Topic: well my #4 piston decided to drop her skirt (dirty girl)

[4x4x2.5]

I was wondering what kind of luck anyone has had with 2.5L engine rebuild kits. probably just the tech kit, I have no need for the master kit with the cam shaft, cam bearings etc... I found one kit at flat fender racing for like 300 bucks or so. seems like a good price but i was wondering if anyone has used them and how it went. The other kits i find seem to be in the 400-500 dollar range. Also I would like to know who else may have had this problem. In my research Ive found it mainly seems to happen after the engine has over heated. Makes perfect sense. The weird thing is that mine overheated something like 10,000 miles ago due to a blown head gasket, which lead to a complete new cylinder head with new valves and springs. Anyway I figure once i rebuild the short block ill have damn near a brand new engine, so, worth it in the end i guess. 

[sharpxmen]

what's in the $300 kit?

[aj6502]

http://www.northernautoparts.com/ProductDetail.cfm?ProductId=1869

I bought a master kit for a 97 2.5L engine to install in my 91 YJ. All of the parts were top of the line. Sealed Power Pistons, Rings, Bearings, Cam and Lifters. Victor gasket set. Cloyes timing set. Super fast shipping and excellent customer service.

The 97 engine had a hole in #4 piston so I went with a complete master kit. I have about 400 miles on it since the overhaul.

[4x4x2.5]

so at flat fender racing the overhaul kit includes; pistons (coated), rings, gaskets, cam bearings, rod bearings, main bearings and thrust washers. for $309. The master kit adds; freeze plugs, cam shaft, oil pump, lifters and timing set. goes for $489. sounds like a lot more for $189 dollars. i just dont know that i need to go to that length ya know?

[4x4x2.5]

hey thanks for the heads up on the northern auto parts block kit. that seems like a solid deal at $80 less than flat fender, and with some name brand parts to boot! since you say you had a good experience with them i just might go that route. might as well change all of the goodies i can while im in there anyway. it probably wont happen for a month or two as i am being given a full size bronco as a work/tow rig and it needs a little attention. but ill let you guys know how it goes as i progress. thanks for the help!

[sharpxmen]

if you do it you should at least get the timing set (chain, sprockets, tensioner) and the lifters + pushrods

i would go with hypereutectic pistons rather than the regular ones, moly or plasma rings.

sometimes is worth getting the parts individually rather than a kit so you can pick what you want.

I also dealt with Northern Auto Parts and they have really good Customer Service like he ^ said.