Awakun

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.

sam24th

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.

Awakun

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).

Metmknice

Why not a V8, theres a few companies that make conversion kits.

Scott in WY

I am looking to upgrade also, can I get some company names?

Outlaw Star

Advance adapters, Novak adapters, and I know there's one more.

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.

freegdr

heres a pretty detailed swap....http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...Project_XJ.htm

Outlaw Star

Uh, mine fit. I have an 85. It had a blown motor and I put one in. Can't lie, it's tight but it fit. Lol

austinjoe13

My vote's on either the 3.1 or 3.4. Like everyone else has said, it will be MUCH easier!