LS XJ

Don't know if this is the right forum for this, but it is a Jeep build.

Bought this XJ, sitting for a few years, of CL for $340. Rod poking through the block. Dirty as all get out, but it's solid and not banged up.


My plans might come across as sacrilegious, I converted it to 2wd and it's not going to see any dirt roads, is to install a big V8 on a budget. No performance stuff, as much OEM as possible.

Some may not like this idea, but somebody here must be interested in swapping an LS engine into an XJ.



Pulled the running gear out and dropped the engine into place.


Getting the manifolds and mounts done in the next couple of days. I've been working on the wiring harness after swapping out the front axle. Using an Explorer 8.8 rear end, I've installed a few of these in S10s before and it's a good choice.

If anybody has questions I'd gladly offer what I've found out so far.

Atmos

looking good, I've always wanted a 2wd XJ for the street but with a 4.6 stroker instead. what year/model LS is that?

LS XJ

It's an LQ4 out of a 2003 truck. 6.0L - 345 hp & 370 lb/ft

This engine weighs the same as the Jeep 4.0. The aluminum block LS engines weigh 80 lbs less.

This engine is detuned in a truck application. Tuning will bring it to nearly 400 hp. With a cam, another 40 hp.

I'm going cheap so no go-fast goodies.

Atmos

that definitely looked like a truck intake but I couldn't tell for sure and the grime is covering the block lol. great motor. can't wait to see it rolling with a hot tune!

LS XJ

The intake is a car intake. The truck intake, although it flows much better, is 3" taller and requires me to cut the hood. Not doing that.

Atmos

which car intake did you go with? I was looking at upgrading my LS1 intake to an LS6

Gatchmo5710

Headers gonna fit without notching frame?

LS XJ

I went with the cheapest intake that would fit under the hood, LS1

Maybe,..... when the time comes to replace/repair the engine I'll look at another intake.

LS XJ

Headers, got a smokin' deal on F-body headers, but they won't clear the steering shaft. I've got LS6 OEM manifolds coming. I measured up pretty good, I'm sure they will fit without grinding or cutting.

cleenrob

hooray for more ls swapped xj's!!

im doing an lm7 in mine right now

caged

this is something i am interested in.
i have been contemplating doing either an iq4/ls or vortec in my 90.

LS XJ

Not much to show for my time, I did a little of this, and a little of that.

Worked some on the mounts, some on the brakes, some on the rad install, and some more on the wiring.

Got the rad from Summit, $150
Snug fit for the space I've got to work with.
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Cut out the lower rad support so I could make a pocket to drop the new rad into. Nothing bigger I could fit into the stock location. Stock rad was 23" x 11" I think, single row, this one is 22" x 19" double row.
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I've got 5 1/5" for the rad fan. I'm waiting on the exhaust manifolds to finish setting up my mounts, so I don't want to make anything permanent yet.
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Picked up my fuel lines and fittings today.

Next week I'm getting manifolds, air intake, water pump spacers. So I've got lots to do next week.

cleenrob

are you using an ls1 water pump?

i used an l99 pump for mine, same spacing as the truck accessories and clears the throttle body

LS XJ

I'm using an LS1 water pump, it's what I had available. Also about $100 more than the LS1. The LS1 pump places the upper rad hose better for my accessories.
Using 3/4" spacers. It clears my throttle body.

I've got the XJ P/S pump mounted and an idler on the driver's side. Next week I'm mounting the alternator and tensioner on the passenger side.

LS XJ

I've been struggling with finding exhaust manifolds that clear everything.

I refuse to spend $1,200 CDN to purchase headers for this swap!

I've tried 3 sets of OEM manifolds and cannot get the right combination. They either don't clear the steering shaft, don't clear the frame or they exit into the firewall. The latest ones, LS6, I thought would work but sadly do not clear the frame.


So I've cut off the exit flange and plan to have some stainless tubing welded on so I can direct the exit where it needs to go.

Stay tuned.