XJ engine swaps?

Pat · Sep 12, 2007

Started tonight on my Cherokee resto project and realized I better figure out what to do with the motor. It's an '85 (AMC) with a carburated 2.5L. I've heard it's similar to the later 2.5's, and I've heard it's different. I've also been told Cherokees aren't worth the effort of a swap but I'm a dumbass so I'm gonna try anyways. What engine should I go with? Should I find a 4.0 with ECM and harness? A diesel would be sweet- overseas cherokees have a 2.8L VM Motorie diesel but where do I get one? It currently has a 5sp trans but I'm considering mabey an auto so wifey can drive it? This will be a DD/grocery getter, non- wheeling rig and I want to make it really sweet like brand new and no I don't wanna just go *buy* a new one- where's the fun in that?
Or should I just rebuild what I got and put a Weber carb on it?

1 grumpy · Sep 12, 2007

Pat said:
Started tonight on my Cherokee resto project and realized I better figure out what to do with the motor. It's an '85 (AMC) with a carburated 2.5L. I've heard it's similar to the later 2.5's, and I've heard it's different. I've also been told Cherokees aren't worth the effort of a swap but I'm a dumbass so I'm gonna try anyways. What engine should I go with? Should I find a 4.0 with ECM and harness? A diesel would be sweet- overseas cherokees have a 2.8L VM Motorie diesel but where do I get one? It currently has a 5sp trans but I'm considering mabey an auto so wifey can drive it? This will be a DD/grocery getter, non- wheeling rig and I want to make it really sweet like brand new and no I don't wanna just go *buy* a new one- where's the fun in that?
Or should I just rebuild what I got and put a Weber carb on it?

Go get yourself a 91 or newer I-6 it's a high output motor.You will have too change the radiator though.But youll love the power it give's you.

Or get a I-6 that's been stroked:awesomework:

But whatever you do don't put a jeep v-6 into it or the 4cyl.

Just my two cent's worth

Wildman1 · Sep 12, 2007

Pat said:
Started tonight on my Cherokee resto project and realized I better figure out what to do with the motor. It's an '85 (AMC) with a carburated 2.5L. I've heard it's similar to the later 2.5's, and I've heard it's different. I've also been told Cherokees aren't worth the effort of a swap but I'm a dumbass so I'm gonna try anyways. What engine should I go with? Should I find a 4.0 with ECM and harness? A diesel would be sweet- overseas cherokees have a 2.8L VM Motorie diesel but where do I get one? It currently has a 5sp trans but I'm considering mabey an auto so wifey can drive it? This will be a DD/grocery getter, non- wheeling rig and I want to make it really sweet like brand new and no I don't wanna just go *buy* a new one- where's the fun in that?
Or should I just rebuild what I got and put a Weber carb on it?

Don't quote me on this but I think your engine bay is too short for a 4.0. So you choices are if you want to stick with the 5 speed. Something from the Chevy family that is a 60degree engine. Yes the 2.8 had it's issues but the 3.1 and later engine which will bolt in were pretty good. Then you can go with a 4.3 V-6 and a 700R4 tranny. That is not a bad swap.

Check Advanced Adapters web site and Novak. Also go over to the NAXJA web site for more info.

NotMatt · Sep 13, 2007

Here's my 2 cents, even though you probably don't want to hear it: scrap it or sell it and buy an '87 or newer 4.0 rig. 4.0 automatic XJ's in every flavor are a dime-a-dozen, and the 4 cylinder and V6 models aren't worth spending any time on simply because of that.

Swapping a 4.0 in place of the early 4 cylinder or V6 is going to be as much, if not MORE work than a totally custom V8 swap. The only thing that's the same is the sheetmetal.

PM Avanteone on here, he always seems to have 4.0 rigs he's buying and fixing to resell.

Pat · Sep 14, 2007

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm leaning towards the 4.3 swap, looks like an easy bolt-in fit. So now I'm wondering what to do for induction. The wiring end of things looks like it can get expensive and complicated. Should I just throw a 500cfm carb on it? Or run propane which could be simple but have other complications like where to put the tank? Or is there an affordable aftermarket solution for a TBI setup? Adapting a TBI harness to a different vehicle dosen't look fun but mabey it's easier than it looks.

1 grumpy · Sep 17, 2007

Hey Pat you get my PM???????

Not Jobless · Sep 17, 2007

Pat said:
Started tonight on my Cherokee resto project and realized I better figure out what to do with the motor. It's an '85 (AMC) with a carburated 2.5L. I've heard it's similar to the later 2.5's, and I've heard it's different. I've also been told Cherokees aren't worth the effort of a swap but I'm a dumbass so I'm gonna try anyways. What engine should I go with? Should I find a 4.0 with ECM and harness? A diesel would be sweet- overseas cherokees have a 2.8L VM Motorie diesel but where do I get one? It currently has a 5sp trans but I'm considering mabey an auto so wifey can drive it? This will be a DD/grocery getter, non- wheeling rig and I want to make it really sweet like brand new and no I don't wanna just go *buy* a new one- where's the fun in that?
Or should I just rebuild what I got and put a Weber carb on it?

Waste of time...cherokees have a limited life span when it comes to wheelin...something about not having a frame :corn:

TreeClimber · Sep 17, 2007

For a daily driver, just look on CL or here and a replacement Cherokee can be had for less than the cost of a rebuild. Swap out what you want into the best chassis, scavange what parts you want or need, and throw the rest away. Cherokees of your vintage are damn near free.

Pat · Sep 17, 2007

1 grumpy said:
Hey Pat you get my PM???????

PM sent. Kill this thread, motor swap is now on hold for the usual- lack of time and funds. I will though soon have a cherried out XJ grocery getter with a poopy 4 banger. If my work turns out presentable I'll post pics in the buildup section. I didn't get a 'before' shot but here's a pic after just beginning.
Anyone ever put a weber carb on these?

1 grumpy · Sep 17, 2007

should've put the jeep facing the other way.Easyer to get the engine out me think's.PM'd you again..:hi:

Pat · Sep 17, 2007

1 grumpy said:
should've put the jeep facing the other way.Easyer to get the engine out me think's.PM'd you again..:hi:

You can't tell in the picture but there's plenty of room and my toolbox is closer. I might take you up on that 2.5 you got, I just gotta wait for my impending promotion/ career change to play itself out before I throw money in any direction on this. For now I'll be tearing down and doing chassis, body, and interior stuff until I make a motor decision.