Need Good v-8 conversion for xj

[TXjeep98]

Can the original gauge cluster be used with a motor swap?

 

[Darky]

DONT MESS WITH TEXAS!!!!

Good contribution, nice to have you here.


I love my 4.0, but anyone who wants a V8, that's fine too. I love V8s too. I've only driven a couple (none in an XJ) and love the sound, torque, and power. If your 4.0 doesn't have the power to move off the line, you may need to check it out. Make sure everything's in good working order. Mine will smoke Civics, Focuses (Foci?), and Neons all day long. A Lexus GS300 even fell to my Cherokee. He may not have been trying from the get go, but once he did put some effort into it, he still couldn't catch up. I have a K&N panel filter, BB, and 30" MTs. There's plenty of power and torque to be had from the 4.0.

 

[TORX]

You know, I've never come across a group of people that are so rediculously stubborn about swapping engines than Jeep owners.

Dont let 3 people ruin it for you many people talk about v8 swaps but few go all the way and do it. If you want a v8 go for it take pics an do a write up Im sure a lot of people would benifit from it. I know there was someone on here that put a 350 in theres and loved it. The 4.0L is a good strong motor but if yours is having problems and you want a v8 then put a v8 in it. Its your own cherokee everyone has the right to do there own thing. But as far as a replacement I6 non chrysler the F150, Exploder, Landcruiser, are some that come to mind but I would put another 4.0L in over a replacement I6 you wont get much of a HP/TQ increase from them.

Jeepguy97: Drop it in and watch it destroy that unibody and drivetrain in no time.

If you stroke a 4.0L to a 4.6L you will have the equivilant power to a v8 so I geuss whoever has a stroker its a matter of time? Its all about how you drive it, punching a stock 4.0L will put stress on your drivetrain. People modify rigs get use to it

TORX

 

[casm]

People modify rigs get use to it

Wait... You're saying that somebody *really* modified their XJ?

 

[TXjeep98]

Dont let 3 people ruin it for you many people talk about v8 swaps but few go all the way and do it. If you want a v8 go for it take pics an do a write up Im sure a lot of people would benifit from it. I know there was someone on here that put a 350 in theres and loved it. The 4.0L is a good strong motor but if yours is having problems and you want a v8 then put a v8 in it. Its your own cherokee everyone has the right to do there own thing. But as far as a replacement I6 non chrysler the F150, Exploder, Landcruiser, are some that come to mind but I would put another 4.0L in over a replacement I6 you wont get much of a HP/TQ increase from them.

Jeepguy97: Drop it in and watch it destroy that unibody and drivetrain in no time.

If you stroke a 4.0L to a 4.6L you will have the equivilant power to a v8 so I geuss whoever has a stroker its a matter of time? Its all about how you drive it, punching a stock 4.0L will put stress on your drivetrain. People modify rigs get use to it

TORX

Yeah, I'm back and forth over the v8 or replacement i6. As far as the replacement, it will be a Jeep cherokee replacement model sold through, say Advanced Autoparts.

 

[MJ_Chubs]

Thought I'd throw some of my thoughts in here. I'm sorry in advance if this gets long-winded.

As much as we all like the 4.0, it still has some shortcomings.

1) Weight: it's a big heavy pig at around 500 lbs. Now, I know this additional beef contributes to the legendary durability of this engine, don't get me wrong. However, an SBC tips the scales at 525. Throw on an aluminum intake and water pump and you can easily shed that extra weight and have 2 more cylinders to pump air into. A SBF is a little under 500 and an LS1 tips the scales at 420 lbs.

2) Parts availability: Case in point, cylinder heads and cams. How many companies make aluminum heads for the 4.0? Maybe one. How many make roller cams for the 4.0? Zero. Now, compare that to the aftermarket support that the GM and Ford small-blocks enjoy. Decent stroker kits for $600 to $700, Vortec heads for $400, and the list goes on....

3) "Buildability": Someone mentioned that an I-6 could easily make 300. 300 what? If you're talking horsepower, I don't think so. You won't get that without a stroker AND a power adder which is going to kill the longevity of these motors. Torque, I'll be the first to admit that the strokers make great torque and over 300 ob-ft is easily attainable. Yes, a stroked I-6 will make the equivalent power to a V-8, a stock V-8. Throw on a pair of Vortec heads and a slightly hotter cam and you can easily add 40 to 50 horse and maybe 50 lb-ft of torque to a Chevy. In all fairness though, building a 383 SBC is just as easy and probably cheaper than building a stroked 6.

4) Efficiency: This is probably one of the main reasons the 4.0 met its demise. Someone also mentioned that the I-6 gives good mileage. Maybe compared to a big-block but I don't believe this holds true for the small-blocks. The 4.0 is just not an efficient engine in comparison to many other power plants on the road today. For instance, I drive a '98 4.0 ZJ with 3.73 gears and 31" tires. My gas mileage hovers between 17 and 19 mpg for my highway driving to and from work. I used to drive an '88 full-size Chevy Blazer with a TBI 350, 32" tires, and 3.73. I consistently maintained 16-18 mpg with a much heavier vehicle with a crappier induction system. Now, both of these pale in comparison to the Gen III small-blocks (LS1 and the other variants) which can routinely pull down numbers in the mid 20 mpg range and still give great power.

Don't get me wrong, I love the 4.0L. I plan on keeping my ZJ for a long time and have already begun collecting the parts for a 4.6L stroker. However, I also own an MJ that will be getting an EFI 383 Chevy unless I find a screaming deal on a sh*tty XJ as a drivetrain donor. I just don't agree with people who say "just stroke an I-6 because it's easier". Easier isn't always better or more fun. Different strokes and all that.

For the people who are considering this swap, decide on it for your own needs. Not because we do or don't think it's cool. The V-8 will definitely be a lot of work. Be prepared for all of the pitfalls like cooling, exhaust, suspension clearance, drivetrain upgrades, etc. I'd say go for it if you got the parts and want something different.

BTW, when exactly was a 4.0 XJ the "FASTEST stock SUV you could buy"?
As far as I knew, both the 5.9 ZJ and the GMC Typhoon have held that title at different times in the last 14 years. Just curious


Brent

 

[Darky]

I'm assuming it was the fastest when it came out. Most likely until the Typhoon came out. Maybe depending on when the 4.0 (and especially HO) hit, between then and the Typhoon.

 

[MJ_Chubs]

I was just curious when "not long ago" actually was. To me, 13 years is a long time. The HO hit the streets the same year as the Typhoon, btw.

 

[StuckXJ]

It held the record for a few years ill have to check but it was dethrowned by the chevy cyclone s-10...

 

[StuckXJ]

some one around here has a list of suvs that are faster and its not as long as one may expect. I am pretty sure its Dr. Dyno (suprise suprise)

 

[XJ_ranger]

Im considering swaping the entire drivetran from a 80's Waggy with the 401 V8 and the d44's. The main reason is that i can get the axles really cheap - 100 a piece, but the guy wont part his axles and leave himself with a huge boat anchor without some more $$$ - so he offered me the whole drive train for 700...
im thinking about it - and where im going to get $700.00...

 

[amcmike]

i've been kicking around the v8 idea also.how about an amc 360 in a mj? i was thinking 360, 727, 231 and a dana 44 in the rear with 3.55 gears, 4.5 lift and 32.11.50s. i would like to see some other v8 xjs and mjs out there. i like the amc 6 but they cant take high rpm for to long.mike

 

[renegade_z71]

i have a 94 chevy 4x4 with a 190k. it runs great dosnt burn oil has more than ample power to blow donuts on dry pavement. i also have a 91 xj with 160+k on it and it has enough power to destroy drive train part after drive train part. i think the 4.0 is a great motor and i like the 350v8. but is it was up to me i think i would put a 6.0 chevy v8 345hp+ enough torque to pop out the rear windows and it will bolt to a nv3500 tranny? plenty of hp, lots of torque and you can even get thouse cool corvette engine covers for the awe effect.

 

[Darky]

I've heard before of 383 strokers too. There was a guy in the TTC with a 383 Cherokee.
Has anyone else seen the issue of 4wd and Sport Utility (I think) where they did a feature on the AEV Conversions Hemi TJ? I constantly wonder if it would be possible to fit that drivetrain into an XJ, reliably. They used the engine and tranny so it ended up getting better gas mileage than the 4.0 TJ. 5 speed auto, 345hp, 390 lb-ft of torque, better gas mileage, and the engine is only 57 lbs heavier. The problem was price. I think the whole thing cost almost $20k (not including TJ). If I was rich, I'd take my XJ and tell them to figure out how to do it. Or it may come into feasibility in the future if I can find someone with good fab skills and learn a lot more myself. Then maybe find a junkyard donor...

 

[71_nova]

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.

Guys here's my $.02
Everything I have heard about the 4.0 is good. However, A stroked SBC (383)
can be built, as cheep, if not cheeper than stroking a 4.0
Remember, there are more 350 motors on this planit than 4.0s

You can get a cast rotating assembly (383) for around $600 use stock heads
and build 400 +ft lbs of torq.

Now to get the SBC in the xj will cost some $$$ Not to mention you might have to change the drive line to handle that much power.

My vote would to stroke the 4.0 port and polish the head, nice cam, and you should be good
JMHO

 

[TORX]

Guys here's my $.02
Everything I have heard about the 4.0 is good. However, A stroked SBC (383)
can be built, as cheep, if not cheeper than stroking a 4.0
Remember, there are more 350 motors on this planit than 4.0s

You can get a cast rotating assembly (383) for around $600 use stock heads
and build 400 +ft lbs of torq.

Now to get the SBC in the xj will cost some $$$ Not to mention you might have to change the drive line to handle that much power.

My vote would to stroke the 4.0 port and polish the head, nice cam, and you should be good
JMHO

Let me geuss... You got a Chevy Nova (judging my your user name) with a SBC 383?

TORX

 

[71_nova]

Let me geuss... You got a Chevy Nova (judging my your user name) with a SBC 383?

TORX

Wrong again batman!!!
I have a chevy nova (drag car) caged, tubbed 4 link w coil overs.
building a 440 inch BBC ( that's a 427 bored .060) should be a nice 10 second ride. However!!!!! I have owned a 91 cherokee and I re built the 4.0
.I had to get rid of it, money issues, looking for another one to lift and stroke.
Now, if you want to comare apples to apples. 4.0 to 350 no comparison.
350 every time, any v8 over a 6.
Not trying to start a fight. If you noticed, i would go for a 4.6 stroker in the xj.
converting over to a sbc would just be too much cash

 

[TORX]

I agree if you want simplicity go stroker but if you dont mind changing some drive train parts and enjoy engine swaps go ahead and do a V8 conversion. I also believe almost all V8s will take a 4.0L most of the time although many will say they disagree

Whats the HP/TQ on that nova? Sounds sweet

TORX

 

[71_nova]

I agree if you want simplicity go stroker but if you dont mind changing some drive train parts and enjoy engine swaps go ahead and do a V8 conversion. I also believe almost all V8s will take a 4.0L most of the time although many will say they disagree

Whats the HP/TQ on that nova? Sounds sweet

TORX

Torx,
I don't have HP or torq numbers as of yet. But I think i will be in the 600+ hp range to get the 1/4 mile time i want.
13:1 compression (long rods and light pistons)
Dart heads, solid roller cam, victor jr intake, 4:56 gears will probably spin to 7200rpms. Looking to get into the 10. I hoping for 10.5 to 10.8 in the quarter. I have some pics of the car i can scan in a start another thread if your realy interested in looking.

 

[90KrawlerXJ]

Ya'll are seriously f$@cked! I agree that the 4.0 makes plenty of power for rocks: with the right gearing; however, how many of us live in Utah? I live in Louisiana and wheel in Texas and Arkansas. Alot of mud with the rocks=wheel spin and horsepower. I can build a mild small block Chevy V-8 for much less than a "stroker" 4.0 with alot more power. Quit stomping on other peoples ideas based on brand loyalty! We're all building rigs to enjoy the wilderness; don't slam somebody's idea for getting there.