publius

Which V6 is considered to be the good engine in old Cherokee's? I know one is not considered to be very good and the other is. Year models would be nice too. Thanks much.

sm99eagle

I personally have never put a v6 in one, but I have heard that the chevy 4.3 is a great choice. They were in a ton of 1990's S-10's and even some full size trucks, also some of the chevy astro vans.....Why do you want a v6? Just curious...nothing wrong with it......

djb383

I believe a 2.8L V6 was used/available in '84-'86. Never heard much good about about it, but don't know for sure.

publius

shows how much I know, I thought the V6 was the standard engine in the Cherokee. Thought there were 2 different ones offered at different times and one was a POS. What was the standard engine and what is the best/most reliable? i mistyped i should have asked about 6cyl. not V6 b/c i think i got my answer, that the Chevy 2.8 V6 was used prior to '87? and the inline 4.0 after and the inline is much more desireable? Sound right? thank you

sam24th

There are 2 different 6 cylinder configurations you could get for the cherokees. Either you had a 2.8L V6 which is a chevy engine or a 4.0L straight six. The 2.8 is a bit underpowered IMO. The 2.8 was offered in earlier cherokees and then dropped altogether. I would consider the 4.0 the better engine when comparing the two. The 4.0 is basically a revamped 4.2 engine from AMC. The cherokee was also offered in a 2.5L straight 4 configuration which is basically the straight 6 with 2 cylinders cut off.

413maxwedge

2.8 makes a good boat anchor unless you wish to have alot of work done to it.The next one up from a 2.8 lt is a bit better but not much its a 3. something they were in the grand prix and berrattas.As far as a 4.3 alot of work for not much of a gain, you would have more room and power with a v-8.( Get yourself a 4.0 stroker) no headache a good one you can get has 315 hp and 345tq.