want to rebuild engine not sure what option to go with????

[blazinjames]

so i just got a 94 4.0L off a guy for free. headgasket went so I dont know if there is any damage, worst case I am hoping for is a craked head. I can always rebuild the head i currently have on my daily driver and switch it over when i swap the engine.

I am considering a few options,

one: to rebuild stock

two: do the stroker option

and three: go basically stock rebuild and add a fairly cheap turbo set-up

one thing i do not want to do is turn the engine into a huge gas guzzler. I plan on using this vehical everyday, driving in the city as well as hwys for long trips. and of course take 4x4ing

what do you guys think is the best option. what are some of the pros and cons of all the options

 

[NorCalChris]

well, if its your first engine and you have time and money I say Go stroker. A 4.6l is always a good first build. You can always go bigger later down the road and if you build it right you can get better gas mileage then your stock 4.0. Many people drive their strokers every single day. You will be happy with either option 1 or 2.
Option 3 on the other hand is not a fairley cheap alternative. Also if it your first build, you wont have as large as a crowd to help you along the way, yes it been done, but its not cheap (from what I've seen). So if you decide to go stroker dont forget to post here for help and you can join JeepStrokers.com and find lots more info on jeep strokers, help trouble shooting and also see if its in your budget. Good luck!

-----NorCalChris

 

[Goinbigger]

Or do 2 now and 3 later.
Build a stroker now and try to keep the compression ratio fairly low. I'd say right around 9-9.5:1 That way you have no problems running regular fuel and driving around at all when you are done. And later no problems running a turbo system with moderate boost pressures.

After it is done, start collecting parts to put a turbo on it and throw that sucker on there when you get them all. Lots and Lots of research before doing any of your options. The best option for a turbo motor is really low compression, like 8:1, but is not ideal for an N/A motor, so comprimise right in the middle somewhere and you can still have your cake and eat 3/4 of it. That way you can build a pretty good motor to drive around with until you get all the parts for the turbo. Yes you can drive around with a motor that has 8:1 compression, but it's going to pretty much suck. And if later you decide that doing the turbo is too expensive or you don't feel like you need it anymore, your motor is still in a nice range to run on regular fuel and do so for quite some time.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

Depending on condition, 4.5/.6L (4.L crank only/crank+ .030 bore) is cheapest/easiest route.
Otherwise I say an LSx swap is in your interest.

 

[bails85]

slap a 4.3 vortec in it.

 

[bigbluejeep2000]

4.3's are expensive to build!
mine went kinda like this...
keep the lower end stock with teardown cleaning and gaskets.
Mopar Performance stageII cam, HD pushrods/rockers, double roller timing chain.
Mopar performance parts are good and pretty reasonable, they actually offer quite a bit for the 4.0L
get a good HO head, have it cleaned end plained (local shop assembled mine too for $200!)
assemble w//mopar HD head gasket and 99+ 4.0L intake manafold.
the HD mopar performance HD oil pump was like $60 bucks, good insurance
with free flowing borla header and 2.5" exhaust mine goes awsome!
had less than $1,000 in the engine with shop work and rebuild gaskets!

with two heads, a cam that has a balance shaft(expencive) i would think you would have much more into a 4.3L plus it needs fabrication.

the botom end can always be replaced or re-worked to be a stroker with already installed cam and good top end! thats my plan, someday