so i got a motor out of a 88 cherokee and i was curious what i would have to change to use it in a 99 cherokee the 99 has the whole harness and everything in it. i figured just change the intake manifold and that will be it but am just wanting to make sure..

 

You can do it. I get that the basic idea is you treat it like a long block. All your 99 stuff goes on the 88, including the flex-plate/flywheel. You won't be using the gauge/temp light sensor at the rear of the 88 head. There is some deal...I think you need to use the manifold gasket for an 88. It bolts up, but the 99 gasket isn't right for the 88 manifold. The power steering mounting and some pulleys are different, but I think it goes in OK...

Added..I meant to say "the 99 gasket isn't right for the 88 head".
I THINK! Somebody will correct me if I'm wrong....

 

thanks man i appreciate it.. hopefully someone chimes in and says your 100% correct.. just to get a second opinion. not saying your wrong but before i order stuff i wanna clarify

 

Isn't the head different on the 88? If not then I believe you should only have to swap what's different since you'd be going from obd0 to obd2 essentially.

 

Use the intake exhaust gasket for whatever intake and exhaust manifolds ou're gonna use. Use the vehicle's dizzy, manifolds, flywheel etc. easy and no reason to be askeered.

 

thanks. i think that clears up alot

 

A little trivia for you. Some Renix guys (87-90), do the "HO" swap. I guess the idea is the 91> High Output head breathes just slightly better. Maybe the intake ports are a tad higher for better air flow. Here it mentions going from 177, to 190 horses, but how much of that is the head I couldn't say. >> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Cherokee_%28XJ%29 Probably plenty though!

More trivia>> http://www.jeep4.0performance.4mg.com/tech_specs.html

 

thanks alot for the tech specs page that tells alot i guess ill be doing a head swap because i gotta replace the rings anyway so i will be taking the head off of it.