No Replacement for Displacement

After the brakes were installed, I set out to find something fierce for the engine bay. Originally, I was content with a small but reliable 318cid engine with a two-barrel carburetor. It wouldn't quite strike fear into the hearts of the local gearheads, but they were cheap and plentiful. But after surfing the local Craigslist ads for months, I still hadn't found one for the right price. Luckily, my buddy 5.9ANDY from www.jeepforum.com asked me if I wanted this old 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Magnum long block of his. After a bout with low compression, Andy gave up and pulled another 5.9L to replace it.


Like any red-blooded American gear-head, I jumped at the chance of a free long block, and Andy brought it over last July. Since then, this project has consumed my dollars, time, and focus.

I started out with the build by getting the block hot-tanked, machined, and the rotating assembly assembled inside the block.


The rotating assembly consists of the stock crank, .010 oversized main and rod bearings with cam bearings from Clevite, stock connecting rods, and pins and pistons from Speed-Pro. The gaskets are a Fel-Pro set, and the hi-volume oil pump is from Melling. The distributor, electronic ignition module, distributor drive shaft, timing cover and oil pan and pickup are all Mopar Performance pieces, while the timing set is from Comp Cams. The mechanical fuel pump is a Carter unit from NAPA Auto Parts, and the harmonic balancer is from Bouchillon Performance.

The camshaft is a Hughes Engines custom-grind. The valve springs and retainers are also from Hughes. The cylinder heads are discontinued Racing Head Services Magnum heads, boasting a new casting (stock heads are prone to cracking) and larger intake runners.

Smaller 'bling' parts include a billet aluminum alternator bracket from Summit Racing, a Milodon braided-stainless steel engine dipstick tube, and a Mopar Performance aluminum right-angle oil filter adapter. The entire thing will rest on the Schumacher Creative Services engine-swap motor mounts.

Only a few more items to purchase before I can stuff this between the Demon's framerails.