Wranger V8 swap info..

cjgolfer7

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2010
Location
SC
I've got a 97 TJ that has the 2.5 in it. I think im going to hang on to this one and build it. Id like to do it as cost effective as possible. Question is what's the best option to swap in? I know everyone has done an LS swap and my orginal thought was a 4.8 and keep it mild and go from there. But what about a 5.2 from a grand cherokee or even a 5.9? Has anyone had or have any experience with that swap and is it a cheaper alternative to get what I want. Which is more power as cheap as possible hah. I don't really care about gas mileage, it's a V8 wrangler. I have researched it to much but what ive read ppl seem to like it.
 
I've done both (magnum and LS) in YJ and TJ. At some point the vehicle becomes irrelivent. Cost wise, the magnum is cheaper and somewhat easier since the availability of parts is better. LS requires slightly more electronic reconfiguration (depending), and does cost more for initial drive train purchase but makes up for it with the better transmission options.
If you had a ram 1500 donor vehicle parked next to a Chevy 1500 in your back yard and both ready to be stripped, the cost of having either drivetrain running and driving in your jeep will be pretty much the same.
 
Right on. Orginally I wanted to do the ls swap and use 4L60/80. But I got leads on a really cheap GC with the 5.2 in it. More I think about it id like to keep it a manual. I know there autos are junk and my ax5 wont cut it. Would a ax15 do it or should I go a little stronger. Im not looking for this thing to be nuts off the bat. Ill swap the 35 for a dana 44 or of a sahara ive got lying around and a hp30 with like 4.10s and 33s for now until i can around bigger axles on down the rd.
 
Me and a friend are nearly done with a stretched 1 ton CJ5 on scout frame with a 5.2 ZJ motor. I think the pros on a Chevy drive train are far better. More tranny/t case options, more aftermarket support (we had an issue with shift linkage, no aftermarket options)
Most of all, the cheap power than can be made from a 5.3 and all LS motors is awesome. Simple engine tune with good headers and exhaust, maybe a cam, can really open it up.
Like savage said, depends on the donor vehicle.

PS I found out yesterday that the 4.8 and 5.3 are the same block, just different stroke and heads.
 
So really I should just stick to the original plan and just be looking for a donor vehicle. Or a motor/tranny with computer and wiring. Where am I able to get my or a harness built for this swap?
 
I would go Chevy 5.3. You can do the harness yourself pretty easy if your patient and get a manual for the Chevy and jeep, and an account on alldata.com.
There is also a guy on here, hopefully he will speak up, who was offering harness stripping and computer flashing at a very good price. Personally I suck at that and would pay someone.
 
Yeah I believe I'll try and just pay someone to do my harness and computer. Is it going ti be cheaper to just find a complete drive train and computer and harness. Or a complete wrecked vehicle. Seems like just finding the drive train and what not would be easiest since its going to ve kind of a slow process.
 
Ive got a Mercedes with a turbo diesel in it I thought about throwing in there. But I want to save it for a Comanche.
 
Why not do a 350 TBI 700r4 and a 231 out of a Chevy. Cheap, plentiful and lots of aftermarket support. You could even drop a Dana 300 behind it and run Chevy 1 ton axles.
 
jeepmedic said:
Why not do a 350 TBI 700r4 and a 231 out of a Chevy.
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Numbers say it all.
5.7 tbi- 205 HP
5.9 magnum-245 HP
5.3 vortec- 285 HP
6.0 vortec- 300-325 HP
 
350 tbi isn't out of the question by any means. Ultimately I want more power than the 4 banger and an affordable cost. Im not building a rock bouncer so I dont want anything crazy. Just something to dd and wheel on 35s, locked, 8.8dana 44/hp30 or 9in/44. If I could afford to go by a built rig I would, but I enjoy wheeling and dealing and building my own stuff. 5.3 would be where I'd like to go but if its half the cost for a 350tbi swap and just as good. Then why not..
 
cjgolfer7 said:
350 tbi isn't out of the question by any means. Ultimately I want more power than the 4 banger and an affordable cost. Im not building a rock bouncer so I dont want anything crazy. Just something to dd and wheel on 35s, locked, 8.8dana 44/hp30 or 9in/44. If I could afford to go by a built rig I would, but I enjoy wheeling and dealing and building my own stuff. 5.3 would be where I'd like to go but if its half the cost for a 350tbi swap and just as good. Then why not..
Click to expand...
TBI is the most cost effective if your not buying already built...
 
I say use a Magnum V8 only because I have a hard to find flywheel you'll need to run a 360 in front of an AX15.

But honestly, and I'm a die hard Ford guy, if I were doing a swap like this there is zero doubt I'd run an LSx (5.3, 6.0, etc). You'll make more power, more efficiently and be starting with a engine that has less miles than a Magnum just based off age.
 
remember that if the DMV wants to be a dick about it, they can tow it and impound it. Ive only seen it happen once, but a group of us wheeler were pulled over and 4 vehicles were impounded on the spot for improper equipment, one was an illegal engine swap- same as this one. No v8 in a vehicle model that didn't have it as a factory option. that's why Ive stuck with CJ's. I keep a laminated copy of the regs in my glovebox from now on. I know its 99.9% not going to happen but this happened in BFE on the back roads in the hills of NC.
 
Chuckman said:
remember that if the DMV wants to be a dick about it, they can tow it and impound it. Ive only seen it happen once, but a group of us wheeler were pulled over and 4 vehicles were impounded on the spot for improper equipment, one was an illegal engine swap- same as this one. No v8 in a vehicle model that didn't have it as a factory option. that's why Ive stuck with CJ's. I keep a laminated copy of the regs in my glovebox from now on. I know its 99.9% not going to happen but this happened in BFE on the back roads in the hills of NC.
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I've never heard of this around these parts. Where did this happen? California?
 
∆∆ Most definitely not South Carolina!!
 
it happened on Three Top Road off of 194 near Boone nc.
theres a special unit of DMV enforcement just for this crap. same guys came to my house to inspect my GPW that I rebuilt and needed to get it legal in NC since it was a bonded title. they have the rulebooks in hand and are total asshats about it. yes, they exist and yes they suck balls. I'll post up the link to the regulations, but its easy enough to find. nobody believes this, but you know the rule about ignorance of the law. I just hate to see anybody have their rig taken without at least knowing the risks.
 
^^That's rough right there. And my luck is exactly what would happen to me the first weekend the thing leaves the garage. Still tossing up what I really want to do. Its a good little jeep, but I may sell and just get into an inline six. But really would rather keep and build.
 
I dont think they could confiscate a SC vehicle in NC for mods that are legal in the state of registration...
 
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