Engine Swap Questions

Bryan

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2006
Location
Wilmington NC
Hello all, I am coming up on an engine swap this winter. I am going to get my inspection done first but for the inspection to follow I have a few questions. I will be putting a 5.2 V8 from a 97 Grand into my 00 Wrangler and ditch the 4.0 liter. No questions about getting it in, I've been researching that for a year and have all the parts. Anyway here's the question. I know the 97 ECU will get me failed right off the bat. If I were to get an 00 or higher ecu from a 5.2 v8 van, ram, dakota, or GC will I get a pass without an issue. Or will I HAVE to get a flash so that my dash vin matches that inside the new ecu? My thinking is that I will be able to get by with an 00 or higher ecu because people's ecus go bad all the time. Surely not everyone gets an ecu flash to correct the vin to match. Anyone with input on this? Thankyou. :huggy:
 
Bryan said:
Hello all, I am coming up on an engine swap this winter. I am going to get my inspection done first but for the inspection to follow I have a few questions. I will be putting a 5.2 V8 from a 97 Grand into my 00 Wrangler and ditch the 4.0 liter. No questions about getting it in, I've been researching that for a year and have all the parts. Anyway here's the question. I know the 97 ECU will get me failed right off the bat. If I were to get an 00 or higher ecu from a 5.2 v8 van, ram, dakota, or GC will I get a pass without an issue. Or will I HAVE to get a flash so that my dash vin matches that inside the new ecu? My thinking is that I will be able to get by with an 00 or higher ecu because people's ecus go bad all the time. Surely not everyone gets an ecu flash to correct the vin to match. Anyone with input on this? Thankyou. :huggy:
Click to expand...

It aint quite that easy. You will need a PCM from a vehicle without a security system. The security system is integral to ZJ PCM's. If you PCM has a security system programmed into it, it will not start without a custom flash. You can get around this by using a ZJ non- security PCM.
You need a PCM that is pre-programmed for your tranny combo also. For example if you use the 97 5.2 and tranny, you will need the PCM that is factory programmed with the same combo. If you go manual, you will need a Ram or Dakota PCM. If not, you will get an array of DTC's set for the tranny sensors and solenoids.
As far as passing inspection goes you must match the vehicle model year or be newer. You cannot pass with an 00 VIN vehicle with a 97 PCM. I am a licensed inspector and know this to be a fact.
I can help ya with this quite a bit. I've done a few of these swaps before...
 
You also must retain ALL emissions components from the year of the engine. The DMV can give you documentation of approval after all emission requirements are met. It can quite a hassle, but be sure to do it right and it should be fairly an easy procedure.
 
Thanks for the info. Well I have an 03 ecm from a work van with a 4 speed auto. Which is what I will be using from the ZJ. I can get a custom flash from a place in Oregon if need be for like $300 which isnt awful but I'd rather not spend it. So if the ecm is newer than 00 I will be fine regardless of vin? I am using all emissions. Not straight piping this is my daily so I dont wont to be deaf.
 
Bryan said:
Thanks for the info. Well I have an 03 ecm from a work van with a 4 speed auto. Which is what I will be using from the ZJ. I can get a custom flash from a place in Oregon if need be for like $300 which isnt awful but I'd rather not spend it. So if the ecm is newer than 00 I will be fine regardless of vin? I am using all emissions. Not straight piping this is my daily so I dont wont to be deaf.
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Need to know how many connectors are on the PCM you have. The 97 5.2 harness will be early 3 connector JTEC, where the 03 may be JTEC, but a newer version. I am not sure that you can use the 03 PCM with the 97 5.2 and harness. Call your connection in Oregon and see what they say. If they say they can make it work, go for it.
 
WNC Custom Jeeps said:
Need to know how many connectors are on the PCM you have. The 97 5.2 harness will be early 3 connector JTEC, where the 03 may be JTEC, but a newer version. I am not sure that you can use the 03 PCM with the 97 5.2 and harness. Call your connection in Oregon and see what they say. If they say they can make it work, go for it.
Click to expand...
Will do, I may go with the custom flash regardless because he wil advance the timing as well, something similar to the Mopar ecu everyone wants.
 
Cool, just remember you're fighting 2 obstacles. One is getting it running. The other is doing it legally emissions wise.

Good luck
 
I mean believe it or not the harnesses from the jeeps are pretty damn similar. The engine runs fine now. I'm not worrying about it running just passing inspection.
 
Bryan said:
I mean believe it or not the harnesses from the jeeps are pretty damn similar. The engine runs fine now. I'm not worrying about it running just passing inspection.
Click to expand...

Right, I understand. I meant getting it to run on an 03 PCM with whatever wiringharness is required. Sounds like you are on the right track with it.
 
I dont know if you have heard of backwoods offroad or not, that is my source in Oregon. I am debating on sending them both harnesses and ecu's. They quoted $850 and 2 weeks and I'll have the harness back and ecu back with correct codeing and timing advance. Almost seems like a deal. That is the lone difficult part to the swap it would seem. Advanced Adaptors is your best friend here. Have you done this swap before?
 
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