Renix and non Renix Compatibillity?

[Boss Cherokee]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 89/90? Renix and would like to know block wise if I can use this for a stroker to put in my 95 H.O. XJ? I know much externally is different, but is the block and or the head interchangeable? I would assume the head may not be due to valving or fuel rails, but I think the block should be the same? Any info will be appreciated as well as info on where to purchase or order stroker kits and possible builders in the So. Cal area! Thanx

 

[Johnnie Walker]

Legally, supposed to have a block same year or newer. But they all look the same essentially. SO no worries on the block. The later model heads flow better and the ports are slightly different.

Russ Pottenger (sp?) I know he's booked for a bit, but hear he does excellent work.

 

[Boss Cherokee]

Legally, supposed to have a block same year or newer. But they all look the same essentially. SO no worries on the block. The later model heads flow better and the ports are slightly different.

Russ Pottenger (sp?) I know he's booked for a bit, but hear he does excellent work.

So I would need to port the block for better flow to match the HO head? Isn't the head different on the HO because of the injectors? I've honestly never even looked closely at a a 4.0 head so I'm not sure! That's why my 1st XJ 1985, had a V8 it was a 2.8 turd before the swap. My 95 has never had much done except oil changes. I'm more of a drive train fan than a motor head! Where's Russ located?

 

[cruiser54]

Block and heads interchange across most years, especially 87 to 99.

Use whichever head you want. Going into a 95, I would use the HO head.

 

[Boss Cherokee]

Thank you! So what I gather the fuel rail sits on the intake. The head would be better off my 95 but I'm ok building the earlier block. No ports or emission sensor issues, on the early blocks?

 

[cruiser54]

Here's something I wrote up for guys with Renix Jeeps wanting to install HO motors which are more plentiful. I think it will answer your questions for the most part. I know this is not what you're doing but it kinda puts things in perspective. any more questions, post them up.

 

[Boss Cherokee]

The link or write up did not come up!

 

[cruiser54]

Here's something I wrote up for guys with Renix Jeeps wanting to install HO motors which are more plentiful. I think it will answer your questions for the most part. I know this is not what you're doing but it kinda puts things in perspective. any more questions, post them up.

Cruiser’s HO into Renix Swap
This swap is easier than some will lead you to believe, generally those who have never done it. Those of us who have done it, like myself, will share with you the things that need to be done for a successful swap. Just think of it as swapping in a long block.
The HO and Renix have some differences but none that can’t be overcome very easily.
Any HO engine from an XJ or ZJ through 1999 can be used. One running change was that the rear of the head was no longer drilled and tapped for the temperature gauge sender beginning in the 96 model year. The sender can be relocated to the threaded hole in the thermostat housing taken from the HO engine. You’ll have to extend the wire to that location. Some brave souls even drill and tap the HO head for the sender.
You will be using the intake and exhaust manifolds from your Renix, along with all your sensors and wiring. Since the intake ports of the HO are slightly different, you use the Renix gasket. Exhaust ports are identical.
You will need to use your Renix distributor as it is different than the HO because they use different fuel management systems. The flywheel or flexplate from the Renix must be used so your CPS gets the correct signals. The valve cover from the Renix allows you to keep your CCV system intact and requires no modifications.
The HO block will have a plug in the coolant galley on the driver’s side of the block, closest to the front, which needs to be removed so your Coolant Temp Sensor can be installed in it’s place just as it is on the Renix. It requires a 5/16" square drive or a modified 3/8" drive that has been ground down to fit. Do this before installing the engine.
As for the knock sensor, which is located just above the oil pan on the driver’s side of the engine about mid way, all the blocks I’ve seen are threaded for it. If not, I’ve heard they may be drilled but not tapped. Tap the hole if that’s the case.
　
Revised 03/28/13
　

 

[IXNAYXJ]

Where's Russ located?

Here's his shop's FB page which has contact info:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bishop-Buehl-Racing-Engines/248948051907539

 

[GSequoia]

Let's back up a bit. You're just talking about using the engine as a core for a stroker, right?

Use an HO 7120 casting head, ported if you can.
Use a 1999 Intake manifold
Use whatever block you want
Use an HO header
Hook to your existing ECU

The only thing you'll run into by using a Renix block for your HO stroker is the lack of a place to bolt the coil. You can make a bracket off of the alternator or AC bracket to solve that.

 

[gradon]

If using a non-renix intake manifold, you have to adapt the 3-mounting bolt renix throttle-body to be able to mount to the newer 4-mounting hole setup. Or you can use a newer tb and adapt the renix throttle position sensor to work with it(Hesco sells one $$).

 

[Boss Cherokee]

Let me back up and clarify so I get everything right! My 95 is stock with a header (just passed smog again 2 hrs ago). So I assume it's the H.O.. I can get a 90 running good motor which I assume is a Renix, for 2 bills complete with all accys. So I would like to rebuild and stroke the 90! Will the 90 be a direct bolt in with all MY accys? THANKs so far for all the input!!

 

[cruiser54]

Let me back up and clarify so I get everything right! My 95 is stock with a header (just passed smog again 2 hrs ago). So I assume it's the H.O.. I can get a 90 running good motor which I assume is a Renix, for 2 bills complete with all accys. So I would like to rebuild and stroke the 90! Will the 90 be a direct bolt in with all MY accys? THANKs so far for all the input!!

Yes. Except the cylinder head ports will be a bit different in shape and size if you use a Renix head.

 

[GSequoia]

Let me back up and clarify so I get everything right! My 95 is stock with a header (just passed smog again 2 hrs ago). So I assume it's the H.O.. I can get a 90 running good motor which I assume is a Renix, for 2 bills complete with all accys. So I would like to rebuild and stroke the 90! Will the 90 be a direct bolt in with all MY accys? THANKs so far for all the input!!

As I said before use the Renix block with an HO 7120 head (1996 or so) plus 1999 Intake. Then bolt all of your external accessories and fuel injection to that engine and call it a day.

My Red Jeep has a 1996 HO block, cam, and rotating assembly with a Renix head, intake manifold, and fuel injection. They all bolt together freely.

 

[gradon]

Yeah--I was lunchin when I thought you had a Renix Jeep and were swapping in a newer block. You will use all of the 95's sensors and tb but not the renix knock sensor(remove it). I'd use the 95 head instead of the renix.

 

[Boss Cherokee]

Cool thanx guys I will work on getting it all worked out!