Sbc 350
07-02-2012, 03:29 AM
#1
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Year: 98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 i6
Sbc 350
Was thinking of possibly doing a 350 XJ project in the net future.. Has anyone done the swap?
I also was thinking 5.3.. But I think a 350 would be a lot easier/cheaper
Any ideas or suggestions?
I also was thinking 5.3.. But I think a 350 would be a lot easier/cheaper
Any ideas or suggestions?
07-02-2012, 10:33 AM
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The Chevy 350 is one of the best budget motors money can buy, thanks to the fact that they've been around FOREVER and the block itself hasn't changed much.
There are nearly an infinite number of things you can do with a 350.
A fuel injected 350 with Vortec heads from a late 90's Silverado can be had for cheap. The Vortec heads are a must - even if you get a random 350 block, GET Vortec heads. Best bang for your buck, without a doubt. A 350 with Vortec heads is good for 300hp or more, easily.
A set of headers and a nice exhaust later and you'll be able to scoot around the lightweight XJ nicely.
There are nearly an infinite number of things you can do with a 350.
A fuel injected 350 with Vortec heads from a late 90's Silverado can be had for cheap. The Vortec heads are a must - even if you get a random 350 block, GET Vortec heads. Best bang for your buck, without a doubt. A 350 with Vortec heads is good for 300hp or more, easily.
A set of headers and a nice exhaust later and you'll be able to scoot around the lightweight XJ nicely.
07-02-2012, 01:34 PM
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07-02-2012, 01:38 PM
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Do have to say though... unless this is out of necessity (like the 4.0 in the XJ is done for or something), or this is an extra project vehicle you have and NOT your daily driver... I'd just drive the 4.0 till it dies and build up the 350 during that time.
Waste not... you know?
07-02-2012, 01:43 PM
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350 will definitely be cheaper.
Do have to say though... unless this is out of necessity (like the 4.0 in the XJ is done for or something), or this is an extra project vehicle you have and NOT your daily driver... I'd just drive the 4.0 till it dies and build up the 350 during that time.
Waste not... you know?
Do have to say though... unless this is out of necessity (like the 4.0 in the XJ is done for or something), or this is an extra project vehicle you have and NOT your daily driver... I'd just drive the 4.0 till it dies and build up the 350 during that time.
Waste not... you know?
I don't think my 4.0 is going to die anytime soon lol
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07-02-2012, 03:26 PM
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im all for younger people taking on big projects like V8 swaps, but honestly unless you are turning bigger tires or drag racing your jeep a V8 swap is not really a practical thing to do, especially in high school. why do you think you need a V8? keep In mind that you're also gonna need a new trans and possibly transfer case to back up the V8, = more $$$. if you are purely seeking more power look into doing a stroker. bolt in deal, no messing with wiring, fabricating, or adapting. a V8 in an XJ is cool but if you want it simply for the "cool factor" then its gonna cost you way more time and money than its worth (to do it right that is). please don't take the shortcut out with a carb'ed 350.
07-02-2012, 03:46 PM
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Engine: 4.0, comp cam, 99 intake, apn header, neon injectors, Thunderbolt 2.5" High Flow Cat
even if you are turning bigger tires or drag racing, a 350 swap is going backwards unless the engine is built/modified. ya know, hot cam, bored and stroked, etc... in stock for the 4.0 actually produces more power than most of the older small block chevys, fords, and mopars...
07-02-2012, 06:49 PM
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im all for younger people taking on big projects like V8 swaps, but honestly unless you are turning bigger tires or drag racing your jeep a V8 swap is not really a practical thing to do, especially in high school. why do you think you need a V8? keep In mind that you're also gonna need a new trans and possibly transfer case to back up the V8, = more $$$. if you are purely seeking more power look into doing a stroker. bolt in deal, no messing with wiring, fabricating, or adapting. a V8 in an XJ is cool but if you want it simply for the "cool factor" then its gonna cost you way more time and money than its worth (to do it right that is). please don't take the shortcut out with a carb'ed 350.
Just a project
07-02-2012, 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted by BLKXJ 96
In an XJ, I'd do a stroked 4.0 all day before I did a SBC swap.
07-02-2012, 09:47 PM
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Year: 1996
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Depends on How it is done, Trucks on Power block did a stroker a few seasons ago....over all the 4.0 stroker was a better way to go and cost less money....but made about the same amout of horse power as a SBC.