Doing a head gasket. What cheap performance parts I could add?

[snowonweb]

I am in the process of doing a head gasket on my 92 xj 4.0. Before I put the head back on I would like to know what performance I could add.
I am going to polish the intake manifold and lap the valves.
I have read about different rockers but too expensive for me.
I am still to purchase new hydrolic lifters. Any recommendation?
I have also read about changing injectors but not sure for which ones?
I have new header already.
I don't care for K&N as it's offroading vehicle so lots of dust.
Thank You.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

Port the head, add new lifters (Crown Automotive #4740269), and swap in a '99+ intake manifold.

 

[gradon]

Get the .043" head gasket instead of the .051" that you took off.

 

[Talyn]

I wouldn't do the lifters unless you need them. If you do replace them I would go with a set of Hylift/Topline lifters. And make sure you break them in properly. I also wouldn't lap the valves.

 

[NorCalChris]

I would port the head, gasket match, and use a mopar performance.043 head gasket.

 

[snowonweb]

How do I polish the intake. Its squarish so do I use sand paper on the drill. Or buffing ball with compound. How do you take the initial roughness off?

I already purchased AutoZone Fel-Pro Gasket Set. I am leaning towards doing the injectors.

 

[flazz85]

I'm actually doing a head gasket on my 97 this summer when I have time once the summer semesters are over. I agree w/ Dr. Dyno, grab a 99+ intake manifold, an add that to the mix, you can find them on ebay for a reasonable price. Polish that one instead if that is what you feel like doing.

 

[NorCalChris]

I also wouldn't lap the valves.

Just noticed you said this. What is the reason to NOT lap the valves?

Also, to the OP, I am selling a 91+ intake manifold that I gasket matched and Lightly ported. If your interested PM me.

 

[snowonweb]

Ok. I got it. It actually makes sense. I assume the intake from 96+ is a direct bolt on.
This and Hi Flow Catalytic Converter plus I already purchased performance header.
My budget to fix the car was $1,000 and I am pretty close to it. New Radiator and Header took the biggest chunks. I am still to buy tranny cooling lines and ac lines and condenser.
Once I am done I will have the satisfaction that I have done all labor by myself and if I could differentiate from others by adding a little performance, that's just an added bonus .
I have also read up on relocating Temp Sensor from the head to airbox?
I see no affirmation about fuel injectors from ford. Is that not that good idea or it doesnt fall into cheap category?

 

[Talyn]

It was popular to lap valves when machine technology wasn't up to par. With the precision machines today lapping the valves will just screw up a good valve job. Especially in the hands of an inexperienced user.

 

[NorCalChris]

It was popular to lap valves when machine technology wasn't up to par. With the precision machines today lapping the valves will just screw up a good valve job. Especially in the hands of an inexperienced user.

That makes sense, but what about on a used head that you didnt have a valve job done to?

 

[gradon]

If you know what you're doing, I don't see why not.

 

[NorCalChris]

Thats my thinking exactly. But that goes along with alot of stuff doesnt it? haha.

 

[snowonweb]

I have contacted my local junk yard acquairing about the intake manifold from 96 xj or newer and they only have 98 grand cherokees intake manifold from same engine size. And it's only $25.
Can someone please confirm that 98 grand cherokee (wj?) intake manifold is same as 96 xj so it fits my 92 xj?
Thanks.

 

[hubs97xj]

Intakes- 99+ on the left, earlier on the right.

http://www.jpmagazine.com/techartic...r_engine_myth_busting_true_lies/photo_10.html

The 97-98 aren't much different than the early style; not sure if they would be considered an upgrade or not. Several folks (me included) swapped them out for the 99+ style.

 

[snowonweb]

It's my fault. I misread. it's 99 plus that I need not 96 plus. 96 was the year they did some other mods but intake stayed till 98.
LOL. its the 96 plus brake components that I need.
Thanks for clarification.

 

[hubs97xj]

More detail on the intake swaps. GoJeep's XJ is RHD, but it's not much different on a LHD.

http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoIntakeManifold1.htm

Dino's (DrDyno) website. Some useful stuff there as well if you haven't seen it.

http://www.angelfire.com/my/fan/

 

[Talyn]

That makes sense, but what about on a used head that you didnt have a valve job done to?

If it has high miles and it makes you feel good I doubt it could hurt anything. Don't think it would do much good as if it is that worn it needs a valve job anyhow.

 

[snowonweb]

As far as valve job goes. The shop quoted me 60x6=$360 which would eat most of my budget. As far as lapping the valves I do not see any harm done with 250k miles engine. I hope it works out for me but if it doesn't then I will take it to the shop for the valve job.
I just want to start lapping the valves to see how bad or good they are.
I just dont see how I could really mess up lapping unless I used lots of pressure and high speed drill. And yes I have never done lapping of the valves. I am sure to let y'all know if i fail.
On that dino drdyno site it says intake and exhaust manifold was changed in 2000. So does it mean that only 99 intake manifold will work, or any manifold after 99?

 

[NorCalChris]

First off thats alot for a valve job, I could have your head checked for warpage, valve job, magnifluxed, and bead blasted for 220 a head. So 360 just for a valve job is a bunch.
Dont lap the valves unless you know how. You need lapping compound, head stand, valve plunger, and know how to properly disassemble and assemble a head.

Yes any intake 99 + will work.