rebuilt engine reccomendation?

oldboyscout · Dec 16, 2011

My Wrangler needs a new engine. Yes I know I should drop a V8 in it, but that can't happen now.
I've been looking at these long block reman engines that are all over the place for about $1150 + shipping , but I don't know if they're any good. Does anyone have experience with these companies?
BTW this is a daily driver so I can't take the time to rebuild it myself.

roygage · Dec 16, 2011

oldboyscout said:
My Wrangler needs a new engine. Yes I know I should drop a V8 in it, but that can't happen now.
I've been looking at these long block reman engines that are all over the place for about $1150 + shipping , but I don't know if they're any good. Does anyone have experience with these companies?
BTW this is a daily driver so I can't take the time to rebuild it myself.

What year?

oldboyscout · Dec 16, 2011

98 4 cyl 2.5

QueBota · Dec 16, 2011

Not familiar with your specific application but often times a "good" junkyard motor is a cost and time effective solution.

Dave

TripleR · Dec 16, 2011

My brother is a certified mechanic and has always recommended buying an engine out of a local salvage yard; have to know it is a reputable one. Pretty much all of the local independent shops in this area go with one of two in my area. We have gone this route several times.

DK35vince · Dec 16, 2011

I put a Jasper remanufactured long block in my 1991 Ford F-250 several years ago .(Purchased through the local Napa)
It came with a 3 year 75000 mile warranty.
Runs good, no problems.

clemsonfor · Dec 16, 2011

For the chrysler 4 cyl i would not pay $1000+ dollars for the reman unless it has a stellar 3 year and 100K mile warrenty or something. I use to work at pepboys about 10 years ago and at that time Recon where the engines we used and advanced i think was using. I knew several folks with good luck with them and got good service out of them, but others that sludged up and blew up in warrenty or just out of.

I too would reccomend a good motor out of say a totaled wranger in the junk yard. The cherokee had the 2.5 in it for years as well so there are plenty out there, thats the route i would go. Id think you could find one for $600-700 easy Probably no more than $600 if not less and my guess is if you find one it will serve better than a reman.

Eastinlet · Dec 16, 2011

I can see going either way, either quality reman or a high-confidence scrapyard engine. Depends on confidence.

I also bought a Jasper reman 350 chevy, ran it for years, no complaints.

oldboyscout · Dec 16, 2011

unfortunately at least around here, junkyard motors are ridiculously priced. For $900 I can get one with 126K on it. There are few available.
I know the Jasper's are good, but I can't afford one.
There are a bunch of outfits that sell online for about 1150 -same price on most of them. Of course add shipping.
Interesting about the PepBoys motors. Spartan Engines sells only through Advance auto ( at least now)

clemsonfor · Dec 17, 2011

oldboyscout said:
unfortunately at least around here, junkyard motors are ridiculously priced. For $900 I can get one with 126K on it. There are few available.
I know the Jasper's are good, but I can't afford one.
There are a bunch of outfits that sell online for about 1150 -same price on most of them. Of course add shipping.
Interesting about the PepBoys motors. Spartan Engines sells only through Advance auto ( at least now)

Yea all the parts places go through phases with different brands. Actually i think Autozone brands theirs inhouse name of Duralast engines? Im not sure if others hav bought the companies of 10-12 years ago and changed names or others have started up and offer a better price or that they changed names based on track records of the last?

I have a buddy that worked there (Pep boys) when i was there he stayed on through college and after, becoming a store manager. He just left a year and about a half ago to go to a Dodge dealership. Ill call him and see what they were offering at the time he left. He will also give me an honest opinion of his thoughts of quality and longevity. Since we worked there togeather we knew waht was good and the crap. He recomended good stuff to me from there the only problem is/was their online site a few years ago was crap, could not shop or ship online at all i think. And i dont have one within an hour of me, so not convient. I buy almost all at advance or rockauto now onlie and either pick up in store or ship to house.