esms06

Hello I just bought a 86 xj but it came with a 2.8 v6 engine. I'm not sure wether to rebuild it or swap it out with a 4.0 engine or possible a v8. I want something that is cost efficient but not to complicated to do. I am doing some wheeling but it is also my daily driver. Also what's a good carb for the 2.8? thanks.

Abovetimberline

I do not alot about the 2.8,if you have some abilities with engines I would go with a bigger motor like the 4.0,but if you change from what you have you will also need to use the wiring and control system for that motor. I would stick with something that is compatibile with the rest of the veichle or you run the chance of breaking things.

esms06

I heard it was pretty difficult to swap from the 2.8 to the 4.0 That it was much easier to get a gm 3.4 but I rather go with the 4.0 but don't know what's all involved. or if it's easier to go with the v8.

Abovetimberline

There are some threads on here that can offer some insight to this,what I mean is the engine compartment on some xjs is not big enough to handle the 4.0,and I see yours is an 86,I think it falls into this year.

radio flyer

The fire wall is the same! The radiator support is different and is interchangable. Been thru this before.

redneck80891

ok, just wondering, i'm in a situation with a completely demolished 4.0 right now and am wondering if it would be simpler to just swap in another 4.0, or how hard is a V8 swap? reason for asking is because i can't seem to find a good price on a 4.0 and there is an overabunceance of V8's out there for good prices, e.g., a 5.0L High Output motor from a Thunderbird is in my driveway and not being used, there's TOOOOOOOOONS of 350's out there, and 318's are a dime a dozen. Any ideas?