Thexjfiles

Can anyone give me a definate answer to this....

Can an 88 block be used with a 99 head to go into a 99 XJ.
A guy with a low miles 99 cracked his block due to straight water, no antifreeze, and would like just my 88 short block.
Will it work easily?
TIA

MrBuick

From what I understand, yes, it will bolt right on. The 87-90 "Renix" block is the strongest bottom end from what I have heard. I was talking with a good friend of mine about needing a new engine for my 90. He has more than one engine laying around, and told me I could use any blocks with a Renix head to fix mine. If it works one way, it will work the other. The AMC designed I6 didn't change much.

Cherockee

I am thinking of attempting something simular, but I'm in sort of a grey area that I can't seem to get a good answer about. The cams are very different and I want to use the newer style head (so that I dont' have any trouble with manifolds bolting up and lining up correctly). I would assume I would use the older lifters and pushrods, but what about rockers? And since the block is out would I be better off changing the cam too? (which would probably require buying new since the newer motor I have has over 200K miles on it)

So does anyone have any suggestions for "us" regarding which cam and head to use?