ZJ V8 in my 85 XJ...
 

OK first off I know that many of you will tell me not to do this. However I have made up my mind so please dont bother tryin to talk me out of it. Although your opinions are valued, frankly I'm sick of being told not to.

Now with that out of the way... I have an 85 XJ which I just removed the 2.8 L boat anchor from yesterday. I also have a 97 ZJ with the 5.2 L V8. I plan on dropping the V8 in my XJ. I understand that it will be an immense amount of work. My question to everyone is: What do you think? Have you done this or something similar? And are there any tips or tricks that would be helpful. All help and opinions are appreciated, negativity isn't. Thanks in advance.

Would be interesting, personally I don't want ford or gm under my hood.

It would probably be easier to use the complete harness from the ZJ and make it work in the XJ, rather than try to adapt/scab onto the existing harness. You'll need to use the ZJ's PCM to make it run anyway, so why not just switch everything over? I'd love to see it done correctly. JMO

Agreed i would just switch the whole harness and then go about adapting the xj things to it.

Thats what I thought too. I might also use the dash from the ZJ. Not sure yet. I will definately keep pics updated throughout the project. Everyone keeps tryin to talk me out of doing this but I think it's going to be well worth the time and effort.

what about dropping a carbed 350 Chevy into it.....i know i know but isnt allot easier then to dick around with electrical crap.

I thought about that.... Its still in the back of my mind.

Wiring isn't difficult if you take your time, learn to read the schecmatics, and ask the right questions.

Go for it.

check out novak theyll have a lot of info on swaps as well as adapters. they have a lot of pros/cons of different swaps. You realize this is a very large undertaking so that is a big part of a project like this I only try to talk people out of things like this if they have the Idea its a bolt in job, so good luck start a build thread.

Not sure but i think the real old XJ's had a smaller engine bay than the ones with the I-6 in later years

I was just about to ask that. I was told yesterday that the fire wall is different and that alot more fab would be required. I wasn't sure how good my source was though. Either way I'm going for it!:gunsmilie: I will not be beaten! lol

Need some inspiration?

Mine:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...rtec/001-1.jpg

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1007477

Im not trying to discourage neither but the pros are a v8 (more power) cons 85 has a smaller engine bay also going from carburated to fuel injection but all that can be worked out how do you plan to keep the motor cool though cause the 2.8 radiator just wont do it an awesome build though

This is extremely inspiring!

Not too concerned about the engine bay. I'm pretty handy with a welder and inovative enough to make it happen. As far as keeping it cool goes, the plan is to use everything (or as much as possible) from the ZJ and modify to make it fit.