- City
- Orange Park
- State
- FL
Hey guys long time no talk. So...My 2.5 blew the other day on the way home. Exactly what the damage is at this point I don't know. I have a "my guy" tearing it apart currently as I write this. At the same time I'm scouring the web. Do I just rebuild, or swap now? Swapping has always been on the wish list, but the funds haven't been dedicated to it. Up until now, I've just been focusing on restoring it. It's still completely stock except for the 4" lift. Up until now, I've rebuilt the tranny, replaced the rear D20 axle hubs, front D30 Axle shafts, entire steering linkage including the tie rods. New fuel system except the tank and lines. All of the electrical system except for the starter to include cleaning and replacing all the wire harness. New carpet and seats on the interior, which I found out later that I hated the carpet in the rear and ripped it back out. etc. No wI knew what I was getting into buying the "8", but didn't think about the PITA when it comes to being on the other side of the world, and having availablity of parts, or lack there of. BTW I have extra parts for a 2.5 YJ just sitting around. Anywho this isn't a build thread.
My problem... I can have the engine rebuilt (Assuming no major damage to cylinder walls or anything), for 500-700$ for the rebuild kit, plus an additional 1K for the labor. Some might say that's less than what it will cost for a swap. And you would be correct. Then I will have a rebuilt 2.5 completely stock jeep and my restoration will be complete, beside the weather kisses I need to fix that I've mentioned in another thread.
Or I can shell out the money now (approx. 10K), to by a complete Novak powertrain, and an addition 5K est. for axles to handle that powertrain. And have the baddest 8 on this side of the world.
:::If I could only find a genie somewhere::: I do have the money for the Novak and axles, but as you can imagine I had other plans for that. (J.E.E.P.) I've even considered selling my Harley to offset the cost. My problem is availability. I can't just go to a "you pull it", which is why I'm even considering Novak. No hassle everything is included, I just bolt up the mounts drop it in, and connect some wires. I do have a Ford 302 here with me, but it's not assembled as I was not ready to install it, and not exactly sure if I have everything for it. I also have a t18 at my brother's house in Florida. Any advice is welcome, as my mind is tired of reading and contemplating. Thanks guys.
~Jeremy
My problem... I can have the engine rebuilt (Assuming no major damage to cylinder walls or anything), for 500-700$ for the rebuild kit, plus an additional 1K for the labor. Some might say that's less than what it will cost for a swap. And you would be correct. Then I will have a rebuilt 2.5 completely stock jeep and my restoration will be complete, beside the weather kisses I need to fix that I've mentioned in another thread.
Or I can shell out the money now (approx. 10K), to by a complete Novak powertrain, and an addition 5K est. for axles to handle that powertrain. And have the baddest 8 on this side of the world.
:::If I could only find a genie somewhere::: I do have the money for the Novak and axles, but as you can imagine I had other plans for that. (J.E.E.P.) I've even considered selling my Harley to offset the cost. My problem is availability. I can't just go to a "you pull it", which is why I'm even considering Novak. No hassle everything is included, I just bolt up the mounts drop it in, and connect some wires. I do have a Ford 302 here with me, but it's not assembled as I was not ready to install it, and not exactly sure if I have everything for it. I also have a t18 at my brother's house in Florida. Any advice is welcome, as my mind is tired of reading and contemplating. Thanks guys.
~Jeremy
