A 350 is going to be more reliable at the same power level a stroked 4.0 is going to be. If I was doing the swap I'd do a 302 from a ford truck. Or a 327(5.3) from a late model chuvy.

 

Like I said.

Get 350. Get Vortec heads. Get intake. Get headers. Throw in RV cam (not a great cam but enough low end grunt to get the job done). Mate it to a kitted TH350 trans (or 700r4 if you plan on highway driving - those just aren't as tough) and you're good to go for less than a grand, MAYBE even around $500 if you're good at bargain hunting.

There are countless aftermarket parts for 350's, and they're dirt cheap. Going with a 5.3 is going to cost more across the board.

The best part is that it'll run forever if properly maintained, and they're so incredibly easy to work on.

 

A 350 swap isnt such a bad idea. Buddy of mine had an 88 taco lifted up 4" with an LT6 in it.. Probably the baddest truck ive ever seen in my life.

Think of the 350 swap like this, you want more power from a 350 you can build them WAY cheaper than you can build a 4.0. Some of you may ask why do this? The power wont be THAT MUCH different, but you've clearly never ridden in a vehicle with a built 350..

Now for a DD, i honestly wouldn't want anything but a stock engine, just for reliability.

You could also go with a TH400 for a little more strength, but unless you plan on building the engine about 4-500 hp, probably wont be necessary.

 

If its just for a project to play around with you dont need a vortec. You can find a sbc 350 anywhere and even if you go stock it will go fast on a cherokee. WHen the 2.5 goes out on my 92 YJ I l plan to do a 350 swap. I have a 76 Blazer with a 350 holley carb and hooker headers sitting in the backyard. My plan was to use that engine on an older car like an early 70's monte carlo but on the yj would be even better. And for a tranny dont go with a 700 try a 400 if not 350.

 

Not a whole Vortec motor but the extra ponies a set of GM Vortec 350 heads brings will make a world of difference.

 

Go on Novak website and the have the instructions and most of the stuff you will new for the swap

 

If it were me I would definitely go the fuel injection route.. I HATE messing with carburetors, and the reliability of it cant be beat.

 

Why a sbc 350? Why not a 5.0 Ford? They are very easy to find for cheap and can make great power even on a budget

 

5.0 is a wider motor
Less (Re: None) aftermarket support for XJ conversions.

 

The 350 is one of the best blocks made and they the most variety of parts on what you wanna do with it

 

I wouldnt swap in a 5.0 into anything but a mustang.. 350 is more reliable, more powerful, and cheaper to build IMO

 

I forgot to add that part in to lol

 

My original plan was to put a 350 or a 5.3 in my 86 regal but I sold it and bought a jeep which I have now but I'm ready for something with a little more power kinda like a sleeper XJ so since I have a good 350 block why not 350 in zee jeep

 

The more powerful thing is only true in some cases. My buddy has a 83 camero with a carb'd 350 and that thing is a straight up turd. I've ridden mopeds that had more *****. The reliable comment is strictly your opinion. The only honest fact is the cost of the build, which you are very right about. I'm a big ford guy, mainly mod motors but I dabble with the 5.0's, and I will vouch for how much more it costs to do a Ford. But there is nothing wrong with being different.

 

Based on what factual information? What 350 block are you pertaining to?