Ok, I've been wanting to swap a 5.3 or 6.0 into an XJ for a long time, even though I sold my '96 Cherokee a few years ago and until recently was XJ-less. I don't know whether the "new" '99 four-door I bought will be worthy of the swap - it's got some rust issues and isn't in particularly good shape. I bought it because it was cheap, and I figured I could buy it, fix it, finish off the winter with it, and flip it for a profit, perhaps to buy another XJ in better shape.

Anyway, I've found a few write-ups on the swap, and read up on some of the expected problems (such as the 5.3's height, which would require cutting a hole in the hood to clear the alternator and throttle body or having to use LS1 accessories and intake, having to have custom drive shafts made, etc). The info I've found is quite simple and straightforward - well, as simple and straightforward as an engine swap could be expected to be, anyway. That being said there is one thing I've come across that raises a question I haven't found any answers to, so I'm posing that question here:

Why do people who do this swap use the 231J transfer case? Why go to that trouble (adapters, etc), instead of using the 231C? Or even, dare I say it, the 246? When I do eventually do this swap (whether it happens in this particular XJ or not), I would like to use the entire drivetrain from the donor truck, as well as the applicable electronics (fuel injection, etc). The Chev transfer case is a driver's side unit, just like the Jeep one, so why do people go through the trouble of using adapters for the Jeep unit?

 

Most of the Chevy t-cases are electronically shifted and tend to be problematic. Jeep folks like a lever so they know it's actually going into the range they want.

 

If it was me np205 or dana 300 anything else wouldn't be worth the swap to me.

 

WHY a chevy ? Ugggg ! Last 3 chevys I had were junk ,motors and transmisions. Low milage at that. I come from chevy only family also . What about super charger ? What about a Buick 60 Degree v6 ?

But What ever you do I am interested in seeing your Project. You might change my mind .

 

Because they are super cheap and still very reliable. A 5.3 or 6.0 would turn a Cherokee into a very different beast to say the least. I know PLENTY of reasons why to not go with other engines..

 

Yeah, what he said. Plus I've had nothing but good luck with the LS-based engines I've owned, including the one in my current '04 Avalanche. Swap kits are available, they have a huge aftermarket support, and bog-stock they make close to 300 horses in LM7 form (probably more with the swap headers) and are a cam and tune away from 400. The LQ4 and LQ9 are even better, but harder to find cheap. I'm not concerned with big horsies though, I would be perfectly happy with a stock LM7 in a ~3200 pound Cherokee.

Anyway, Sorry for not getting back to this thread earlier - between my job and my vehicles I don't have much online time. I did think of a reason to eliminate one transfer case: The NP246. An automatic transfer case wouldn't work without input from the ABS system, and probably wouldn't work without a CAD either.

xjmarc: I know what you're saying about the electronics, but the 231C is a manually shifted case. I believe it's pretty much just like the 231J except it has a chevy bolt pattern (and probably different input gears to match the chevy transmisson). It's used in older Chev trucks, as well as newer base models with the 4.8 and manual shift 4X4. I'm just wondering why people don't actually use the Chev one and instead go through the trouble and expense of adapting the Jeep one. I might try writing Novak and seeing what they say, but of course they sell the adapters so they'll say "go with the J"

Anyway, an LS swap is a long way off. This weekend will be focused on getting the Zombie Cherokee road ready. New rockers and floors, just like my old Project Cherokeer...

 

SeriousOffroad swapped a LS motor into his Xj. He even has it in the builds section if you would like to see what is involved. I'll see if I can find the link for you.

 

Yeah, I'd like to see that

 

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1007477

 

If you are putting in a Chevy engine in something ,PUT IT IN A CHEVY !

 

i had an l33 in my 05 gmc... all aluminum block and heads... pretty damn light for a v8..

i have been all ls since i was 16... so im pretty familiar with that engine.. i would love to see it in an xj.. it has been IMO the best powerplant chevy has introduced... better than the SB350... just because of longevity alone...

 

Too much money. If my engine ever goes it will be another I6 or a Desiel .

 

the I6 is just a beast on its own.. im not even considering a swap for any of my present or future jeeps... its just neat to see OTHERS do it lol

 

What diesel would be cheaper than an LM7 5.3 with comparable power?

 

Do a search . Many have been done on the cheap. Fuel milage is near 30 mpg. A diesel produces a lot of torque .