Slim357

I am getting a 96' engine intake and every thing but the wiring harness engine wise. I am putting it in a 89' reusing my current wiring harness. What do I need to do for the throttle body? I have heard of people using the H.O one by somehow modding the tps and some people have said they used the Renix one. No one has really been clear on how to do either one. By the way I have the automatic trans. What do yall know bout doing this swap. I'm a lil lost right now. Thanks in advanced.

sthon

I *think* most people use the renix intake manifold. I'm not sure what gasket they use as they gaskets are different for renix vs ho intakes. Is swapping the wire harness not an option?

cruiser54

Cruiser’s HO into Renix Swap
This swap is easier than some will lead you to believe, generally those who have never done it. Those of us who have done it, like myself, will share with you the things that need to be done for a successful swap. Just think of it as swapping in a long block.
The HO and Renix have some differences but none that can’t be overcome very easily.
Any HO engine from an XJ or ZJ through 1998 can be used. One running change was that the rear of the head was no longer drilled and tapped for the temperature gauge sender beginning in the 96 model year. The sender can be relocated to the threaded hole in the thermostat housing taken from the HO engine. You’ll have to extend the wire to that location. Some brave souls even drill and tap the HO head for the sender.
You will be using the intake and exhaust manifolds from your Renix, along with all your sensors and wiring. Since the intake ports of the HO are slightly different, you use the Renix gasket. Exhaust ports are identical.
You will need to use your Renix distributor as it is different than the HO because they use different fuel management systems. The flywheel or flexplate from the Renix must be used so your CPS gets the correct signals. The valve cover from the Renix allows you to keep your CCV system intact and requires no modifications.
The HO block will have a plug in the coolant galley on the driver’s side of the block, closest to the front, which needs to be removed so your Coolant Temp Sensor can be installed in it’s place just as it is on the Renix. It requires a 5/16" square drive or a modified 3/8" drive that has been ground down to fit. Do this before installing the engine.
As for the knock sensor, which is located just above the oil pan on the driver’s side of the engine about mid way, all the blocks I’ve seen are threaded for it. If not, I’ve heard they may be drilled but not tapped. Tap the hole if that’s the case.
　
Revised 07/24/2012
　

sthon

Good info

cruiser54

I've done a few of them. It eliminates the myths and gives you everything you need. Old Renix motors in good shape are getting scarce. There is hope with an HO. Feel free to share it.

Slim357

No I am not able to get the wiring harness a guy is selling the motor he took out of his Cherokee on craigslist and dont want to spend the money for a new one. Trying to do this on the cheap lol. Is there any way to use the H.O. intake? Seems like if the ports dont line up right it would decrease the power somewhat. I know theres a kit from Hesco to use the Renix tps on the H..O. throttle body but its not worth the 150 they want if you ask me so Im looking for any other options. Not against using Renix parts if I must just want the best overall performance I can get.

cruiser54

Just use the Renix stuff. HO stands for Highly Overrated anyway. 8 horsepower at the top end of the RPM range than a Renix and not a bit more torque. There are other ways to increase performance.

Willys55

LOL X2