Engine Swap
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
Hello, I have a question about engine swaps.
I have a completely stock 2000 XJ Limited. The 4.0 isn't enough for me. I want to put more performance in the Jeep. I have a few options:
1. The classic, which everyone does, LS swap
pros: tons of information on the internet on how to do the swap, tons of parts that are easy to find and cheap, will fit in the engine bay
cons: Its a GM
2. Hemi 5.7 swap.
pros: HEMI, powerful, one thread that confirms that the swap has been done on an MJ, will fit in the engine bay.
cons: not too reliable at higher milages, parts are more expensive
3. Hellcat swap
pros: Hellcat, HEMI, More power than the 5.7
cons: expensive
My question is has anyone done a hellcat swap? Will the hellcat fit in the engine bay?
I have a completely stock 2000 XJ Limited. The 4.0 isn't enough for me. I want to put more performance in the Jeep. I have a few options:
1. The classic, which everyone does, LS swap
pros: tons of information on the internet on how to do the swap, tons of parts that are easy to find and cheap, will fit in the engine bay
cons: Its a GM
2. Hemi 5.7 swap.
pros: HEMI, powerful, one thread that confirms that the swap has been done on an MJ, will fit in the engine bay.
cons: not too reliable at higher milages, parts are more expensive
3. Hellcat swap
pros: Hellcat, HEMI, More power than the 5.7
cons: expensive
My question is has anyone done a hellcat swap? Will the hellcat fit in the engine bay?
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 495
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
The thing about 700 hp is that the XJ unibody is not made for that. You will need to stiffen the uniframe front to back. Second, the hemi swap is expensive, and the new ones have different electronics language than the XJ (been there done that with a 4.7) So you will need analogue gauges to monitor it. The other thing about that much hp is that you cannot get enough radiator in there to cool it. Best you can do is a 600 hp radiator from Griffin. I had one and it went bad on me. They don't fully weld the core to the tank. They use epoxy and it only lasts about a year or two.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 495
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
On further reflection, you will have to link the rear axle, which will need to be stronger than whatever you have. That 8.25 axle was not designed to take that kind of hp
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
i was thinking both new engine and tranny, i have everything stock, with a dana 35 rear end. wiring the new electrical system is no big deal for me with the gauges and computers. i was just curious if anyone else has put a hellcat motor and tranny in while still being able to close the hood.
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