Rebuild Local or Crate Engine?

[jtbyler]

Restoring a 1978 CJ7 with in-line 6, AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . Engine is trashed. I want to keep the Jeep as close to original as possible so I want to keep the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . I'm not looking to go bigger. I have two choices... Rebuild at a local machine shop at a cost of around $3,000 or purchase a crate engine for around $2,000. At first I thought this was a no brainer. Purchase a crate engine and save myself a grand. However, I've had several people tell me crate engines have a higher failure rate than a rebuild by a local reputable machine shop. So that's my question, is a local rebuild worth the extra $1,000?

 

[hagar]

Coin toss......
Plenty of rebuilds by local shops have gone bad as well....just saying.
Who do you feel comfortable in dealing with should an issue arise ?
Someone local...or long distance ??????

Oh....and the cheapest price isn't always the best deal.

 

[gert]

Find some reviews on your local shop to see if you like them or not


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[shum8]

Find some reviews on your local shop to see if you like them or not


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That, and ask em for a couple references...... they may cherry pick em, tho. Also see if the BBB has any info.

 

[HackFabrication]

Restoring a 1978 CJ7 with in-line 6, AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . Engine is trashed. I want to keep the Jeep as close to original as possible so I want to keep the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l .

If you're really intent on keeping it a 'number's matching' resto, then you have little choice but to rebuild the present engine. Assuming it is rebuild-able. But lets face reality, you aren't restoring a highly desirable muscle car, so numbers matching has minimal value in a CJ7 .

I'm not looking to go bigger. I have two choices... Rebuild at a local machine shop at a cost of around $3,000 or purchase a crate engine for around $2,000. At first I thought this was a no brainer. Purchase a crate engine and save myself a grand. However, I've had several people tell me crate engines have a higher failure rate than a rebuild by a local reputable machine shop. So that's my question, is a local rebuild worth the extra $1,000?

A company like Jasper has been re-manufacturing engines for a long, long time. I doubt they would stay in business that long putting out junk. And they have a decent warranty. What sort of warranty would a local rebuilder give you? IMHO: A crate engine is the better route.

FWIW, when I was doing my 76 CJ5 resto/mod, I had two complete Ford 5.0L engines sitting on my garage floor. I was going to use the two to build one good engine. After crunching all the numbers, I decided it was more cost effective to get a new crate engine (long block) from Ford Racing. Luckily, I found on eBay, a low miles (under 1500) Ford Racing 5.0L complete with upper manifolds, etc., far less that the cost of rebuilding one of the engines.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Ck with a local jeep club and see what they have to say about the shop in question.
Might want to call these folks to see what they suggest.
https://www.willysworks.com/

LG

 

[hole]

Ditto on Lumpy's statement, and I'd add go to local car shows and talk the guys there.

 

[gert]

Lol I can never seem to build an engine stock that’s why I like the machine shop route because you can have them Taylor the build to your needs/wants, I’m always having 3 angle valve jobs milled heads and over size valves and a hotter van installed


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bjasper]

Here's something to consider by the time you get that crate motor running you will have spent the other thousand and then some .How transffering all the parts it don't come with.And then your looking at this fresh shiny motor.Now do you bolt on that rusty old oil pan or brand new one? How about the intake or valve covers and timing cover you going to put that old water pump on or order a new one? I guess what I'm saying either is a good choice the advice in the other post is all very good . But you always spend money you don't plan on just factor that in on your decision . Personally my 77 pickup machine shop rebuilt motor . The CJ I'm working on right now crate motor .Good luck and have fun with it