cherokee V8 swap....school me

NickMaul

NickMaul

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2009
Location
Norfolk, VA
got some news i might get my hands on an chevy small block for free...305 maybe? havent exactly specified.

butttttt anyone on here have experience with a swap like/similar to this. will an old V8 even fit?

the only info i know is was i read on novak adapters

also this will be a dd. right now i average 19mpg with my I-6

so i will be keeping a little bit of economy in mind. dont want to go under 15mpgs

any help appreciatted:wheel:
 
Even if the motor is free, there are a lot of hidden costs that will probably add up to a couple thousand dollars.
A co-worker is stuffing a SBC into a stripped/gutted XJ, having trouble with the exhaust maniolds clearing the uniframe rails, steering shaft, and firewall clearance. Radiator is mounted in the rear.
For a DD, this isnt a good idea at all. Is the 4.0L giving you problems?
 
Helped put a 4.3 in one several years ago, I'm glad it's not mine. A 4.3 is super freakin tight and I'd hate to see a V8. Read about a few in magazines. IMO not worth it.
 
I was lookin at swapin for a V8. But after I started researching the 4.0 (this is my first one and new to me) I believe I can get all the torque and power I need with the right rebuild for a lot less money.

I agree with renegadeT. Lots of hidden cost, forgot to mention, tranny, t-case, cross member, drive shafts, the list just keeps gettin bigger, Your better off keepin the 4.0
 
4.0 isnt giving me any problems, just a tick thats it. everything works like a gem. how much do you think i could get for the entire drive line? would that help decrease the cost? and i would save my money for this, not like i am tearing down my jeep as we speak
 
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/xj_swap.htm

Lots of reading, good information. Plan to buy lots of stuff, new mounts, transmission adapter, etc... With the money your going to spend in the long run, pull the 4.0 and stroke it or if you know a skilled fabricator who will help you out all the better. Be prepared for lots of unibody reinforcement.

NAXJA has a lot of V8 swaps posted up, if your interested, this would be a good place for you to check out.
 
I'd find something with a real frame to put it in.......The 4.0 has just as much power as a 305.
 
Not sure about yours, but my XJ will haul balls for an SUV. That's even with 33's and stock gearing. I honest to god can somewhat keep up with my buddies' fox body 5.0's through first and second. It was nasty when I had 31's on it and you wouldn't imagine the get up and go it had with bone stock 225's on it. I'd definitely save the V8 swap for later on down the road if you have a second vehicle and want to make the XJ a toy. Start reading up on stroking the 4.0 and things you can do to it like boring the throttle body out, cold air intake, TB spacer etc just little things you can do hell even a complete exhaust system from the header back. It'll give you that nice deep tone like a V8 but you'll still have the I-6. The 4.0 is a damn good motor and if it dies(you'll probably end up tired of the Jeep and ready to sell it before that happens) then think about the swap. Good luck with whatever you decide to do but I vote to keep the I-6. :driver:
 
305 is a hunk of shit motor...I wouldnt take one if it was free haha

As for a v8 swap in a xj there cool..but really there is no need..What are you going to ever do that needs a V8? if you find yourself needing a v8 then its not what the cherokee does good anyway and are better off finding a differnt rig.

Although ive seen on in person and a few on the net...The 5.3 Swaps are as cool as tittys.

In my opinon it takes to much money to get it in there..and by the time its in you need a 44min! up front and a 60 in the rear..Diff tcase and etc...Now you have a 1-ton V8 xj that youve dropped 2.8 million in and should have just bought a chassis to start with!
 
My 305 HO does pretty good there racecar man:flipoff2:

chromerunner said:
305 is a hunk of shit motor...I wouldnt take one if it was free haha
As for a v8 swap in a xj there cool..but really there is no need..What are you going to ever do that needs a V8? if you find yourself needing a v8 then its not what the cherokee does good anyway and are better off finding a differnt rig.
Although ive seen on in person and a few on the net...The 5.3 Swaps are as cool as tittys.
In my opinon it takes to much money to get it in there..and by the time its in you need a 44min! up front and a 60 in the rear..Diff tcase and etc...Now you have a 1-ton V8 xj that youve dropped 2.8 million in and should have just bought a chassis to start with!
Click to expand...
 
JC said:
To sum up everyone's posts and my opinion ..................

DON'T DO IT :)
Click to expand...

hahaha JC i was wondering when you were going to chime into this :p

but this idea has simply turned into a dream now......i just miss my V8 thats all :driver:
 
I agree with TapouT. My 4.0 XJ has 33"s and stock (3:55) gearing and it's got plenty of go with almost 206k on factory internals. Although I've got a header (PaceShitter) and intake.
 
i've stroked mine and bored it out .04 over its got some power for a jeep. cant complain, yes a v8 is nice but way to much $$$$ and fab, if you got the deep pocket, then you could get a buddy and try it.
 
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