Hey guys,
I know a common swap into an XJ is a sb350 or LS engine. I want to find out if anybody has experience with doing a 4.3 Vortec and 4L60E swap into an XJ? I have a 97 4.3 mated to its original 4L60E tranny wrapped in plastic sitting on a pallet. Together they have around 10,000 miles. I have all computers and wiring from the vehicle they came out of. So far through research the only issues I can find attempting this swap is hood clearance and getting a straight engine mount system from Novak. Are there any other issues that I may run into? I know there is a chance there may be the 21/23 spline issue with the tranny but that's an easy fix. My main issue is with the clearance. Will a body lift and cowl hood work enough to clear the top of the engine? If so, I don't know why this swap isn't more common. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

Don't think you can body lift a unibody?.. would be a sweet setup though

 

Doh!! You're right. Too much time spent on FSJs. I think the only option is a custom hood. There must be somebody on here that has done the 4.3 swap into an XJ.

 

Frankz has done it, he has a thread on pirate i believe

 

actually i think his is a 5.3 vortec. its on Naxja,not pirate. but the website is down temporarily right now.

 

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

I have had several 4.3s in different vehicles, it seems to be a strong running and very reliable motor, and that tranny is used behind a 5.7 so it should be fine.

 

Give this a read.https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/4-3l-xj-build-97338/

 

That is one crazy build!!! Quite a bit more than what I was shooting for but then again, it looks as though he is building the ultimate trail rig. Thanks muffinman.

 

Call up advance adapters.. they sell a bolt in kit. I have my old frmae mounts if you are interested.. they can be yours for a price.

Mine was a TBI but same thing as far as height goes. You can contact vendors over on piirate that can cut down your harness and make it a 3 wire hook up for you for a price, but will make life so much easier.


I ended up chopping the front of my MJ off and tubing it for more clearnace and better angle but here you go.

 

Let it be known that the 4L60 is a POS, lol.

Other than hood clearance you should be good, they started manufacturing the swap brackets a while back for jeeps.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/e...unts/mmxj3.htm

Those are for Gen III vortec motors. They have for other gens too if those aren't the ones for your motor.