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engine swap good or bad

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Old Oct 5, 2012 | 02:11 AM
  #1  
Nicolai's Avatar
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From: Puerto Rico
Year: 1988
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Engine: 4.0 L (242 CID) AMC 242 I6
Default engine swap good or bad

I own a 1987 jeep cherokee pioneer 4x4 6L

I got my hands.on a grand cherokee engine which is also 6L. IS.not.the 4x4 model.. my.question is do I have to modify my transmission or any part of my jeep

This is my jeep
engine swap good or bad-yeti.jpg
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Old Oct 5, 2012 | 02:20 AM
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Now there's a good one. I think you will need to keep your Renix ECU, which doesn't really like heads newer than....,99....(maybe)(because of the different manifolds). Did you post in the Grand section as well? Just my .02. Learning here myself.
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Old Oct 5, 2012 | 07:14 AM
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
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Cruiser’s HO into Renix Swap
This swap is easier than some will lead you to believe, generally those who have never done it. Those of us who have done it, like myself, will share with you the things that need to be done for a successful swap. Just think of it as swapping in a long block.
The HO and Renix have some differences but none that can’t be overcome very easily.
Any HO engine from an XJ or ZJ through 1998 can be used. One running change was that the rear of the head was no longer drilled and tapped for the temperature gauge sender beginning in the 96 model year. The sender can be relocated to the threaded hole in the thermostat housing taken from the HO engine. You’ll have to extend the wire to that location. Some brave souls even drill and tap the HO head for the sender.
You will be using the intake and exhaust manifolds from your Renix, along with all your sensors and wiring. Since the intake ports of the HO are slightly different, you use the Renix gasket. Exhaust ports are identical.
You will need to use your Renix distributor as it is different than the HO because they use different fuel management systems. The flywheel or flexplate from the Renix must be used so your CPS gets the correct signals. The valve cover from the Renix allows you to keep your CCV system intact and requires no modifications.
The HO block will have a plug in the coolant galley on the driver’s side of the block, closest to the front, which needs to be removed so your Coolant Temp Sensor can be installed in it’s place just as it is on the Renix. It requires a 5/16" square drive or a modified 3/8" drive that has been ground down to fit. Do this before installing the engine.
As for the knock sensor, which is located just above the oil pan on the driver’s side of the engine about mid way, all the blocks I’ve seen are threaded for it. If not, I’ve heard they may be drilled but not tapped. Tap the hole if that’s the case.
 
Revised 07/24/2012
 
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Old Oct 5, 2012 | 09:24 PM
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You might Google it Nic. Besides the computer stuff the mounts for the Grand might be different.
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Old Oct 6, 2012 | 09:17 AM
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Any HO engine from an XJ or ZJ through 1998 can be used.
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Old Oct 7, 2012 | 11:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Nicolai
I own a 1987 jeep cherokee pioneer 4x4 6L
I got my hands.on a grand cherokee engine which is also 6L. IS.not.the 4x4 model.. my.question is do I have to modify my transmission or any part of my jeep
So the mounts on the grand are different?
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Old Oct 8, 2012 | 06:02 AM
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cruiser54's Avatar
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From: Prescott, Az
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Engine: 4.0
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XJ Cherokee and ZJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.

2000+ TJ Wrangler and WJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.

XJ/ZJ blocks and 2000+ TJ/WJ blocks do not interchange without significant modifications. (1997-1999 4.0L TJ Wrangler blocks will interchange in XJ/ZJ and visa-versa).

TJ/WJ 4.0L Engine blocks underwent clean sheet design changes effective in the 1999 WJ Grand and 2000 TJ Wrangler. These blocks are not interchangeable with XJ/ZJ engine blocks. The reason is motor mount bolt holes and belt driven accessory mounting bolt holes are in different locations, or not present at all, TJ/WJ vs. XJ/ZJ.

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Old Oct 30, 2012 | 08:28 PM
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Year: 1988
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Engine: 4.0 L (242 CID) AMC 242 I6
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thank you for all the info. sorry i have reply late
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