Can't decide which way to go...

[steve76t]

My 01 TJ decided to let the #1 piston grenade on me. So now I need to either rebuild or replace the engine. I've been looking at Golen, ATK, and S&J Engines as options for a drop in longblock. I'm also waiting on a list of parts from Russ Pottinger to see what I might be able to have a local builder do for me.

Problem is that I'm not sure a rebuild of my engine may work for me due to time. A couple shops I've called indicate that machine work and rebuild may take a builder 4 to 6 weeks depending on backlog in the shops. That means I won't have my daily driver back before the end of the year. Plus there's no warranty with a rebuild.

The longblock options are probably much faster and have warranties. May even be able to get back on the road within the next couple weeks. However, Golen and ATK will cost nearly 5K. S&J's engine starts at about 3K to my door, but are extremely mild builds with stock cam and head. But S&J as a 7 yr warranty where Golen & ATK I believe have 3 yr warranties.

Can you help me figure the best option for my situation?

[bigal389]

It all depends on what you want,If you want a stoker or just a stock replacement. If I were in your situation and I wanted a stroker and had a little extra cash to do so I would go to the local pull a part and get an engine to get me by while I gathered parts and built my stroker. Around here a complete 4.0 can be had for less than $300 at the local pull a part yards. If you have the skill or a buddy that does you can get the engine swapped out over the course of a weekend. That's just me. I can tell you after building my stroker over a year ago then riding in a stock 4.0 recently I will never have another stocker.
Al

[steve76t]

I'm definitely sold on upgrading to a stroker. Like the idea of the Golen with their reputation and speed at which i can get the motor. Might be able to have one in my hands by next weekend. Just not the most cost effective option. I do have the wife's blessing to do whatever I need though & that helps.

If I get a parts/price list from Russ soon, I hope to talk to another shop or two on monday to see what can be built locally though.

[SkylinesSuck]

Warranties are over rated. If they break you have to pull the motor and send it back to them or maybe to somebody authorized to fix it usually, and then I think they only cover parts. I have a Golen, but I was in Iraq when my dad popped my engine or I woukd have gone a different route. Take the money you'll save putting one together with Russ's help and rent a car or even buy a cheap beater. I think you'll be glad you did in the end. The stock 4.0 swap while you build a stroker is also a great idea. You could be up and running in a weekend easily.

[jsawduste]

Russ is super busy right now.
He is a very good man and will respond to you as soon as humanly possible.

Highly recommend giving his proposal serious consideration. He knows the tricks and details to making a good running engine.

[steve76t]

Did talk with Russ & he's full of useful info. I made some calls and I did make my decision. I'd love to go with the list of parts from Russ, but local shops don't have the time for my build right now. Probably wouldn't be able to get my TJ back on the road before the new year this way. Bummer as Russ' parts list was very complete.

So, instead I'm going with the 2nd best option in my opinion, Russ' too actually, and ordered a Golen 4.6. It'll be shipped in the next couple days & should be here next week. Excited & can't wait to get it installed. Gonna be fun!

[Russ Pottenger]

Was great talking with you Steve and going over all the options.

Chad Golden should be able to put together a good moderately priced crate engine together for you.

If you could return back to this form when you're able to give us an update that would be great and would be a big help.

Unfortunately there's a lot of small custom shops like mine where we just can't keep up with the larger demand of engines. As a service to the people that visit this site it's always good to keep abreast of who the good people are and companies that sell products.

Russ

[Cheromaniac]

Did talk with Russ & he's full of useful info. I made some calls and I did make my decision. I'd love to go with the list of parts from Russ, but local shops don't have the time for my build right now. Probably wouldn't be able to get my TJ back on the road before the new year this way. Bummer as Russ' parts list was very complete.

So, instead I'm going with the 2nd best option in my opinion, Russ' too actually, and ordered a Golen 4.6. It'll be shipped in the next couple days & should be here next week. Excited & can't wait to get it installed. Gonna be fun!

I can understand your reasoning and you've made a good choice with the Golen engine. I hope you'll be very happy with it and enjoy many '000 miles of trouble-free service.

Warranties are over rated. If they break you have to pull the motor and send it back to them or maybe to somebody authorized to fix it usually, and then I think they only cover parts.

You're right about the warranty but individual circumstances may force your hand into the second option of buying a rebuilt crate engine rather than having your old one custom rebuilt, especially if the Jeep is your only mode of transport.

[steve76t]

Was great talking with you Steve and going over all the options.

Chad Golden should be able to put together a good moderately priced crate engine together for you.

If you could return back to this form when you're able to give us an update that would be great and would be a big help.

Unfortunately there's a lot of small custom shops like mine where we just can't keep up with the larger demand of engines. As a service to the people that visit this site it's always good to keep abreast of who the good people are and companies that sell products.

Russ

Thanks for the info Russ. I really did like your stuff, just had circumstances that prevented me from going that direction. I'll definitely recommend that you be contacted when I hear about anyone looking to build or rebuild a jeep engine.

Chad was very helpful too. We talked a few times before I made my decision and his set up fit my needs very well. He'd already had a motor built that he could send out which just made my decision that much easier. Price was a touch higher than I originally planned for, but worth it in the end when I took the time frames into account.

I'll will definitely report back once I receive my engine, complete the install, and have it up & running. Hope for it all to be done the weekend after Thanksgiving.

[Cheromaniac]

Thanks for the info Russ. I really did like your stuff, just had circumstances that prevented me from going that direction. I'll definitely recommend that you be contacted when I hear about anyone looking to build or rebuild a jeep engine.

You could exercise that option on your damaged old engine after you've swapped the Golen engine into your Jeep.

[steve76t]

The Golen 4.6 is now in the Jeep!!! Only have 7 miles on the new Stroker, but so far so good. Time for the break in to begin...

[Cheromaniac]

Congrats!
Just make sure that you use a high ZDDP oil for the break in to ensure that the friction surfaces on the cam lobes and lifters don't wear prematurely.

[steve76t]

yup... Using the Joe Gibbs break in oil that Golen included with my motor. They also stated that a high zinc oil should be used, or a zinc additive, for the life of the motor & not just during break in.

[gradon]

Great advice!