I've searched the forum but failed to find the right combination of search terms to find anyone talking about or doing a Chevy small block converstion on their XJ.
When I Google the term I see added fuel economy as a benefit. But I want to hear or read from someone who has done it.
Has anyone done this on their XJ and would you do it again? And did you get a MPG increase?

p.s. If you did the Ford route and went with a 302, I'd like to hear from you too.

 

Try searching 350 swap. Most common V8 swap done to XJ's.

 

5.3 is the only way to go.

 

IMO, stick with an LS motor. (the 5.3 and 6.0's in the chevy trucks count too)

and the 5.3s are a dime a dozen.

Way more bang for your buck.

 

Been driving my small block XJ for 6 months now. No problems. Check my sig for the build.

 

Nice pics. I found this on the other forum first (NAXJA). How is the economy when compared to what you had? My 2.5L is a rebuild with ~10k. And once I get the speedo working again I plan on checking the mileage.

I'm not planning or wanting to build a hotrod out of this as I have '67 Chevelle for that. Plus a '95 Mustang. (car poor I'm not - just poor - LOL)

And there something about an old Buick V6 that I favor. Maybe because back when I had my CJ and the cool guy in the 4WD club had one in his CJ.

 

Low/mid teens is my guess. The proper carb would help, but those cost money. I have this one close. It drives good so no complaints there.

 

A V8? In an XJ?!?!?

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

It'll fold like a taco!

Simply krazy!

 

Don't know what is more of a sled, small block or LS.

 

An engine swap is still on my mind. A SBC may not be in the cards, but my brother has offered me a 4.3l v6. He has a chevy astro van that burned from a bad fuel line. Some of the rubber parts are still on the engine but it will need to be rebuilt.
But with all projects, changes happen and the v6 may end up in a CJ2A that I am looking at. I leaning towards a Buick engine forthe XJ.

 

Carburation would be way easier, and tuning would be very easy. But the stock fuel injection is gonna be way more reliable and efficient. Plus you won't have the air filter sticking through your hood.

 

i say go for the 5.3L ill eventually swap that engine in if this 4.0l ever dies

 

If you use a small block chevy or ls you can get bolt in swap motor mounts,Anything else you will have to make your own.But i wouldn't run a v8 unless i have 1 ton axles just to be safe.

 

Gotta disagree with that one.
My D44's are holding up just fine.

 

I'm just saying the stock axles would be a time bomb with a v8s torque.