304 v-8 in a cherokee

[BLKXJ33]

I have some questions about the AMC 304. How hard would it be to bolt one into a 2000 cherokee. Would it bolt straight up to the AW4 or would i need a conversion. Also, how about the motor mounts. I know I would have to replace the ignition. But what else would I have to do, and is it really worth it.

 

[oldmopars]

WOW! Why would you want to do this? A 2000 is only 4 years old. I would bet that the laws in your area would not allow for this in the first place, but even if they did, you would be taking a major step back. In 2000 the 4.0l was a very good engine with lots of torque, reasonable MPG and clean burning.
An AMC 304 is an old school engine. You would have to use a Carb, or pay big money to adapt some kind of FI, the trans will not bolt up, the engine bay is too small, the cooling system not up to a 304.
With any amount of money anything is possible, but this would not be a wise choice.
If you must have a 304 in a Cherokee, go find a 84-86 with a blown 2.8l, there are tons of those to be had dirt cheap. Put the 304 in one of these. The amount of money involved will be the same, but you could sell your 2000 to someone that likes it as is.
I do not mean to make you sound dumb, or like your idea is bad, but more research on your part will show you that you would be throwing money into something that you could never recover.
A stock 2000 will be worth more than one modified with a 304. A 84-86 is already about as low as they will go. Anything done here will only improve their value.
Keep in mind that even a 84-86 will take a lot of mods and money.
Ask others too, I am sure they will chime in with good advice also.

Scott
87 Comanche
2.5l soon to be 4.0l
4x4

 

[5-90]

An interesting idea... I'd consider doing it to an older XJ (the AMC304 was a highly underrated engine!) but not to a 2K - the 1999-2001 4.0 was probably the best of the breed once ChryCo got involved, and it has all the improvements that were applied over the years.

Is there any particular reason you want to do this, or are we still in the "what-if?" stage here? If you do pull the 4.0 for the 304, and you are close enough, I'd like to talk to you about buying/trading for the 2K 4.0. Granted, I'd probably tear it apart for donor parts, but I'd still be interested.

Is the 304 swap an attempt to "return to your roots?" I am genuinely curious here, and I'd like to explore this project further. Feel free to PM me if you don't want to continue this in open forum - I'd like to hear your reasons and see if we can't bash out some ideas...

5-90

 

[Eagle]

It should be almost a bolt-in conversion.

However, it would also be illegal. You're not supposed to put an engine into a vehicle newer than the year of the engine (or, more properly, you are not supposed to put into a vehicle an engine from any year older than the vehicle).

Beyond that, why do a 304? The 360 and 401 blocks are identical externally, but have bigger valves, better flowing heads, and (obviously) more displacement. I like the idea of an AMC V-8 in a Cherokee, but I'd hold out for a 401 and settle for no less than a 360.

BTW -- Jp Magazine just noted that one of the aftermarket manufacturers is offering an electronic fuel injection setup for the AMC V-8.

Take pictures during progress. :woohoo:

 

[BLKXJ33]

Thanks for the advice guys. It was kind of a "what if" question. I was trying to find a v-8 that would be pretty easy to put in place of the I-6. This would not be for a while, b/c the engine I have now is running great. But, it is definately a possibility this summer. How about chevy or ford engines, any suggestions.

 

[afjeep2082]

the most common (but not limited to) swaps, Chevy 350 small block and the Ford 302

 

[maineiac]

i have would also look into a v8 from a grand this might be an easier swap but i have never looked into it but this way you could get a 2000 motor for legality

 

[onetallmj]

302 swap

anybody have/seen writeups on the 302 swap, this sounds very interesting
I have been reading the post on pirate about this.

thanks

Wade

 

[Renegade Jpr]

I would go with a TPI350, more off the self parts avalible, easy to work on, and its fool injected.

 

[afjeep2082]

yeah just do a search!

 

[woody431]

I've heard that there have been a lot of oiling system problems with the 401's, my brother works at an engine shop with a dyno so he sees quite a few engines come in and out. A guy brought a 401 in and said he had to go to MI to find one (I'm in IL) He also said there were many oiling problems with his. I did alot of reading and stuff on the 401 because I was thinking about putting one in my 95, but sticking with the originality is going to cost you big $$$. You'd need to find like an old Wagoneer with a TH400 type tranny and the 401 and if you want A/C, you'll have to get a compressor and stuff out of something with the 401 is what I was told.

If I do an engine swap, i'm just going to put a 350 or 383 in mine. They are all over damn near everywhere as are trannys and Xfer cases. It won't be as original as going with an AMC, but cheaper and more power for cheaper. If I were you, i'd definetly wouldn't cut into an 00.

 

[Abugarcia]

Personally I would swap in one of these three: 4.7 V8, 5.9V8 FI, or my favorite a Ford 5.0 stroked to 5.7
During school next year I plan to build a 5.7 stroker and put it into my 87' My engine is getting old and so in my POS Puegot tranny. I must say that in a newer Jeep like yours, I would find a 4.7 or 5.9 out of a newer Jeep or Dodge Ram and swap it in. If you use a newer Chysler V8 you will be able to use all of the same wiring and your OBDII will think you have a 5.9XJ.
my .02

 

[cmr4by4]

not hijack but if someone had a amc 360 4b comming out of a J10 and going into a 89 XJ would that be pretty simple?

 

[Ludakris]

Personally I would swap in one of these three: 4.7 V8, 5.9V8 FI, or my favorite a Ford 5.0 stroked to 5.7
During school next year I plan to build a 5.7 stroker and put it into my 87' My engine is getting old and so in my POS Puegot tranny. I must say that in a newer Jeep like yours, I would find a 4.7 or 5.9 out of a newer Jeep or Dodge Ram and swap it in. If you use a newer Chysler V8 you will be able to use all of the same wiring and your OBDII will think you have a 5.9XJ.
my .02

the 4.7 seems like way more trouble than it would be worth, its dimensionally rather large..... get a HEMI... JP swapped on in a TJ, a company makes the wiring stuff for it, and it only weighs 50 some odd lbs heavier than the 4.0L,,,,

 

[fordtech]

my opinion on it is a 2000 and up 318 or 360 out of a Dakota/ Durango, trans and t-case, PCM and wiring too. make sure you have the 8.25 out back, at least.