Block Question

[martin809]

I have a 97 ZJ I have been searching on here for awhile to answer my question. I have a 92 XJ donor block and head. I see the 97 has the girdle and extra ribbing to stiffen the motor, but how much does this matter. Should I Stroke my 97 or can I cut down on my down time and stroke the 92 block.

[Winners97TJ]

I picked up a 94 XJ block that had already been machined for a pretty good price. But the issue I ran into was I was needing the rods, and a whole bunch of other parts from my 4.0L TJ engine to build the thing. I bought the engine to build so I still had my daily-driver accessible. After I already bought it, I realized this and started looking for an assembled long block. Found one out of a 96 XJ for $125. Couldn't beat it!

Since I ran into a NVH block that already has the girdle and added rigidity to it, I'll be rebuilding it, but if I had run across another block for the same price that was also NON-NVH, I'd probably stick with the initial 94 XJ block that I purchased and use the second engine as a "parts donor." The only suggestion I would throw your way would be to make sure they balance the rotating assembly. Good luck with your build.

[martin809]

Thanks for the reply. I will probably build the 92 block vs my 97. I just wasn't sure if the 97 would be a better block to build or if it really mattered. Of course my only concern was the girdle and the rigidness of the 97 motor.

[Winners97TJ]

I'm not for certain, but I think you can get new main cap bolts and a girdle and bolt it in on the older engine block. As a matter of fact, I have an extra girdle if interested.

[mtmech]

so if you take the girdle off it dont matter? or does it? i have a 97 block with the girdle and have been wondering the samething.

[SilverXJ]

You can put the girdle on earlier blocks. You will need the girdle, main bolts, girdle nuts and some hardened washers to space the girdle off for the 4.2L crank.

[Winners97TJ]

You can put the girdle on earlier blocks. You will need the girdle, main bolts, girdle nuts and some hardened washers to space the girdle off for the 4.2L crank.

So will the 4.2L crank not fit under the girdle on the 97 blocks then? Or is it strictly for the earlier models?
(Gonna go out to my engine on the stand a take a look at this!)

[Winners97TJ]

Just answered my own question..... Going to need about 1/4" worth of spacers/washers to clear the 4.2L crank on the 97 block..... hmmmmm. Any thoughts on type of washers or spacers to use?

[4.whoa]

Going to need about 1/4" worth of spacers/washers to clear the 4.2L crank on the 97 block..... hmmmmm. Any thoughts on type of washers or spacers to use?

Are you SURE you need 1/4"?

You can put the girdle on earlier blocks. You will need the girdle, main bolts, girdle nuts and some hardened washers to space the girdle off for the 4.2L crank.

That's all that's usually needed.........unless you had it line bored i guess

[Winners97TJ]

Going to need about 1/4" worth of spacers/washers to clear the 4.2L crank on the 97 block..... hmmmmm. Any thoughts on type of washers or spacers to use?

Are you SURE you need 1/4"?

No. It was a guesstimate.....
I'll look more in depth into it when I'm to that point on the build. Anyone have a suggestion on type of washers to use? Stainless? Home Depot/Lowe's Specials?

[SilverXJ]

I just said use hardened washers.

[Winners97TJ]

I just said use hardened washers.

sorry. Lack of paying attention while reading.

[martin809]

How necessary is the girdle. I understand it was installed for a reason, but it only makes it run a little smoother correct? Does it help with performance? I would assume no.
Do I really need it and the extra parts is what I am asking.

[4.whoa]

It's one of those things that you probibally don't NEED, but it doesn't hurt. it ties the mains together so they support each other and don't "walk" as easily.