rebuild kits

[pug]

What is the different in years on 2.5 from 1988 to 2000. I am looking at a winter project on rebuilding my spare 2.5. When i looked at rebuild kits they are for all different years. I am going to change power steering alternator etc. from old to rebuild. There was a $100. differance in kits for the years . thanks

[airspeed]

I believe the 86-87 had the carburetor, 88-94 had the TBI and then they went to multi-point injection for the remaining years. I’m pretty sure they would have different heads and different cams with other variations regarding sensors and ECU's.

I recently ordered a complete rebuild through AutoZone built by Proformance for ~$1500. That is a nice motor, it came complete with all tin installed and has a 3 year 100k warranty. The new engine shows up in a shipping pod, swap the motors and ship the old one back. Built in the USA with American parts. They have a good tech support line and answer all questions.

[pug]

I just wanted to have a project for winter. My motor has 283000 on 2.5 still runs great . Just don't want to take a chance. I can drive my xj if i have to. I thought all the blocks were the same until i saw all the rebuild kits and prices.

[airspeed]

There were some variations in the blocks with the oil pumps and bypass valves. Not sure what the deatails are. They seem to reference a casting number, not sure what that is about.

[pug]

I am not sure either. I thought $100. differance in price was alittle high.

[Eagle]

I believe the 86-87 had the carburetor, 88-94 had the TBI and then they went to multi-point injection for the remaining years.

'86 thru '90 had TBI, '91 and '92 had MPFI. The 4-cylinder was carbureted in the '84 and '85 XJ, never in the MJ.

[pug]

I guess my question is what is the differance in the engine blocks from year to year for the rebuild kits to be that much different in price.

[pug]

Were would the casting number be.

[dasbulliwagen]

I think there were some differences in cranks too, like different ends where the pulley goes on between some of the years, but don't quote me on that. Also, the early ones had a V-belt drive instead of the serpentine too, though there is some controversy as to when exactly that started.

[pug]

I was going to use the block from the 88 then transfer everything over from the 1990 if i could. Is this possible. thanks

[airspeed]

I would think as long as the 90 head had the TBI you should be OK.

[pug]

Do you know if anybody makes performance cams for the 2.5. I thought i saw a link begining of the year that said would not open till spring. They made aftermarket cams for 2.5. thanks

[airspeed]

There are not a lot of performance parts for the 2.5's. Clifford makes a header for it but at $300 not sure there would be a ROI. My 2.5 in Colorado is probably putting 90HP to the wheels, not bad around town but when you get on the highway at 75 it has a hard time keeping up. The trade off is the mileage, ~20-23 in town and ~28-29 on the road at 65 mph.

[pug]

I guess gears is my best bet then.