Dead engine 1999 TJ Wrangler: would you repair it or junk it?

[Sheapard]

Hello,

I have 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2.5L 4 cylinder, manual transmission.

The engine is blown.

Replacement quote 8K for remanufactured engine 3 year/100K warranty.

I'm in the Sacramento area.

Seeking general opinions on cost and whether it makes sense to repair or junk.

Seeing specific opinions on possible mechanics in the Sacramento area.

Thank you!

 

[SPECWAR]

Can’t think for you, however, before I would sink 8k into a new or rebuilt 4 cylinder, I would explore my options on a 4.0.

 

[Sheapard]

Can’t think for you, however, before I would sink 8k into a new or rebuilt 4 cylinder, I would explore my options on a 4.0.

Thanks for the reply. I thought about that, but it looks like going 2.5 to 4.0 requires quite a bit in terms of mounting and transmission overhaul.

 

[06lj]

I personally wouldn't spend $8k on a 2.5L. Unless your really attached to the Jeep and want to keep it around then I'd explore other options. I'd vote for just swapping in a junkyard engine but if you don't have the space or time to do it yourself that probably won't be worth the investment either. You could sell the Jeep or part it out and get enough money, that when combined with the $8k, you could buy another decent Jeep.

 

[RangerTJ]

Cheapest is to get a junkyard engine.

If you are looking to swap, from what I've read putting in a 4.0 is about as much cost and effort as a V8 swap.

With your 4 cylinder, swapping in a 4.0 or a V8 is going to require swapping the transmission as well.

If you are going to have to pay someone to do the work, everything gets a LOT more expensive very quickly.

 

[Woodrow]

Things that make sense to me:

1. Junkyard swap the same motor. This is simple to do yourself in your drive way and inexpensive. It would be my choice if low on funds or the Jeep was nice enough to keep but not a beauty. $8K for a new 2,5L is way too high.
2. V8 swap. This is the choice for an otherwise really nice Jeep if you have the funds and skills. May be more difficult in CA by an order of magnitude.
3. Sell or part it out and buy something else. This is the choice if you are unable or unwilling to do the work yourself. It sounds like this may be your answer.

Swapping in a 4.0L isn't worth it in any situation to me. Not enough advantage for the cost/complexity.

 

[macleanflood]

What's specifically wrong with your engine? Tearing it down and replacing bearings and rings, seals and gaskets isn't a terrible job.

This your daily or do you have a little time?

-Mac

 

[Sheapard]

Thanks for the replies. I'm low on time, tools, and skill. CA, so garage space is very tight.
I think with V8 swaps there are emissions issues in CA (though I don't know that for a fact).

I've had other estimates (in Sacramento area):
6K with a 3year warranty,
4.5 with a 1 year warranty, and
3.7K with a 1 year warranty.

I'll likely go with shop at 3.7K and hope for the best. In time, I hope to trade for a TJ with an inline 6.
I'll post how it goes so others in the area can see what happened.

Thanks all.

 

[astjp2]

Can’t think for you, however, before I would sink 8k into a new or rebuilt 4 cylinder, I would explore my options on a 4.0.

The 4.o is not worth it, candidate for a LS or Hemi swap.

 

[Woodrow]

Thanks for the replies. I'm low on time, tools, and skill. CA, so garage space is very tight.
I think with V8 swaps there are emissions issues in CA (though I don't know that for a fact).

I've had other estimates (in Sacramento area):
6K with a 3year warranty,
4.5 with a 1 year warranty, and
3.7K with a 1 year warranty.

I'll likely go with shop at 3.7K and hope for the best. In time, I hope to trade for a TJ with an inline 6.
I'll post how it goes so others in the area can see what happened.

Thanks all.

good luck!

 

[Sheapard]

• Jun 17, 2024

Thanks for the replies. I'm low on time, tools, and skill. CA, so garage space is very tight.
I think with V8 swaps there are emissions issues in CA (though I don't know that for a fact).

I've had other estimates (in Sacramento area):
6K with a 3year warranty,
4.5 with a 1 year warranty, and
3.7K with a 1 year warranty.

I'll likely go with shop at 3.7K and hope for the best. In time, I hope to trade for a TJ with an inline 6.
I'll post how it goes so others in the area can see what happened.

Thanks all.

Status Update: I had the engine rebuilt at MPB Auto Repair at 11432 Elks Circle, Rancho Cordova, CA (916 818 7598). The price was $3,690 with a 12,000/1yr warranty. Jeep is running very well. So far, so good!!