2000 XJ with 4.0 rebuild

Buffy

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2010
Location
Burlington, NC
So a few weeks ago I picked up an XJ. I had originally thought about a lift, axles, bigger tires, yada, yada yada.. But after thinking about it and staring at it for the past few weeks I've decided to change course and go with more of a stock rebuild. Make what is there like new and enjoy the ride with the occasional trip down a bunny trail or two. Not sure the wife would trust me though I did get her in the Rover for some hot laps at an ECORS race where she declared me certifiably insane.

The engine needs rebuilding and I had planned on a crate motor but after reading the reviews I have decided to rebuild myself. The reviews indicated WONDERFUL or wouldn't let these SOBs touch my old snapper and keep the wife out of this :lol:. In the end I would still have the 4.0 with the 331 head lurking under the hood. My goal is for a stock build with maybe more low end torque and economy. The question is what to do about the 331 head? I see Edelbrock makes a head for it and is right proud of it. I've never let the cost of something prevent me from getting something IF it is worth the expense. Has anyone had experience with this head or can provide some enlightening info on it good or bad? Are there other options to replace the 331? I've looked at Clearwater but they keep pushing back to a rebuilt 331.

I've obtained an new OEM heater box to replace/ rebuild the current one with. The current AC is long dead with no pressure in the lines at all so I figured now was a good time to replace the heater core and AC parts. Will be looking to source OEM parts where I can and try to put this back to "somewhat like new" condition.

Any and all advice and suggestions appreciated just leave the snapper out of this! :D

:popcorn:
 
What makes you say the engine needs rebuilding?

If it is still humming along, I would grab a donor and do the rebuild / stroker build on that. Drive the new to you XJ and find out how you are going to invest the other $4k to make it a stock daily....when you are done with that, you can gauge how interested you are in building your own mill.
 
shelby27604 said:
What makes you say the engine needs rebuilding?

If it is still humming along, I would grab a donor and do the rebuild / stroker build on that. Drive the new to you XJ and find out how you are going to invest the other $4k to make it a stock daily....when you are done with that, you can gauge how interested you are in building your own mill.
Click to expand...

Oh it needs rebuilding. From the sound of things it has has spun a bearing. Either that or one of my missing 10mm sockets are bouncing around in the crank case.
 
So any other suggestions for me? I cant say I want to go the stroker route especially if it requires me to run premium fuel. I've recently read the Clearwater head has a thicker deck so no more crack worry. Anyone have experience? Any thoughts on the Edelbrock head? anyone???
 
you can build a stroker that will run 87 octane. russ pottinger of Bishop-Buehl racing can set you up with a kit. I have worked with him and several other have too. He helped me with my 4.7 stroker build.

you may be better off cost wise to do an LS swap though..
 
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