I have a 95 engine I would like to swap into my 2000 XJ motor that is cooked. I see so many different things on different sites but no definite answer. I purchased an adapter plate for the intake/exhaust manifold to go from 7120 to 0331 and the coil bracket hold downs as well. What are some items I will run into with this swap? Thanks in advance!

 

I don't think you have much to worry about since your 2000 XJ uses the old block anyway. All the differences were in the head. The 96-99 engines used the 0630 head with the paired center exhaust ports that could be a problem, but not the 7120. The 7120 head doesn't have locator dowel holes, but your block doesn't either and if later you want to put a Clearwater or TUPY head on it, you're good. Good luck!

 

Im not utilizing my block in using the whole engine from the 95..mine had a cracked head and oil pressure is down to 0 and shes knocking like a son of a blank. All i was planning on utilizing was the exhaust manifold and my exhaust

 

All the 95 sensors will have OBD1 plugs & PCM harness, vs OBD2 for your 2001 harness, so you will have to swap the sensors and probably all the harness wires out of your old motor.

 

No, what I'm saying is the 95 block will mate with a Clearwater or TUPY head if later you decide to do that. The 95 block doesn't have head locator dowels, but you really don't need them. Just be careful putting a later head on it keeping it straight. Then you can dump the manifold adapter. I realize you're trashing the original shortblock and head.

What awg is saying is you have to use all your original 2000 sensors on the 95 engine as well as the cam sensor drive instead of the distributor. BUT, I thought you knew that.

My advise is to remove the Crankshaft Position Sensor first so you don't break it and you can use it again, unless you want to spend the $50 for a new Mopar one anyway. It's fragile and the flexplate swings about 1/16" or less away from it.

I just thought of something! Be sure to switch the flexplate because it's going to be different because of the trigger windows for the ignition. You didn't specify what you're going to use for an intake manifold, but in my opinion you should use the 2000. I'm pretty sure it's a much better design.

 

Appreciate the responses! All the sensors i am teplacing go in place of the old ones? And thanks for heads up about flexplate I did not know that! I have 2 mechanics doing it but i want to be ahead of the game and everything ready to go. Even more now with less stores available to go to for parts with this virus crap

 

If you use you 2000 intake manifold, your IAT, TPS, IAC, and MAP sensors and wiring just snap together with no harness cutting. If the 95 engine uses a rear coolant temp sensor, just plug that off and use the one in the thermostat housing from your 2000. You'll need the oil pressure sensor from the 2000 because the PCM reads it instead of it going directly to the gauge like the 95 did. All your 2000 accessories should bolt on with your original wiring. I can't think of anything else now. Another reason to use the 2000 intake manifold is all the vacuum fitting are already in it that you'll need to feed your systems. I'm not sure about the flexplate, but I'd hate to see you put the motor in, then have to pull it out just to change it. Better to run what you know works. I think the 2000 flexplate has 4 windows at each of 3 positions to trigger the ignition. IDK what the 95 has. Also the 95 may be dented from handling it.

 

I will look into the flexplate more but i appreciate all the posts this will help saturday! Ill keep updated if i find anything that should be noted for others in the future

 

You know what? I'm really looking hard at that Viper coil setup from ksuspension.com The whole kit is $125 and includes coil, bracket, wiring harness, and plug wires. It's not actually a viper coil, but the one used on Dodge Caravan 3.8 V6s. This replaces the coil rail and looks like it will last longer, plus make it easier to change plugs and diagnose misfires. My WJ is on it's third coil rail at 253K miles. They even give you part numbers if you want to build your own setup!
Prices from rockauto.com
Spectra coil C595 $22.79
Standard Motor Products plug wire set 27703 $18.11
ksuspension harness extender $24.95
Make your own bracket or buy theirs for another $25

 

If you do it you better post it and have pics! I have been thinking about this also but gonna put it on the back burner as I still need to fix ps rocker panel and both rear lower quarters.

 

When I first read about the Viper coil mod years ago I thought about it and discarded the idea.
The only problem I have with the coil rail is that I wish there was a little more wire to move it a little more out of the way.
I tried something awhile back that did not work at all. I picked this up but bought it from RockAuto for about $13.


Thing was while it all plugged in properly when I tried to start the Jeep it barely started and was missing firing like no tomorrow.
Checked the connections and tried again but still no joy. My thinking is that the male terminals on this end were not long enough
to get a proper connection but not sure.

Then I saw how 00xjfreedom did this in his build thread and decided to do it. Start at Post #11.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/20...driver-251924/

So I bought the harness and bracket and figure go with the Mopar coil like he did.
Also I talked to the guys at Ksuspension and the wires they sell are out of a '02ish Grand Caravan.
00xjfreedom made his own wires and thinking having a 90 degree on the coil end is better then straight
which is how the Grand Caravan wires are. I also think he had to grind a "keyway" on the Mopar coil to get the
harness to attach. But not sure. Will find out when I get around to ordering the coil. Also when I get the coil
I am going to try and estimate some measurements, go to the store and start opening all the boxes of spark plug wires
we have in stock to see if I can find something that might route better then the Grand Caravan ones and not require me
to make my own.
Also there were 4 mounting points for the coil on the bracket from Ksuspension. Only 2 on the Mopar coil. So he modded
the coil with 2 more holes. Thinking I will just use 2 mounting points and call it a day.
Also be aware the Mopar coil is not a Viper coil. I looked up the part numbers and the Viper coil is a different one.
Also the Spectra coil that comes with the mod says it is for a Viper when you check the application online.
But also for all the Mopar mini vans, the '07 to '00 Wranglers. Even a VW. So while it would work on a Viper I doubt it
is a true Viper coil.

 

Thanks for the info and link Ralph...oh and guess what my name is also Ralph!

 

Don't thank me. Thank 00xjfreedom. LOL.
If I get lucky enough to find different spark plug wires with 90 degree boots at the coil
I am going to make a note of what the application is. Pretty sure all the ones we sell
in the store are 7 mm. And would like to run 8 mm. So will have to search for them
Otherwise I might just be making my own.
There is a guy on another forum who did this mod. He made his own bracket and had his wires
custom made from here:

https://sparkplugwires.com/

 

So I guy on another forum is doing this.
He used some Omix-Ada wires. 17245.11
They appear to be 7 mm wires.
Appear to be YJ/TJ 4.0 wires.
They have the 90 degree boot at the coil which I think might be a good thing.
Look like they route nice and not much excess.
To see go here:

https://www.cherokeetalk.com/threads.../#post-1157539

Now to find 8 mm ones that fit a YJ and TJ.

 

So I finally got around to ordering the Mopar Coil for the mod.
Little over $72 with tax off Amazon. 00xjfreedom said that it was much heavier then the Spectra he got
with the Ksuspension set up. It is pretty heavy but I don't know how it compares.
And the harness supplied by Ksuspension slips right on.
Was wondering if it would be a real Mopar part, ya never know, but nobody in the reviews said it wasn't so....
It is made in China though and not Mexico like most of the Mopar parts I have ordered.
So now to get some wires and when I change my spark plugs get this done too.