-06 6.125, 4.0L rod, best pick long rod
Cyl Head 2686 '87-90 Non-HO, Renix engine
Cyl Head 7120 '91-95 HO, good pick, 55.22-58-22cc
Cyl Head 0630 '96-99 HO, good pick, 55.22-58-22cc
Cyl Head 0331 '99-06 HO, so-so pick, 55.22-58-22cc
Piston - '87-06 4.0L, 1.60 pin height, 13.5cc dish
Piston 2229c - Keith Black, 1.58 pin ht, 11.5cc dish
Piston 677CP - Sealed Power, 1.592 pin ht, 17.5cc dish
Piston H802CP - Sealed Power, 1.585 pin ht, 17.5cc dish

Read more: http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarti...eep_40l_inline_six/viewall.html#ixzz2SuvlO6fY

 

[alohajeff]

Russ Pottenger is the name of the builder.

Bishop-Buehl Racing Engines in West Covina.

https://m.facebook.com/pages/Bishop-Buehl-Racing-Engines/248948051907539?id=248948051907539&_rdr

Aloha

 

[obnoxious001]

Russ Pottenger is the name of the builder.

Bishop-Buehl Racing Engines in West Covina.

https://m.facebook.com/pages/Bishop-Buehl-Racing-Engines/248948051907539?id=248948051907539&_rdr

Aloha

I have known Russ a long time. He has a machine shop in his garage, good at what he does(all engines, not just Jeep), but not particularly cheap.

 

[Sandcrazy]

I have used Jim at Orange Engine Rebuilding in Anaheim for all of my motors for years. He is a great guy and stands behind his work. 714-635-4030. Oh and also is a die hard Jeep guy.

 

[Ivan Dan]

Hit up Brandon Simkiss at ATK and he should be able to take care of you. He used to be on here and his name was No Talent.