Modified XJ Cherokee Tech XJ (84-01)
All modified tech questions. If it modifies your XJ beyond stock parts ask it here.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Engine Swaps - would you do it again?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 2, 2013 | 10:30 PM
  #1  
DanB.'s Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Athol, Idaho
Year: '86
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L
Question Engine Swaps - would you do it again?

How many people here have done an engine swap and would you do it again?

What engine did you use and what were the major hurdles you faced in your swap?

I have been toying with the idea, but want to use a V6, but not the 2.8/3.1 GM V6. The 3.9L Dodge has a bellhousing that fits an AX15. The Buick 3800 V6 fits the same bellhousing as the GM 2.8L V6, and AMC 2.5L I4.

My early Cherokee, a 1986, won't take the 4.0L I6 without modding the firewall, and if I'm going to do that I might as well see what else has been done first.

Last edited by DanB.; Oct 3, 2013 at 11:10 AM. Reason: to correct a typo
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2013 | 11:21 PM
  #2  
KG8893's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Middletown, Maryland
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

Originally Posted by DanB.
How many people here have done and engine swap and would you do it again?

What engine did you use and what were the major hurdles you faced in your swap?

I have been toying with the idea, but want to use a V6, but not the 2.8/3.1 GM V6. The 3.9L Dodge has a bellhousing that fits an AX15. The Buick 3800 V6 fits the same bellhousing as the GM 2.8L V6, and AMC 2.5L I4.

My early Cherokee, a 1986, won't take the 4.0L I6 without modding the firewall, and if I'm going to do that I might as well see what else has been done first.
The only swaps I've ever heard of are GM swaps, but anything is possible with money and time on your side. Would you consider a 4.3 swap? I saw a thread about one once...
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2013 | 11:37 PM
  #3  
DanB.'s Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Athol, Idaho
Year: '86
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L
Default

I have considered it; I had one in my boat - the engine was rated either 175hp or 190hp. I feel that might be a little much for the old tranny I have. I'm not looking for that much horsepower as I am in wanting a little more torque. And to get around the old transmission I have even considered an engine, transmission, transfer case out of a V6 Dakota.
But I'm exploring what options there are. The GM V6 (2.8L) doesn't interest me at all. The Buick 225, 231, and a few others will bolt right up to my bellhousing and offer moderate hp gains (155) and torque gains.
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2013 | 02:43 AM
  #4  
andrewmp6's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8,014
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,KY
Model: Cherokee
Default

What about the 4.3 and 4l60 trans?Some of the s10s stock had a np231 not sure on which side drop tho.
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2013 | 02:49 PM
  #5  
9hundred$ride's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Default

The transfer case drops down on the driver with the 4.3. Careful with that. I have a all wheel drive transfer case in my 1995 s10 blazer
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2013 | 06:57 PM
  #6  
smooth move's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 84
Likes: 1
From: bayou vista
Year: 92
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

been doing some research on diesel swaps. 3.0 mercedes or audi turbocharged. that's still a couple years away though.
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2013 | 09:17 PM
  #7  
SeriousOffroad's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,952
Likes: 17
Model: Cherokee
Default

5.3L Vortec and 4L65E here.

Damn right I'd do it again!!
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2013 | 09:56 PM
  #8  
redbullmorton's Avatar
Junior Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Coeur D'Alene, Idaho
Year: 1985
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5 lt
Default

I was just about to ask the same thing. I just toasted my 2.5lt 4 cyl. in my 1985 and was wondering what else would fit. I was given a 4.0 to rebuild, so I thought maybe..
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2013 | 10:33 PM
  #9  
-ND4SPD-'s Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Default

I just posted this over on the "Race Jeep" thread:

This project is just screaming for an SRT-4 Dodge 2.4L Turbo swap.

That's 250whp & 260tq stock & an easy 400 hp & tq with just bolt-on's. It's about as close to a direct swap as you're going to get & those things are light, reliably over-built, easy to find, & cheap ($2000 new from the dealer) compared to a stroker.

You best believe if my 4.0L kicks the bucket... it's a no brainer.
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2013 | 10:46 PM
  #10  
spaz_22's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default

the ho 4.0 made 190hp. the aw4 will handle a 4.3 if you could get it to mount up. Would you be able to fit a ls motor in a older cherokee with the different firewall? all the ones i have read about are newer 97 and up cherokees. The 3.9l made somewere around 195 or so. My recommendation is to pull anything suspension wise that's good on it, and buy a new cherokee with a 4.0 or a newer one with a bad motor if you wanna swap a v8 into it. You're limited to which motor you can swap in with the smaller engine bay
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 03:06 AM
  #11  
andrewmp6's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8,014
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,KY
Model: Cherokee
Default

There is adapter kits to used a vw diesel on a jeep stick,You would have to make motor mounts and fab up some small stuff.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 03:00 PM
  #12  
EvstaG's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: St. Albert
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Default

Cummins 4BT anybody??? OP wanted torque. Direct adapters are available for the AX-15 for sure (and possibly other Jeep transmissions, can't quite remember.)
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 06:21 PM
  #13  
jbsjunk's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 3
From: Hudsonville, MI
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 5.0
Default

Been daily driving my small block swap since January. Trial by fire. Works great. Nothing broke and just reworked a few things. Yes, I would do it again.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 06:30 PM
  #14  
Sparkys92XJ's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Republic, mo
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I build 4bt cummins at work and I'm about to build one for my jeep! If your looking for torque that's the way to go. They're a lil pricey tho. $1500 used where I'm from and $3000 for a rebuilt one.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2013 | 07:11 PM
  #15  
salad's Avatar
Herp Derp Jerp
Premium Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Default

Originally Posted by EvstaG
Cummins 4BT anybody??? OP wanted torque. Direct adapters are available for the AX-15 for sure (and possibly other Jeep transmissions, can't quite remember.)
Maybe if you go easy on it, otherwise I wouldn't hold my breath on an AX-15 lasting. Doubt a 4BT will fit into a pre-4.0L XJ

http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showth...URE-REFERENCES
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:10 PM.