So was this a good motor?
Or a dud that was replaced and never returned?

 

Its really a gm 2.8 v6 and its kinda gutless.Is it reliable yes and no depends who you ask.But its 29 years old things dont work like they use to with age.I wouldn't buy a early v6 xj unless i going to v8 swap it or its been done.

 

The engine is pretty poor but you can swap in other V6 engines with the same bolt pattern. The front clip on the 1st gen XJs is also very short (did not have the 4.0) which limits your options a bit.

 

Ahhhh Thanks guys. I found one locally in decent shape.
When I saw the V6 I was hoping for a bit more power than the I6.

 

Not much performance potential, think Chevy S-10. 0-60 is like November.

 

Vortec heads will double the hp

 

Think of v8 gas mileage and 4 cylinder power and you got the 2.8 lol.Wait for a 87 or newer with the 4.0.The early ones really need a engine swap to have power to them.

 

I wonder if the GM 3.8 supercharged V6 would bolt in? That would be a sweet swap!

 

Bolt in will be 2.8 3.1 and 3.4 anything else will take a lot of work.

 

Buick 3800 has the same bolt pattern, but you'd have to bring over the harness and computer to use the SC