Hey guys, long story short I bought a 2000 xj a couple months ago,head was cracked, bearings are shot and it needs a rebuild. A guy I knew had a 1998 short block laying around and gave it to me for 100 bucks. Figured I would rebuild it slowly and put it in this spring when it got a little warmer out. Well me being a dumb *** I figured all 97-01 was the distributor-less COP ignitions system..I was wrong obviously. Soo my question is..Can I make this short block work?

I replaced the cylinder head on my current motor with a brand new head with the stronger casting so I plan on using that head on the 98 short block.

I know this is my second post but I have searched for hours on here and other forums. If there is already a post out there similar to this then by all means point me to it and the admins can delete this thread. Thanks for any responses ahead of time and sorry for the long post!

Yes, you can use that block simply by installing the cam sensor instead of the distributor. Just be sure you're on top dead center on #1.

Okay awesome that's good news. With the cam sensor isn't it usually a good idea to just take the car to the dealership and have them hook up a scan tool to properly set the fuel synch. As far as I know if it's even a couple of degree's off it will rob you over power and you wll get bad mpg..

You can do it in your driveway. Just google the procedure and follow the directions. It's pretty simple.

Great, thanks for the help

You do need the DRB III tool (dealer) to tweek the timing. Basic install is by following the FSM procedures.

Any other difference's in the short blocks? I remember reading somewhere that the cam was a little different.

you'll need to fab something for the coil packs