86 XJ 2.8L upgrade
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Model: Cherokee
86 XJ 2.8L upgrade
I'm new to these forums but I've been doing some searching around and was hoping someone could answer a question for me.
I have an 86 XJ with a 2.8L v6 that I'm looking to upgrade. I also have a 96 ZJ with a 4.0L I6. I already know that a 3.4L is a relatively easy swap but I've been having trouble finding a definitive answer to this question. Would it be worth it to try to put the ZJs I6 into the XJ or am I still better off looking into a 3.4L?
Any input is appreciated .
P.S. I know the conversion is a lot harder, what I'm wondering is just how much of a cost difference it would be since I already have a running donor vehicle.
I have an 86 XJ with a 2.8L v6 that I'm looking to upgrade. I also have a 96 ZJ with a 4.0L I6. I already know that a 3.4L is a relatively easy swap but I've been having trouble finding a definitive answer to this question. Would it be worth it to try to put the ZJs I6 into the XJ or am I still better off looking into a 3.4L?
Any input is appreciated .
P.S. I know the conversion is a lot harder, what I'm wondering is just how much of a cost difference it would be since I already have a running donor vehicle.
Last edited by Awakun; 01-30-2012 at 05:51 PM.
#2
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The 3.4L is definately going to be a MUCH easier swap. You basically just need the block and retain all the 86 XJ stuff. The engines can be had for pretty cheap also if you find a camaro or firebird that had one in it 93-95 I believe. Really simple stuff as long as your existing stuff works fine. With that said though, the 4.0 in the GC is a better engine imo. Its gonna be a ton of work to make the GC 4.0 work in the XJ. You need to transfer the computer harness over and I believe the trans is not a AW4, I want to say its the 42RE. Regardless, in order to put the 4.0 and tranny/tcase in the XJ you have to basically transfer EVERY part from the ZJ into the XJ. I honestly think you should just do the 3.4 swap as those engines are pretty decent. I have one in my 85 firebird and it pulls decent, much better than the 2.8.
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Appreciate the honest answer . I still haven't quite made up my mind about what I want to do but I'm leaning towards swapping in a 3.4L and saving a bigger swap as a later project. (If not just running it that way until I can trade up).
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#6
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Originally Posted by Scott in WY
I am looking to upgrade also, can I get some company names?
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Year: 1986
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Engine: 5.0
Word on the street is a 4.0 won't fit because the firewall isn't deep enough for it.
You won't be money ahead no matter which direction you go, some sort of V8 would be nice.
You won't be money ahead no matter which direction you go, some sort of V8 would be nice.
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#9
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Originally Posted by jbsjunk
Word on the street is a 4.0 won't fit because the firewall isn't deep enough for it.
You won't be money ahead no matter which direction you go, some sort of V8 would be nice.
You won't be money ahead no matter which direction you go, some sort of V8 would be nice.
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