cherokeebaby

Hey guys! I have a 85 Cherokee Chief and it has the 2.8 liter and I really would like to have a more powerful engine without having to do to many mods for a new one to fit. I just got this Jeep and it looks like maybe the engine was on fire at one point in time and it has a few problems when its idling such as missing and just flat out dying on me. My rig is a bit rough and honestly thats how I want to keep it, I want to use it mostly as a trail rig but I still would like to be able to take it on the road when needed. I would like to keep this whole engine swap as easy and cheap as possible, I'm in college and don't have too much time or money at the moment. Does anyone have any ideas how to get more power out of my chief? I would even settle on some ideas as to how to fix up this engine. At this point I'm looking for ANY advice you could give me!
Thanks a lot in advance! Happy Wheeling!

Desertfox1023

I hate to say it but the 2.8L is not the best motor. I know people usually swap them for the GM 3.4L - here's a write up

http://jeep.off-road.com/jeep/articl....jsp?id=277008

a search is Google for 2.8L to 3.4L will turn up a lot more

you could always go for a 4.0 but most people go the 3.4L route. I'm guessing because there both GM motors and it requires less work. Good luck if you plan on going the motor swap route.

cherokeebaby

Thanks a lot man! I'll go check that link out right now!

Any one else wanna throw in there advice?

120mm

Yep. A Jeep Cherokee will junk out for around $600, and you can get a 4.0 liter jeep that needs just a little work for around $500.

You asked....

cherokeebaby

You see the thing is, my boyfriend got it for me for my birthday and I'm IN LOVE WITH IT!!!! I couldn't just give up and junk the poor thing. Thanks though...

cherokeebaby

So I looked into the 3.4L and it sounds like it couldn't be too hard. I think I might go with that.

jonb8

That's pretty much the only choice you got. My first xj was a 2.8 with 4 and 33's and it just didn't have enough motor. I researched every option for a engine swap and finally just sold it and bought a 4.0 jeep. The 3.4 liter swap is very doable though but even with the swap you'll never get the torque you can get out of a 4.0.

cherokeebaby

Yeah man but like I said, I can't sell it. I think I will go with less torque and be happy with that

Desertfox1023

less torque out put just means lower gears

cherokeebaby

Someone told me that I could do a swap for a 4.9L V8. I haven't looked into it much seeing as how this guy told me right before I stumbled into my dorm to pass out but I will do so today after my classes. What do ya'll think about that? If that would be possible I think I would have a pretty mean cherokee chief on my hands!

BlueXJ

Think a larger V8 is going to not be an easy or cheap swap. You would prolly need a tranny and transfercase with the proper front driveshaft drop.

120mm

I know exactly where you are at. And I've been there, too. I currently have a '67 Mustang convertible sitting in my garage, that I really can't afford to keep.

But a much wiser man than me once told me "Never fall in love with something that cannot or does not return the favor."

Edited to add: As a father of two daughters, a husband to an awesome woman, and an admirer of all things female, I am encouraged that you want to bust knuckles and get grease on ya, as a female. We need more of that!!!

drakan1908

Don't know if this will help or not:
http://members.shaw.ca/betterthanyou...ine%20swap.htm
Here is another site you might find handy:
http://60degreev6.com/

SeriousOffroad

http://www.3400swap.com/

120mm

cherokeebaby - I'm 3 hours from you at Fort Leavenworth. A little too far to come help with the swap, when it happens.

But who knows.

Have you changed plugs and wires?