My 4.0 rebuild/replacement thread

[MikalCarbine]

From what I researched I really need an 01+, my ECU won't work with a distributor system, I could swap a pre-01 ECU with the engine but I'd need all new sensors and I don't know how the dash harnesses would play together, I think I'm pretty committed to the 4.5L at this point but thanks for asking!

 

[PaulW]

You can put the dis on a distributated engine.  I've done it.  5.0 stroker with a sick cam, roller rockers, port match the intake, get a zoomie header and beat it ruthlessly.

 

[massxj]

http://neow.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=110048#entry1619592

 

[MikalCarbine]

Well, the saga continues...

I stripped my engine down entirely and was calling a few machine shops for pricing. A 4.5L build was looking like $3,500~ so I decided why not just go 4.7L and spend a bit more to do it right. Then I got an offer for a used 2000 4.0 with 100k on Long Island. He wanted $450 but I talked him down to $350 and had him include some other parts as well. In person the engine looked decent, valves were leaking a little and the oil was a little dirty but I figured for the price why not.

I figured before I dropped it in I'd clean it up and redo the gaskets. After popping the oil pan of the oil reeked of fuel and everything was covered in burn oil. Turns out the rod bearings are destroyed, the upper bearings are all copper and the bottom half is scored up nice (check #1 and #6 both the same), the main bearings show some weird side wear as well

I'm at a loss at this point. I could replace the bearings but I don't know what condition the crank is in (out of round journals?) and I'm not sure if I want to dump money into a poorly maintained engine. I think I'm back to square one with the stroker build or I might just p*ssy out and buy a Golen 4.7L for the same price and just be done with it

 

[PaulW]

Give me a call, I'll be more then happy to come out and give ya some advice.

 

[MikalCarbine]

After meeting with Paul (thanks again) I'm going to replace the rod and main bearings.  As far as sizing, if the original ones are standard sizing should I just get a pack of standard? Plastigaging my existing ones won't do me too good. Will this be a mix and match game to get everything right?

 

[PaulW]

Just order standard size and slap it together.  It'll live.

 

[MikalCarbine]

Paul do you have access to a cam bearing remover/installer? For $10 and an hour or two I'd rather just get this done now and not risk low oil pressure after going through all of this