I like V8 swaps and I would probably do one on another project in the future but you just about have to reinvent the wheel to swap them in. If your considering a swap you have to replace the motor mounts and most would recommend reinforcing the frame rails. You also need to figure out hooking up the wiring harness for the new motor. And that's just the beginning. All in all your more than likely gonna end up spending around $7-8,000 to get a V8 swapped in the right way. So compared to that I can say i've got about $4000 into my stroker motor completely built and ready to bolt right back into the factory harness and transmission. The V8 has a better advantage power-wise because it puts out around 300 horses stock whereas my stroker will probably only put out around 240-250 horses. But I believe if your only planning on sticking with an 8.8 rear then a stroker will be just fine. If you were planning on going straight to one ton axles I would say V8 all the way. But thats just what I would do, not saying the 8.8 couldn't handle a V8 just that its more likely to break.

 

When you get everything accumulated, get pics. A sweet build is on the horizon.

 

$7-8k???
Less.......a whole lot less.

 

Indeed. I don't have $3K in my entire Jeep. Swap, lift, wheels/tires.

 

Obviously you already had the tools to do such a swap. If I had a shop full of tools(welder, oxy-cetaline cutting torch,... i could keep going) then I definatly would have picked me up a 5.3 to start playing with. But those tools are definatly going to cost you if you don't already have them.

 

The man I've been waiting for! Your thread on your swap is what sealed the deal for me on swapping this jeep. Absolutely fantastic work sir.

 

Not reinventing the wheel. Lots of people have done it. I have access to any tools I need and a decent garage with a lift to use if necessary. I'm not worried about the swap, I'm just curious about power, reliability, and mpg

 

If you don't have access to the tools or the skills to fab up a swap, you will pay.

 

If you have the tools and garage then go for it! I just wanted to point that out just in case. I would definitely recommend completely rebuilding the V8 before swapping in if reliability is a concern.

 

Whatever motor I go with will be torn down and rebuilt for sure. It's 4000 miles from my house to Fairbanks, I don't want to blow it up

 

Where are you getting this from?
Torch?

The only welding I did was on my crossmember. I added a place to bolt the tranny mount too, and anyone that ones a Jeep ought to know someone with a welder.

You don't need any of the stuff you listed.
Hand tools, impact gun (not needed but handy to have), floorjack, some jack stands....stuff you should easy access to or own already.

1/2 day rental of an engine hoist is $20-30.

It ain't voodoo and black magic.

 

You forgot a drill. I had to move my trans crossmember back 3" and drilled the unibody to mount it in it's new location. The engine bolts to the stock locations. I made an adapter for the stock Jeep trans mount so the trans is supported. Special or expensive tools are not needed. My XJ looks ordinary, a nice sleeper but you open the hood and it'll draw a crowd.

 

Drill?!?!

Chuck Norris made the necessary holes in my Jeep with is index finger!

 

 

Sorry, I lied.

You might need a drill.