so... i have an 85 xj with a bad motor (2.5L). has the ax5 trans. rest of the xj is like new...ish
Im being offered a 2001 s10 blazer 4x4 (4.3L). mechanically sound but the interior is trash.
is it worth time and money to take the powertrain from the chevy and put it in the jeep?
or do i just buy a crate motor to replace the 2.5L..... trying to spend as lil $$$$$$ as possible
thanks for opinions and advice

 

If you have a lot of time and knowledge you could probably make it work. There would be some adapters and other stuff involved probably.

If it were me, I would swap to the Jeep 4.0. You can fin them for plenty cheap. It will probably be a lot easier in the long run than swapping sensors and all of the electronics. The 4.3 v6 is not exactly the most reliable motor compared to the 4.0.

 

Where are you located ? I have a 3.4 L Chevy V-6 They are a near drop in replacement for the 2.5 and 2,8 V6. it was destined to replace the 2.8 in my 85 Cherokee until it got munched. I have been saving the 3.4 for someone who needs tit.

 

in in WA. up near-ish mount baker

 

I have the 4.3L in my 86. It was a reliable motor until all the injectors available for then come from China. Got 16mpg on a lifted rig too. However I would recommend not going with it. It is a lot of work. The 3.4 would be much better for you and a lot less work to install.

 

I'm near Tacoma. I pulled the 3.4 out of a tree crushed Camaro. A 3.4 is a drop in and bolt up but not quite a turn key conversion. You will need some 2,8 external parts and an electric fuel pump then plumb the exhaust. Do a web search, on the 3.4 and on the 3.4 XJ build threads. If you want to go that route let me know and the 3.4 is yours for the cost of a cheeseburger.