H.O. 4.0L in a early Cherokee?

[Bloose]

I know a guy who has an '88 Cherokee. The motor has 250K on it so he is looking for some replacement options. Problem is, finding a low mileage Renix 4.0L will likely be near impossible. So my question is, can he use a late model 4.0L in it's place. I cannot remember the exact differences in the head of the H.O. and if his intake will bolt on to the H.O.

B-loose

 

[rockwerks]

Actually the whole engine will swap in and can use the renix system, by changing the waterpump housing for temp sensor etc. someone here in AZ did it.

 

[CheapXJ]

swap sensors, dist. and then bolt his intake/exhaust on.

last time I did this, I think I used a 95 ZJ 4.0L.

it's cake.

 

[Bloose]

Awsome, He sure will be glad to hear that. There is a yard up here that has late model 4.0's for $525, some with as low as 20K miles! You cannot even get the shop work to rebuild the motor for that price.

B-loose

 

[Dr. Dyno]

The simplest and cheapest thing to do would be to swap in a 4.0L HO short block engine (any year will do) and bolt your Renix head and everything else onto it.
The most desirable thing to do would be to rebuild the tired 250k old motor into a stroker.

 

[jpdriver1]

the Dr has the right idea -- I'm in the process of doing just that --- picked up a 92 short block from a shop in So. Cal that they had just taken out of one of their Jeep-speed trucks --- 2k on the motor, unfortunately they had detonated one piston --- I am planning on using one of the pistons from my dead 90 motor and have the whole thing bored .20 over.

 

[rockwerks]

The simplest and cheapest thing to do would be to swap in a 4.0L HO short block engine (any year will do) and bolt your Renix head and everything else onto it.
The most desirable thing to do would be to rebuild the tired 250k old motor into a stroker.

souondsl like a ton of extra work, the connectors on the injector harness are the same etc, just install the renix parts to the new motor and head. My friend just did it why swap out the old head use the HO head etc.

 

[Bloose]

This guy is just looking to put a good motor in. If the HO head would work there is no reason not to use it. It would be cheaper than rebuilding the old head. Also, a stroker is out of the question, he is looking to keep it as cheap as possible. As you can imagine an '88 in WI with 250K is not in "like new" condition.

Is there any problem with running the late model head with the old intake and exhaust?

B

 

[thecozmo65]

The intake ports on the HO head are taller to alow better fuel flow to the cylinder. They are not the same size and the manifold will not line up. The problem with using the HO intake manifold is that all the electronics on the throttle body are different. There is a company in Delaware, Accurate Power, who will modify a Renix manifold to fit a HO head but I would imagine that would get rather expensive.

 

[rockwerks]

The intake ports on the HO head are taller to alow better fuel flow to the cylinder. They are not the same size and the manifold will not line up. The problem with using the HO intake manifold is that all the electronics on the throttle body are different. There is a company in Delaware, Accurate Power, who will modify a Renix manifold to fit a HO head but I would imagine that would get rather expensive.

Ummm use the renix throttle body on the HO manifold Ive been told it bolts right on

 

[jpdriver1]

the HO throttle body has a four bolt pattern vs a three on the renix
spacers(converters) can be had

 

[rockwerks]

shoot I could make one! LOL

 

[Bloose]

the HO throttle body has a four bolt pattern vs a three on the renix
spacers(converters) can be had

Where could one get an adapter?

B

 

[75SV1]

I am selling an '88 4.0L. My Odometer says 140K. I think it has a bit more than that. It ran good in October, before the slave cylinder blew. I want $150 and thats local pickup. So it might be to far for you. Also, have some gaskets, new NAPA (Clevite) oil pump and screen for $50 extra (cost me $104). I also have a '95 short block, 104K. It has two broken bolts in the motor mount bracket holes. someone cut into the bosses. Still think its useable. That one is free if you pick it up.
Tom

 

[jpdriver1]

XJ-ARMOR has spacers for the renix 3 bolt throttle body
If I can find the link for a spacer/adapter to go from 3 bolt to four, I'll post it.

 

[75SV1]

Here's the link: http://www.xj-armor.com/
Tom

 

[ratherbcamping]

I'm in the process of putting a 99 HO engine in my 89 XJ. I've read a lot of posts about the head not working and I thought I would have to swap heads, but here's what I found out. The Renix intake and exhaust will bolt right up the 99 head. Check out this picture of the 99 head with the 89 gasket in place: http://community.webshots.com/photo/312396299/312399626wVINal As you can see, the intake is a little bigger at the bottom, but there is plenty of mating surface on the head. The injector ports at the top line up perfectly. I'm leaving the head on and giving it a try.

As for the knock sensor. The 99 block is prepped for it. No drilling or tapping required. Here's a picture: http://community.webshots.com/photo/312396299/312399579snRZUf

Tom

 

[Bloose]

Cool! Thanks for the pics!

B-loose