Need new engine and opinions

[mattoxnc85]

So, I’m in a situation where I’ve pulled the motor from my 98 TJ. It’s been at a local machine shop for a week. One cylinder in pretty bad shape. Was told the guy who would do the work would have to look at it and get back with me. Haven’t heard from them yet. I’m at a stand still with the Jeep because I’m not sure if the block can even be saved. I’m looking at possibly going reman. Just have an eerie feeling if it’s taken this long just to look at it and tell me something it’s going to be a while before they can even get to it. And of course I’m impatient and want to get this thing back on the road. Don’t have any experience with automotive machine shops. These guys have been in business for a while so I feel like they’ve at least been doing something right. They’re also the nearest one within an hour of me. Should I wait to hear from machine shop? Pull the trigger on a reman? Anyone know lead times on remans? Would love some opinions, advice. Also experience with reman companies? Thanks.

 

[Danarch]

I’m not sure which would be better, guess part of it depends on cost. I’d assume you have a fair amount of miles on it? If so that is another consideration of how much wear is on the rest of the engine. If you go with a new engine seems like Jasper produces a good engine.

 

[Bigfoot-NM]

I am currently in a very similar situation. Haven’t pulled my engine yet, but it does need rebuilding or replacement. We have three well respected engine machine shops in Albuquerque. Shop #1 said they were too busy. The other two shops told me six months minimum before it would be finished.

I decided to go with a reman. I ordered one through Titan and they shipped it out in about 7 days. I am currently waiting on XPO logistics to get it to ABQ. It’s been sitting in El Paso for three days now.

 

[mattoxnc85]

I’m not sure which would be better, guess part of it depends on cost. I’d assume you have a fair amount of miles on it? If so that is another consideration of how much wear is on the rest of the engine. If you go with a new engine seems like Jasper produces a good engine.

Had 187k on it. I acquired it from a friend of mine. There’s not too much else wrong with it but I haven’t dug too deep into everything else. I’ve got a newer transmission for it already so that’ll be one less thing to worry about. I’ve heard good things about Jasper. Unfortunately they only sell to certain shops and not to the general public.

 

[mattoxnc85]

I am currently in a very similar situation. Haven’t pulled my engine yet, but it does need rebuilding or replacement. We have three well respected engine machine shops in Albuquerque. Shop #1 said they were too busy. The other two shops told me six months minimum before it would be finished.

I decided to go with a reman. I ordered one through Titan and they shipped it out in about 7 days. I am currently waiting on XPO logistics to get it to ABQ. It’s been sitting in El Paso for three days now.

I’m afraid I’ll be in the same situation as far as wait time goes.

 

[ChasUGC]

I'd go with the reman if it is a reputable shop. I once blew out my head gaskets on a high performance Mustang GTA. I had the Head Gaskets replaced and shortly thereafter, I heard a ticking sound. So, I must have damaged my engine when I blew the head gaskets. I threw that Rod, and I ended up without my Mustang for a long time, trying to find a good rebuilt engine. Short story, you never know how much damage is on your current damaged engine, and how much other damage is waiting to reveal itself. With a Reman, it is thoroughly tested and you can probably expect at least another 100,000 miles or more. With an already bad engine, it is like rolling the dice.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Had 187k on it. I acquired it from a friend of mine.

Is he still considered one?

 

[BlueC]

@mattoxnc85 You already have it out and at the machine shop, see what they have to say. Also, what part of NC are you in?

 

[BlueC]

Is he still considered one?

That depends on what the machine shop has to say charge.

 

[mattoxnc85]

Is he still considered one?

Lol. Yeah. I kinda knew what I was getting when I bought it from him.

 

[mattoxnc85]

@mattoxnc85 You already have it out and at the machine shop, see what they have to say. Also, what part of NC are you in?

Eastern NC.

 

[mattoxnc85]

I'd go with the reman if it is a reputable shop. I once blew out my head gaskets on a high performance Mustang GTA. I had the Head Gaskets replaced and shortly thereafter, I heard a ticking sound. So, I must have damaged my engine when I blew the head gaskets. I threw that Rod, and I ended up without my Mustang for a long time, trying to find a good rebuilt engine. Short story, you never know how much damage is on your current damaged engine, and how much other damage is waiting to reveal itself. With a Reman, it is thoroughly tested and you can probably expect at least another 100,000 miles or more. With an already bad engine, it is like rolling the dice.

 

[mattoxnc85]

I’m with you there. Plus this would be my first rebuild ever so there’s no telling what I might screw up in the process as well. Lol

My plan is to call the machine shop tomorrow and see what’s going on with it and go from there. If they still haven’t done anything with it or can’t get to it for a while I’m going to pull the trigger on a reman. I know they’re steep but I’m leaning towards a Golen stroker.

 

[SkylinesSuck]

Newcomer is near Charlotte in case you have a pile of money you wanted to set on fire

 

[Shank]

I’m with you there. Plus this would be my first rebuild ever so there’s no telling what I might screw up in the process as well. Lol

My plan is to call the machine shop tomorrow and see what’s going on with it and go from there. If they still haven’t done anything with it or can’t get to it for a while I’m going to pull the trigger on a reman. I know they’re steep but I’m leaning towards a Golen stroker.

If the Jeep's solid and you think you'll keep it a while, go for it! Or LS, Hemi, or 5.2 Magnum...

 

[SkylinesSuck]

+1 for Magnum swap. Is it stick or a slush box?

 

[Apparition]

+1 for Magnum swap. Is it stick or a slush box?

+2 for the LS

 

[GPK03X]

+1 for Golen , yes they are expensive but I believe they do a dyno break in on the engine before it ships. This is important because if it’s not done right, you can wipe out the camshaft. Plus it’s a hell of a lot easier than an engine swap!

 

[tnjeepguy]

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...2998552836704305152","ftmd_400706":"111112l"}

Saw these guys today. ??

 

[mattoxnc85]

Ok so update on the motor situation. Still no word from the machine shop. Called a handful of times and even left a couple more voicemails. Nothing. Decided to go for a reman. After talking with a local guy that does Jeep salvage I went with a titan. Guy I talked to said his family has dealt with them quite a bit over the last few years and didn’t have anything negative to say. No it won’t be a stroker but after reading all the ins and outs of having to tune and possibly run premium fuel I decided to go simple. I’m just ready to get this thing on the road! I’ll keep everyone posted on the progress. And if I hear back from the machine shop and they can repair the block I’ll probably have it done anyway so I’ve got a back up if needed later on.