Need Good v-8 conversion for xj

[BLUE GOAT]

Ok guys i know about the stroker motors and i do not want to go that route. Thanks anyways, I need to find a detailed site on the convertion steps to convert a 90 xj w/ 4.0 to a 360 v-8. any help with sites or stores would be greatly appreciated.

 

[5-90]

Why don't you want to do the stroker? Just wondering...

The SBChevvy-powered XJ's are legion, and Advance Adapters has an off-the-shelf kit for the conversion - just supply the engine and donor electronics. There is talk of someone doing an AMC V8 XJ (I think he's using a 401) around here somewhere, but I don't know about the ChryCo 360 (which, I assume, is what you're thinking about.)

You may want to ask around at the V8 Cherokee Owner's Group - groups.yahoo.com/group/v8cherokeeowners - but please let us know what you find out, in case anyone else wants to try this mod.

Oh - if memory serves, there may also be one or two BBChevvy-powered XJ's around here, but my memory isn't what it once was...

Either way, I'd like to hear details of the mod. What are you going to do with the old engine?

Oh - if power is strictly a concern, there are also some supercharger kits out there (that require hood mods) and one coming up that is a "sleeper" mod using a centrifugal blower that you may want to watch out for...


5-90

 

[BLUE GOAT]

Thanks for the info i will check out that site. I am not a huge fan of the 4.0 and all its problems. i would rather aleviate the problem and jsut put a small block 390 or 401 in instead and get the same gass mileage for a big h.p increase i dont hot rod but i do play n the mud so the h.p will help thanks for asking. I am going to retire the old engine it has about 159,000 on it and some blow by and a minor knock when the engine is cold but nothing major. It still runs good i just have sesor isues and it idols like crap and loads up on idol.

 

[ZmOz]

I need to find a detailed site on the convertion steps to convert a 90 xj w/ 4.0 to a 360 v-8.

Not gonna happen.

I am not a huge fan of the 4.0 and all its problems.

All of what problems? There are VERY few engines that are more reliable than a 4.0 - and those are only diesels or Japanese economy engines.

i would rather aleviate the problem and jsut put a small block 390 or 401 in instead and get the same gass mileage for a big h.p increase.

You WON'T get the same mileage with a V8. And it WON'T be a big HP increase unless you spend thousands building the engine. Most V8s are only 180-220hp, the 4.0 is 190 and a stroker has no trouble making 300. A backyard hackjob isn't going to "aleviate" any problems - you will create several.

I am going to retire the old engine it has about 159,000 on it and some blow by and a minor knock when the engine is cold but nothing major.

That engine has ALOT of life left. 159,000 miles is NOTHING.

 

[BrettM]

as much as I don't like Ford, the 5.0 is the only V8 I would seriously consider swapping. it is very compact for a V8, tons of aftermarket, simple electrical hookup, and if I remember right it is lighter than a 4.0.

 

[MuddinXJ]

i agree w/ Brett about the 5.0 being a potent SOB! I like fords but i also am a chevy man. A good carbed/paned 350 w/ a lil machining, custom heads, and headers will cost about the same as a stroker 4.0. 350 SBC are everywhere and are a dime a dozen. i also enjoy the mopar side too. 360 magnum would be nice in there but I have talked to AA and they say they have a kit in the works but won't be ready till summer of 05 or later.

 

[TXjeep98]

I'm very interested in this too. Please tell us what you find. The 4.0 sucks! I know it's a Jeep and it's not made to go fast, but neither are diesels, and they do so... And if someone says, "sell the jeep, and get a fast car." I don't want to.

 

[ZmOz]

The 4.0 sucks!

You mean because it's nearly impossible to kill? Or because parts are so cheap and easy to find? Or because it's so easy to work on? Or because it gets good gas mileage when it's in tune? Yeah, I hate engines like that...

 

[RichP]

Might want to take some measurements, I don't see why a ZJ 318 or 360 with it's tranny and transfer case would not just pretty much drop in. Don't know what to do with the electronics though, thats the biggest thing now on the new engines.
As for the 4.0L, well, it's a super motor and has been for many years. Inline 6 cyl motors are mostly low rpm things which is why they last forever with very little maintenance. I'm headed for 300,00 on my 98 and flat out love it. I'm hoping to get enough money together for an unlimited with a 4.0L before they start putting V motors in the wranglers at which point I'd probably buy used after that. Pretty much do all my own work and that straight 6 is just soooooo easy to work on...

 

[TXjeep98]

You mean because it's nearly impossible to kill? Or because parts are so cheap and easy to find? Or because it's so easy to work on? Or because it gets good gas mileage when it's in tune? Yeah, I hate engines like that...

Because it's a piece of junk that barely puts out enough power to take off from a light or stop sign, much less go rock-crawling.

Because the Chevy 350 has the power.

And because I have a 350 w/computer waiting for a new body.

 

[Wow]

Because it's a piece of junk that barely puts out enough power to take off from a light or stop sign, much less go rock-crawling.

Because the Chevy 350 has the power.

And because I have a 350 w/computer waiting for a new body.

You are an idiot. The 4.0 makes a lot of power, a lot of torque, and can easily squeel the tires from a stop sign. Power has nothing to do with rock crawling, it's all in the gearing. A 4 cylinder does a fine job of rock crawling, why do you think most of the Wranglers are 4 bangers? Not long ago a 4.0 Cherokee was the FASTEST stock SUV you could buy. Also, the 4.0 is bulletproof, it will last longer than a 350 and most other engines.

 

[ZmOz]

You are an idiot.

I couldn't agree more. The 4.0 isn't "a peice of junk" no matter how you look at it. It is one of the most reliable engines ever made...makes plenty of power stock...and it's easy to get alot more power with cheap bolt ons.

Newbies, go learn a little something about jeep products before you come here and tell everyone that knows better how bad they are.

 

[jeepguy97]

Let the dumbass ramble, did you notice hes from texas. Everything is bigger in texas guys, you have to have a V8 to be "cool" and you have to have it exhale through glasspacks so no onbe else on the trail can hear. Go ahead mr. asshat and drop your 350 in. I only have one question--if you think the 4.0 has no power and is junk, then why would you buy a unibody XJ with one in it when you could have a big beefy full frame truck????? Drop it in and watch it destroy that unibody and drivetrain in no time.

Also remember guys that he is one of those guys with no skill, he just puts the hammer down and smashes his way through--he must because otherwise a 4.0 would have plenty of power.

 

[TXjeep98]

Let the dumbass ramble, did you notice hes from texas. Everything is bigger in texas guys, you have to have a V8 to be "cool" and you have to have it exhale through glasspacks so no onbe else on the trail can hear.

You are one big waste of sperm dude. You must be the part of the U.S. that other countries hate. Just so you know, I hate glasspacks (few people have them in Texas), I prefer the sound of Magnaflows. You're just jealous because you don't live here.=P

Also remember guys that he is one of those guys with no skill, he just puts the hammer down and smashes his way through--he must because otherwise a 4.0 would have plenty of power.

How could they remember if neither them nor you knows the level of my skill.

I only have one question--if you think the 4.0 has no power and is junk, then why would you buy a unibody XJ with one in it when you could have a big beefy full frame truck?????

Because I can.

You are an idiot.

You are for not being a little more grown up about it. It's just a motor dude, chill out. You make it seem like I'm questioning your religion.

Newbies, go learn a little something about jeep products before you come here and tell everyone that knows better how bad they are.

Newbie? How do you figure? Maybe because I only have 21 posts? For your info, I've owned Jeeps since I was born. From a 1950's army version, to this '98 I have now.


You know, I've never come across a group of people that are so rediculously stubborn about swapping engines than Jeep owners. What is so wrong with it? Lots of people do it to lots of different vehicles. They haven't been hit with a lightning bolt or burned alive yet. Anyways, it's my opinion, and you have expressed yours. :claps hands:

 

[ZmOz]

You are an idiot.

 

[casm]

One question I'd like to ask here (and I'm not asking this to be antagonistic, but rather out of idle curiosity having read the thread):

Do you want to do the V8 swap for reliability or power reasons?

I don't care one way or the other, but I'd personally go with a stroked six ahead of a V8 conversion. The main reason involves the re-engineering involved with dropping in an engine that was never intended to be in an XJ.

If reliability's the issue, as others have said, the I6 is pretty unburstable. I know that there are V8s out there that are equally if not more long-lived and trouble-free, but this brings us back to the re-engineering question.

Now, if this is something you just want to do for the hell of it, by all means feel free. I personally don't feel that this would necessarily be the best route to take, but that's just my uninformed opinion having never driven a stroked or V8 XJ. Either way, I'd be interested to hear your reasoning on this.

 

[jeepguy97]

You know, I've never come across a group of people that are so rediculously stubborn about swapping engines than Jeep owners. What is so wrong with it? Lots of people do it to lots of different vehicles.

Nothing is wrong with it, but you said that the 4.0 sucks and isn't good for rock crawaling. It is a great motor for rock crawaling as many here can attest to and it has more than enough poweer to move an XJ. No one is saying you can't swap motors you reasoning just sucks. And whether you admit it or not you want to swap just to have a V8. Big engine foir big ego. I am done. I have met your kind before, I know whay you want it and I know you are going to do it no matter what others advice is so why even argue or ask.

 

[TXjeep98]

Nothing is wrong with it, but you said that the 4.0 sucks and isn't good for rock crawaling. It is a great motor for rock crawaling as many here can attest to and it has more than enough poweer to move an XJ. No one is saying you can't swap motors you reasoning just sucks. And whether you admit it or not you want to swap just to have a V8. Big engine foir big ego. I am done. I have met your kind before, I know whay you want it and I know you are going to do it no matter what others advice is so why even argue or ask.

Actually, I think I'm just gonna get a new I-6 that way I don't have to go through the trouble of swapping computers, wire harnesses, new motor mounts, blah blah blah. You guys are right about the reliability issue, and gas mileage.l

Anyone know if brand new one from a source other than chrysler is as reliable and gas efficient?

 

[xjbmx]

Let the dumbass ramble, did you notice hes from texas. Everything is bigger in texas guys, you have to have a V8 to be "cool".

DONT MESS WITH TEXAS!!!!

 

[jlake1]

I considered stroking my non-HO before I swapped in my 302. However, the ford was cheaper, lighter, less time to install (when compared to re-building the I6), and will damn near run upside down till it starves for oil. Plus, aftermarket parts are cheap and readily available anywhere I may be.

Not saying the stroker option isn't nice....just my thought process behind swapping in a V8.

Jay