Hey guys,

Im in the market to buy an XJ to build for primarily off-road. My question for the group is what are the advantages/disadvantages of finding a 5.2 V8 instead of the plethora or inline 6 4.0 vehicles that are out there.
Thoughts: I would like the extra power of the 5.2 for some of the more difficult climbs or obstacles. I am aware of the need for beefing up the drivetrain either way, plan on eventually having 1 ton drive train under it.

Welcome constructive advice

Thanks

 

Everybody loves the V8 swap, but IMHO I think the IL6 is the better choice. A stroked IL6 can get you damn close to that 5.0 if you want...however I'd keep it around 4.6-4.7, mine is at 4.6 and it's perfect, my opinion. Plenty of bottom end power and still fairly durable.

Add to that the fact that I've rarely seen a V8 swap that wasn't plagued by issues. Don't get me wrong, I have seen some that were done properly and they worked awesome, but more often than not they have annoying small issues, electrical, bad mounting/integration into the drivetrain, etc...to me the stroker just makes more sense, it plugs and plays with existing components, and just a better bang for your buck.

Again, just one guys opinion.

 

Are you looking at Grand Cherokees? ZJs had factory 5.2 liter V8s - Cherokee XJs did not.

 

Great question, wasn't even thinking GC, haha...still sticking with my previous answer though, the IL6 is just legendary

 

I have daydreamed many times over again about doing a 318 swap into one of the XJ's. The 318 on the basis of availability and what it came in would be appealing but with how common the LS swap is now-days though i wouldn't call it over done or cliche' but its hard to deny with the amount of aftermarket support there is for fitting it into the XJ application. Its easy to talk up any kind of V8 swap but its another thing to actually do it and figure out all the little headache's that come with it. At this point for me and my ambition i think i'd lean more towards a built 4.0 over a full v8 swap in my XJ/MJ. Literally pull your motor and break it down then figure out your build. V8 swap needs new motor mounts, different trans and modified trans x-member. Then also fuel, cooling, wiring, plumbing, exhaust and drivehsafts. It adds up quickly!