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?

 

be sure to use a fuel injected 350 if you wheel at all. and don't expect it to be quick just because "its a v8" many of those motors in stock form are turds.

 

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.

 

Skip the SBC and look into a 5.3L Vortec.

 

that was my original idea but wouldn't a 350 be cheaper? being I'm only in highschool and money is an issue lol

 

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?

 

I plan on buying another jeep for the swap
I don't think my 4.0 is going to die anytime soon lol

 

Cost depends on your bargain hunting skills and fabrication abilities.

A Vortec might cost a litle more but the benefits are more than worth it.

 

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.

 

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...

 

Another reason to go Vortec.....

 

It's not my dd and I'm not going for the cool factor I just want something to do and why not a jeep instead of what most people do and go get a mustang or a camaro lol

Just a project

 

In an XJ, I'd do a stroked 4.0 all day before I did a SBC swap.

 

What's the power difference between a 4.0 stroked and an old 350

 

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.