BNJeepsta

So here's the deal. I haven't been on here much since I sold my xj. I sold it so I could finish a couple other projects and get them sold. Now that all of the projects are gone, I just acquired two xj's. One is a 2001 classic that I will dd and the other is a 99 limited that will be my overland project. My wife's car is almost paid off so since that will leave me with an extra $500 a month, I expect the build to go pretty quick. My question is, what kind of mileage are you guys seeing with v8 swaps. I'm leaning towards a 5.3 Chevy with the 4L60e tranny. The jeep will be on 35's, hp44/8.8, and be loaded with gear. It will also have my roof top tent mounted to the roof rack all the time. I realize that with this set up, I'm not going to get insane fuel mileage but, with a trip to Alaska in the works, I'd like to get as decent mpg's as I can. I'm open to suggestions as long as they are reasonable. The motor has to be able to pull the weight, get decent mileage and be reliable. I don't know much about 4.0 stroker motors but, I contemplated doing that as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Feels good to be back on the forum and in a jeep again.

skife

no real world experience with a V8 XJ, but my ex had an 04 silverado with a 5.3 quad cab 4x4. it would get an average of 16-18mpg tooling down the highway.
i'd expect close to that.

BNJeepsta

That's what I was thinking. The xj loaded with gear will probably weigh a little less than a full size truck. I just know that if I stay with the 4.0, I'm looking at 10mpg on a good day

jbsjunk

I have the traditional small block in mine. There are a few LS swaps in here too.

BNJeepsta

Like vortec traditional or old school sbc traditional?

jbsjunk

One in the same. Standard small block.

BNJeepsta

I guess I should have been more specific. TBI or vortec?

jbsjunk

Was TBI but have a carb on it for the time being.

BNJeepsta

Anything is better than TBI man hahaha what tranny are you using? What's your mileage look like?

jbsjunk

A hopped up turbo 350. S10 231 t-case with a Jeep SYE kit in it. Been daily driving it for over a year and zero problems.

BNJeepsta

So you don't have overdrive then?

jbsjunk

Nope. The stock 4:10's and 265-75-16's keep the revs happy. The cable speedo is right on too.

BNJeepsta

I need a tranny with OD for long highway trips. From what I've read, the 4L60e is a decent tranny. Did you use Novak mounts or make your own?

jbsjunk

Couldn't afford a kit so I made my own. 4L60 is a decent trans, you just need a computer to run it. If yours is geared 3:73/3:50 or higher, a 3 speed could work too. Some type of lift is needed too or else the diff will crash the exhaust among other things.

BNJeepsta

I'm gonna pay for the right computer as well. The jeep will be on 4.5" of lift and 35's and I will be using the Novak headers