no, there are casting changes throughout the different years and models.

 

I found a complete 90 model engine for 300 down the street from my house would I be able to swap the 90 model head and sensors off of it to my 97 head and sensors and it work?

 

90 is Renix, as your 97 is Mopar fuel injected with OBDII. I am sure lots of splicing and what not can make it work, but IMHO it isn't really worth it. Look for any year engine from 97-early 99.

 

Easier said than done im afraid 97-99 aren't in abundance in junkyards around here

 

Hopefully someone can fill you in more if the '90 engine is the only one you can get. Huntingman I think did something of the sorts with an OBDII/Renix hybrid. Check out the how-tos.

Also, does anyone know if OBDI 4.0's can be made to work with OBDII? If so, that broadens the band a little bit, with any engine from '91 to '99 working for you.

 

I'm not planning on using any of the electronics or the head just the block

 

get a 91-99 block, i belive the 96 and newer blocks are stronger though.

 

I think they may have changed the cam gear setup along the way. I just swapped a 90 into a 2000, and the timing gears are different. Not sure when the change happened. I had to buy a timing gear set, so it wasn't the end of the world.
There is a bit more bracing in a 96+ block, but I wouldn't worry about it. All manifolds bolt up fine as long as you use a post-renix head(91+). You'll want to use your timing cover as they are a bit different, but bolt pattern is the same. Make sure you use your flexplate as they changed as well.
Other than that, everything is fine. You may have to move a ground or two, but everything bolts on and you shouldn't need to tap any holes.
Mind you, my swap isn't running yet, but it did all bolt up and I've got compression, spark, and fuel. I also researched the pants off the possibility of swapping this motor into the later jeep, and conceptually it works just fine.

 

Pretty sure you can do that, treat it as a "short block". I'm not aware or any particular problems with a 90. Mine seems fine at 265K. Use all your stuff, including the flywheel or torque plate. Make sure you have it right...Idk if a pilot bearing could interfere with a torque converter...just have that right!

I could be wrong! But I'm sure renix owners install HO heads....Also there might differences in the brackets for the business up front. 90 tensions the belt with the power steering pump...

 

As long as you use the intake manifold from the 97(which you have to do anyway), you won't have any problems with the serpentine belt accessories. The PS pump mounts to the intake manifold on 96+ models.

 

I just found a 2000 parts jeep with a good motor for 750 delivered to my house. How hard would it be to change the motor to run on a distributor instead of coil packs?

 

Anyone have input on what I should do

 

The cam sensor drive on the 2000 motor is the same as the earlier motors. The distributor will drop right in. You could use the head from the 2000, but those particular head castings are prone to cracking(notorious 0331 casting).

The 2000 intake manifold is actually considered an upgrade from the 97, and a lot of people swap them out for a couple extra HP(not sure if this has been confirmed on a dyno). You will want to keep your exhaust manifold.

Make sure you retain your flexplate.

I can't think of any issues. If you keep the 0331 head from the 2000 your existing exhaust will bolt up to it. Read up on the 0331 casting before you make your decision though.

If you pick up the 2000 I might be interested in some parts(PCM, coil rail, that kind of thing) since I'm having some issues right now with my 2000. PM me if you pick it up. I would have loved to find a 2000 with a good motor for that price before I started my swap.

 

Well the deal on the 2000 just fell thru back to square one I guess

 

The 90 have high miles? Is your block gouged? Gotta be pretty bad.