1989 XJ with 4cyl, HELP.

[simonsxj]

I have a 1989 XJ with the 4cyl and an auto it is a 4x4. Is there any engine that has the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the 4cyl that would be a good replacement? Just wondering, as I want to think ahead of what engine to replace it with. Thanks,

Simon

 

[Eagle]

3.4 liter V-6 from early 90s Chevy with REAR WHEEL DRIVE (Camaro, for example).

 

[CheapXJ]

for the time and effort you'd put into swappin in a GM V6, you could buy a wrecked 4.0L XJ for a couple hundred and swap everything over.

you can do it in a weekend (+- 18 hours work for the whole swap) assimung you're comfortable tearin' into stuff.

 

[simonsxj]

Thought the engine was a chrysler?

I thought the engine was a chrysler motor? I was hoping that a 318 or similar would bolt up. If I am doing any swap it would be v-8 chevy. Anyhow I might even stay with the 4cyl if it turns out to be strong enough. Thanks for any input.

 

[CheapXJ]

your 4-banger is an amc motor w/ a chevy 60* bolt pattern mated to a chrysler tranny.


welcome to the wonderful world of Jeeps... they are a clusterfawk of parts from all different manufacutrers

 

[5-90]

The XJ was designed by AMC, and the 2.46 and 4.0 are both AMC-designed engines.

AMC = "All Makes Compatible"

There are kits available to swap SBChevvy into the XJ, and I think there are a couple here who have actually wedged BBChevvy into XJ as well. Since you have an 89, you have the longer front clip - this will make any swap easier (the front clip was lengthened on the XJ and MJ in 1987 to accommodate the longer 4.0 I6 engine.)

Swapping to RWD 3.1/3.4 isn't a bad idea - DO NOT get the 2.8! Best use for that engine is a repository for chain and Sakrete, then donate to the neighbourhood boat owner.

If you change over to the inline six, you will at least need a new bellhousing for your transmission, and likely a new crossmember and new driveshafts as well. If you have the auto, scrap the TF for the AW4 - it's a better box.

Clear as mud, right? Remember, if you go the V6 route, there are two variants - FWD and RWD. DO NOT USE the FWD version - the starter boss is on the wrong side and it won't work with RWD transmissions!

5-90

 

[simonsxj]

V-6 or V-8

I don't I would use a 3.1 or 3.4 as I believe the basis for the design of these two motors was the 2.8 and I have owned one of those and that was one too many. I will use either the 4.3 or a 305 or up small block, we shall see. However the four seems to have a little following and I am now wondering if there is merit to this motor if used with 4.88 gearing and 33" tires. The auto may offset the lack of torque, as I am not concerned with horsepower, gearing should be able to help in this area I think. Any input on the merits of the 4 cyl would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Simon

 

[Eagle]

Simon --

Your original post asked for engines that will mate to your transmission. Your transmission is (or should be) a Chrysler 904 with a special bellhousing made to fit the same "small" GM bellhousing pattern as used on the 2.8/3.1/3.4 engines. Yes, the 2.8L is a POS, but the 3.4 is a decent engine.

The 904 automatic will not bolt up to the 4.0L, and would need an adapter to mate to a Chevy 4.3 or V-8. It is unlikely that the 904 tranny would survive for long behind any of those engines.

The AMC/Jeep 2.5L 4-banger is a fine engine. The basic design is the same as the 4.0L, minus two cylinders. I've got one sitting outside right now that has 219,000 miles on it (1988 Comanche). It ran fine when I drove it home from RI -- until the clutch slave cylinder puked its guts. But the engine is still strong. (Of course, I know in this context "strong" must be considered a relative term.) My prospective trail XJ is an '86 4-cylinder 5-speed.

 

[5-90]

You are correct in not liking the 2.8, but the revisions put into the 3.1 and 3.4 resulted in a surprisingly decent mill. I had a 1991 Corsica with the FWD3.1 in, and put about 100K on it while I had it!

The 2.8 was gutless and leaked like a sieve, but they managed to correct that with the later versions and make more useful power besides.

Unfortunately, GM seemed to forget everything they learned when they released the HT4100 V8-60 for Cadillac....

5-90

 

[MudDawg]

Eagle, as usual hit the spot....and the 4.88 gear/33's combo works fine for me...

As for the engine swap...if you just gotta have more power the 3.4 is for sure the easiest mechanically...just find a donor truck with a 2.8 for all the peripherals.

 

[simonsxj]

Sounds like the 4cyl is the way to go.

I think I will try it for now and see how far I get. AT least it is fuel injection. Thanks guys.