Crazy idea, but need feedback.
So as some of you know, the motor in my '99 is done for. Found a shop that will replace the motor, along with mounts, for $1800 minimum, with labor included.
To me, that's too much money.
So I'm looking for alternatives to that, which do include a motor swap. I've found a 4.0 here in Utah, but the ad says the Jeep was in a house fire. Link below.
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218...18&search=jeep
So now I'm toying around with other ideas. Such as diesel swaps, older GM V8's, and stuff like that. But diesel would be way too much work, and a GM V8 seems like it'd be hassle. So I'm thinking about the V8 out of a Tundra. Like below.
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218...&search=engine
Any ideas anybody? This is just a wild thought, but I want to see what's possible. Why just replace, when I could possibly upgrade.
To me, that's too much money.
So I'm looking for alternatives to that, which do include a motor swap. I've found a 4.0 here in Utah, but the ad says the Jeep was in a house fire. Link below.
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218...18&search=jeep
So now I'm toying around with other ideas. Such as diesel swaps, older GM V8's, and stuff like that. But diesel would be way too much work, and a GM V8 seems like it'd be hassle. So I'm thinking about the V8 out of a Tundra. Like below.
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218...&search=engine
Any ideas anybody? This is just a wild thought, but I want to see what's possible. Why just replace, when I could possibly upgrade.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 3
From: S.E. Tx
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6 firepower ignition, cat-back w/ magnaflow muffler, poweraid tb spacer, optima blue top
An engine swap to something bigger/more powerful is going to be more work and money than you think, it always is. Of course it would be cool, but a ton more work than a stock replacement. If you haven't thought of it the swap would include:
Engine
trans (an xj trans won't be able to handle a powerful v8)
adapter to t-case or bigger t-case
beef up the axles or bigger axles
strengthen the unibody from the firewall up, at least
custom trans crossmember
custom driveshafts
custom radiator
headers
custom exhaust
upgraded fuel system
custom wiring/computer setup
custom motor mounts
And i'm sure i'm forgetting numerous nitpicking parts. It will be harder but in the end is it worth it to you? You could get a another motor and stroke/supercharge/turbocharge it to gain some decent power.
Engine
trans (an xj trans won't be able to handle a powerful v8)
adapter to t-case or bigger t-case
beef up the axles or bigger axles
strengthen the unibody from the firewall up, at least
custom trans crossmember
custom driveshafts
custom radiator
headers
custom exhaust
upgraded fuel system
custom wiring/computer setup
custom motor mounts
And i'm sure i'm forgetting numerous nitpicking parts. It will be harder but in the end is it worth it to you? You could get a another motor and stroke/supercharge/turbocharge it to gain some decent power.
Last edited by xj wheeler; May 26, 2012 at 02:41 AM.
lol, so you think a GM V8 would be a hassle, so you want to put in a toyota V8??? you do realize that you will have to put in a whole new wiring harness for said engine right? the chevy V8 stuff is plentiful and cheap, and has been done many times while I'm pretty sure no one has swapped in a toyota v8 to an XJ. look into the chevy 5.3. http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1007477
also realize that you will need a new transmission and t case as your current units will not bolt up. yup, more work to get them to work. doesn't sound like you'll be able to do it with your budget, and the chevy route is the cheap route. also, why are you thinking about paying someone to put in an engine for you, and now thinking about doing a V8 swap yourself? why not get your engine rebuilt and then put it in yourself? that would fit your budget....
also realize that you will need a new transmission and t case as your current units will not bolt up. yup, more work to get them to work. doesn't sound like you'll be able to do it with your budget, and the chevy route is the cheap route. also, why are you thinking about paying someone to put in an engine for you, and now thinking about doing a V8 swap yourself? why not get your engine rebuilt and then put it in yourself? that would fit your budget....
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
From: college station
Year: 1988
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0
If you think 1800 for a oem replacement installed is to expensive, the you really shouldn't be exercising the idea of a custom engine swap. Even what looks to be the simplest swap out there is going to give you some troubles and end up costing a lot more than what you would expect.
llook into the chevy 5.3. http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1007477 ....
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Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: southern oregon
Year: 1990
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0 Power Tech
You could just buy a running cherokee on craigslist, keep the engine for yourself and part out the rest and get your money back, it wouldnt be new but it would be cheap and yours.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 864
Likes: 4
From: Arlington, Texas
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
$1800 isn't that much. I paid that much for an ATK remanufactured longblock and had to do the swap myself! Also, even though I was doing the work myself, I spent another couple hundred on things like gaskets, sealants, motor mounts, hoses, cooling system flush and refill, etc.
If you don't mind used, go Craigslist. Or, follow the brilliant suggestion above and buy a whole Cherokee, use the motor, and part out the rest to get some money back. And who knows, there may be a host of parts you can use on your rig form the donor.
If you don't mind used, go Craigslist. Or, follow the brilliant suggestion above and buy a whole Cherokee, use the motor, and part out the rest to get some money back. And who knows, there may be a host of parts you can use on your rig form the donor.
If anyone is from Utah, and knows any sources, please let me know.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: benson,az
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
any 4.0 up to 1999 i believe will bolt up. you may have to change the water pump and other pulleys to the original ones that came with the jeep but chrysler did change to the block tell late 90's read up on it at allpar.com


