XJ engine swaps?

[Pat]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Not Jobless]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Pat]

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.