Dang I didn't realize the project cost went up that high.

me either ... just checked my spreadsheet and i'm actually at 9100. the OG budget was built with no lift or suspension work, no new bumpers, no custom stand-alone engine harness or ECU tuning work, and not having to buy a whole 2nd engine. i would do the lift pump system differently and probably a little cheaper next time, but that pretty much covers where i lost it. i'm going to end up having to dial this build in to make it nice enough to be worth the extra costs, find someone who NEEDS it, or take a little loss selling/parting it.

the jeep itself, all new lift, new proper SYE, used tires n wheels, short throw shifter and t-case cable shifter, complete 5spd swap, and i'm at $3335. really not that bad all things considered for a stupid clean 2000 2dr XJ with a manual trans.

the trans adapter was 900, intercooler n piping stuff was only 350, but the unexpected 2nd engine was 800, and the stand alone and tune was $1400 with new injectors. plus like $600 in fuel pressure regulators i'd do differently, the ods n ends, and i have $5760 in the engine swap. again, not horrible for a full deal with lots of new/fancy parts, just not a bargain.

it wasn't built to be a flip either, different choices were made.

Ouch - good luck!

the feedback seams to be that ppl who want it would be willing to pay it, but they are all broke. the ppl who don't want a diesel XJ think it's worth less than a 4.0. but everyone agrees i'd sell it quick/easy for my money if i put in the time to detail it out and make it nice-ish.

well if i put in the time, i probably won't wanna sell it!

LOL, that's the crux, right - time in and keep, no time and lose some.

Either way, is it worth the money to put in the time...or is it worth piece of mind that it's gone and you lost some only to make it up elsewhere and spend time on the things you truly want to spend time on, and not having it in the way or on the mind that it's there :dunno:

i can 100% get something out of the XJ still, i would daily it all winter to save salt on Hank. i was thinking if it sold i would finally 4x4 the TJ for winter too, but that jeep is too nice to salt up. hell, if the Grand sells, the wife could drive it on sh!tty days downtown.

the XJ needs a lot of detail work, but is more time than money. it's also probably not that much money at this point. once the airstream is up and functional, i'll probably spend some time on it before going back to the 55

You definitely have options to choose from when you're bored :lol:

:D sometimes i have to schedule being bored, it's nice.

so i hadn't touched this little thing for probably 5 or 6 weeks cuz i was mad at it, and had enough else to do. decided to stick a battery back in it and take it for a spin monday, even drove it to work today. it's really pretty decent and i think it's a solid plan ... just not a finished execution yet. most issues are just stuff i've not gotten to yet.

things to redo:
- engine mounts ... i didn't believe ppl when they said don't use poly. they also need moved closer to the engine CG to control it better. to do this right might require a new manifold and turbo relocation.
- Headliner ... i didn't clean the old foam off like an idiot and it fell again. it was **** reusing the fabric anyways, so not the worst, i already have the new material and the liner pulled.
- front end alignment with pinion adjustment

Jeep things to do:
- Trade a buddy who wants my NV3550 for his AX15 that i want, rebuild the AX15 and install it. is a direct bolt-in swap.
- Install a locker or posi in the back, this one wheel peal sh!t sux
- BigBoy seat brackets, down n back for head and leg room
- new radio cuz worst aftermarket unit eeeevvveerrr. i'll probably use the android unit from the TJ n try something different there.
- find parasitic 12v draw n stop it
- clean side molding sticky off doors
- clearcoat hood n roof
- fix end stops on drivers window motor

VW things to do:
- swap temp sensor cuz this one reads way off. hopefully this will fix the over-fueling once warm.
- figure out why it starts so hard with the key, but bump starts awesome
- cruise control switches and wiring
- wire temp sender wire out from vw ecu to jeep harness input
- figure out better way to trick the jeep ECU to read the CPS for tach. the relay i'm using currently doesn't work 20% of the time
- build compound turbo ... cuz reasons

Man, I just gave an XJ radio away, too - totally would've shipped that to ya.

I've done headliners...while not hard, they do kinda suck. We used some stuff from JoAnn Farid - but I'd take a stock headliner kit over that myself.

Sounds like you got this - and will then probably keep it to ride when your heart desires :lol:

hopefully get it to road trip with at least the same MPG as the vette ... :james:

We put a double din radio in our xj and it made it feel way more modern in there. Nice to be able to plug in a phone and have all the maps and features of CarPlay. The trim panels they make for it make it look like it is supposed to be there too.

i think this is my plan!

i have a double din android radio in the TJ right now ... so it runs android like it's a tablet, can run android apps, but has to have wifi to do stuff. i'd much rather have a standard radio with wireless android auto and let the phone control it. i'm thinking i'll swap the current one into the XJ and get something new for the TJ.

- headline: DONE!
- figured out the cold start issue, and the over-fueling issue: the tune was built for way smaller injectors even thought i bought them with the tune from the same dude. :james:
- got a VNT-17 to replace the 15: should be able to make 25% more boost while being more efficient about it. this specific install should move the turbo up and forward for a way better location too.

got the engine/trans back out to start the whole trans swap and mount re-do. cleaning up wiring, hose routing, etc at the same time and more deleting unused BS.

https://i.imgur.com/vHXXciO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Jq6eaMD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1MUOlbi.jpg

Nice! I can't recall why...what is the reason for going to AX-15?

i could actually use less 1st, so much torque in the TDI, and a buddy wants the lower 1st of the 3550 over the ax-15 he has ... i would rather have the ax-15 to match the YJ, (spare parts) ... ax-15 is generally regarded as stronger ... ax15 is easier to rebuild, the 3550 is completely missing the 2nd gear synchro so i needed to pull n rebuild anyways

:thumbsup: Makes sense. I didn't realize the AX-15 was actually stronger. I know you're well versed in them though :lol:

i mean, an ax15 i rebuilt at 611 is still up and running behind the stroker in my YJ with my right foot ... they are good sh!t!

i gotta say ... i expected to see more difference between the 15 and 17. doesn't matter though since it was all about location. this 05 Passat set is WAY better for the jeep!

https://i.imgur.com/ZBKFUAh.jpg

got my AX15 ready for rebuild! that turned into an interesting day :lol:

so it's a 99 i traded for. 3550 for ax-15 but mine came in this pile. the whole TJ is just junk, like epic junk. when i knew everything was going to fight me, i decided to just can-opener this b!tch and have easy access. a few minutes with some wire cutters, grinder, and a recip she was ready. i just ran the recip thru the frame mounts for the body. wife drove the truck, i messed with what i missed cutting. only had to get the e-brake cables, and turns out the fuel rail can lift the front end before it breaks :lol: best part was, by not cutting the drivers mounts, it just laid right back down on the frame! re-filled with BS and she's ready for scrapping.

you can see in the one pic how rusty the clutch is. the whole inside of the bell housing looks like this might need an exorcism vs a rebuild. the 231 was actually frozen to the trans, i ended up breaking the front case half a few places pretty bad before it finally came off. trans is clean though. saved a few other parts for selling or hording.

next step, rebuild.

https://i.imgur.com/glQZb43.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lrzwE2j.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NHPRSu2.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BoJcG3u.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zyEydIZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KYjMfWk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/r6n7gFV.jpg

Man...that type of corrosion on a vehicle of that vintage is down right impressive. Was it in the ocean? LOL!