Crate motors Where / what to buy

[sinkrun]

This is for the daily driver 2001 cherokee any thoughts input issues etc on a stock crate engine,

[1987Comanche]

Do NOT get an ATK engine.  It's sold through all the big box parts stores (NAPA, Advance, O'Reilly, etc) under a variety of names.  They are remanned in Mexico and are absolute garbage.  I got a 4.0 for Maura and it ate the cam bearings in 282 miles due to poor workmanship.  If I could do it over I'd either pick up a good core and have it rebuilt locally or look for a running engine I could transplant.

[Akula69]

:agree: I would go to the yard and get a rebuildable core. I've been rebuilding them using Federal Mogul (under various brand names like Sealed Power) internals for around $550.00-750.00 (not including my labor, or course. If time is an issue, buy two engines: drop one in as is until you can rebuild the other. Then, rebuild the first at your leisure and always have a spare. I paid 169.00 plus tax for the last complete engine I got from the yard.

 

If the tools are an issue (cam bearing tool, etc.) PM me and we'll work it out.

[Eagle]

I agree that it's better to begin with a known good block and do your own build. When I was younger and doing my own engines, I sent the bare blocks and heads to a local shop to be steam cleaned, oil passages cleaned out, bored (if necessary) and honed, and new cam bearings installed. They also checked the head for flatness and trued it up if necessary.

 

Then I brought the block and heads home and did the assembly myself. You'll need a piston ring compressor, and a package of plastigage for checking the bearing clearance. If you don't feel like lapping the valves in yourself, don't strip the head before taking it to the shop -- let the shop do the valve job. But every procedure you can do for yourself keeps $$$ in your pocket.

 

Just remember that a 4.0L is long and heavy engine. You'll need an engine stand. Don't skimp -- buy a good one.

[chris71]

i would also agree build it yourself , but on that note a year and a half ago because i was pressed for time . and needed my truck running i bought an atk long block to save some time , after receiving the engine , the first thing i did was tear it down plastigauged all the bearings rods and mains checked cam and cam bearings ,lifters etc etc . checked bore you name it just to make sure it was good i must be lucky cause i got a good engine from them , i did all that because i had read all the horror stories , anyhow long story it's still running no leaks no smoke good mpg great power and about to hit 20,000 miles on it . with no issues but if i would have had more time i would have built it myself , i have since built another engine and have it ready wraped in plastic in the corner in case anything does happen with this atk engine .

[sinkrun]

I actually have some tools for rebuilding and a block on a stand and bought a book and used to be a machinist. I have never built a actual engine before. However serious health issues are stopping me right now. Its for the wifes daily driver so I need it now and right someone has to get to work. I talked to a local engine builder I thought retired (he didnt) says he will do all machine work,clean,check,test everything, polish crank, and re assemble it and stand behind it for $500.00 and the ( includes the block needing bored) if I supply the parts. I think I should be good for around 400-600.00 in parts so that dosent sound to bad. I have a new rebuilt head already so he just doing the short block.

 

Akula if you were near by I would have a job for you and thanks for the tool offer!

[Akula69]

Good to hear you can get it done - but sorry to hear about the health. Get better and then make a road trip - bring your block - got plenty of room!