yeah check out novak for adapters, the old cherokees do have smaller engine bays, also take your time at wiring, always keep a diagram handy. we just got done doing a 4.0-5.2 on my buddys zj..im thinking once my 4.0 goes, id like to drop in a 318 or a 360 if i can find one.

good luck and post pics!

 

I just finished reading that whole thread. Amazing Frank, simply amazing work.
Dan

 

If it where me I would try to get a stand alone system.

Splicing 2 harnesses together just seems like a lot of work. With a stand alone FMU and ignition you don't have to worry about what wire splices to what. Going from a 4 banger to a sweetie 8 cylinder you are going to have to upgrade the fuel system anyway.

The only thing you would lose is the potential OBD capability you would get with a ZJ harness and ECU, I would think it would be throwing codes right and left anyway due to being swapped out of the ZJ... missing sensors, misconfiguration, crossed wires and such.

 

The plan is to use EVERYTHING from the ZJ. I have plenty of time on my hands so im going to use the entire harness, sensors, everything... But just so I know, what exactly is a "stand alone system?"

 

Ok I had a side thought... In order to support the weight of this V8 I will obviously have to change the suspension a little. My idea is, why not just make it leaf in the front? It's cheaper, it's easier. I wouldn't have to deal with control arms and a trac-bar and all that crap. To be honest I've always been a fan of leafs anyway. What would be a good leaf pack to use though?

 

Just swap ZJ coil springs.

 

Well now you're just makin things too easy lol. I thought about it. Haven't decided yet.

 

Get the ZJ V8 Up-Country coils. They make the ZJ sit between 1&1/2" & 2"s higher than normal. They'll fit right in your XJ as stated.

 

The 5.2 does not weight a whole lot more then the 4.0. Just put the ZJ coils in.... It will still probably lift yours a hair over stock with the V8 in it...

 

Well I feel like I kinda left you guys hangin. So plans have changed quite a bit, almost entirely lol. Guess thats life though right? Found myself in need of a "family vehicle" so I'm just going to fix up the ZJ to drive and have a decent vehicle to haul the new baby around in. As for the XJ, that project will still continue, just a little differently and quite a bit slower lol. I'll be starting a build thread for both soon but they will both be slow moving builds. Just thought I'd let everyone know. If any of you are interested I can post a link to the builds on here when I get them going. Thanks

 

Here's pics of my stock Jeeps, The '97 ZJ, and the '04 WJ. Both are bone stock. I might do a small lift on the ZJ later, not sure.

 

Sure Kyle, if you start a build put up a link. We're all interested in seeing what others are doing.

 

Got my build thread started finally

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/project-green-machine-zj-54281/

 

Yeah, I've already spotted it.