1986 XJ Engine Swap?

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R3GZXJ

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Fresno, CA

• Sep 4, 2003

• #1

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I own a 1986 XJ, but I am new to cars and I am clueless as to how to go about this.

I've heard that a 4.3 Chevy V6 will fit onto the factory motor mounts, but I am not sure if this engine is exclusively fuel injected (Mine has a 2.8 chevy V6, carborated [spelling?]). I have heard that the easiest swap is to a 3.4 from a mid-'90s Camero; is this true?

Any input is appreciated greatly.

 

MojaveDXJ

NAXJA Member #756

Location

Mojave Desert

• Sep 4, 2003

• #2

This might help
http://www.off-road.com/jeep/cherokee/xjtech/engine/28-34swap.html

 

Eagle

Lifetime NAXJA Member

NAXJA Member

Location

Terra Firma

• Sep 4, 2003

• #3

The 4.3 will NOT fit the standard engine mounts. The 4.3L is basically a shortened version of the small block Chevy V-8. It's a 90-degree configuration, much wider than the early XJ V-6.

The engine that will bolt in is the Chevy 3.4L V-6. In fact, GM has a version that was specifically made to replace the 2.8L in S-10 trucks, and that same crate engine will work in the XJ. You can also get it in rear wheel drive cars like Camaros, but the front wheel drive version will not work (skip the Citations).

 

1986xj

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Smithsburg, Maryland

• Sep 4, 2003

• #4

Here's some links I had from when I 1st checked out the 3.4 swap.... some may be helpfull and maybe not

http://www.off-road.com/jeep/cherokee/xjtech/engine/28-34swap.html
http://store.yahoo.com/collinsbros/webercarb8485.html
http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/ChevyV6s/207ciV6.html
http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/crate_eng/pdf/V6_HT34.pdf
http://www.johnthornton.com/catalog/7-38.pdf
Mike B.

 

R

R3GZXJ

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Fresno, CA

• Sep 4, 2003

• #5

thanks a lot, this helps a bunch. You guys rule

 

R

R3GZXJ

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Fresno, CA

• Sep 4, 2003

• #6

here's a question...

I live in California, would this thing (3.4) be emission legal?

 

M

Matt99XJ

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Ringgold, GA

• Sep 4, 2003

• #7

Anyone have any info on a 4.0 swap? i am wanting to do this in my 85'.

 

Eagle

Lifetime NAXJA Member

NAXJA Member

Location

Terra Firma

• Sep 4, 2003

• #8

R3GZXJ said:

here's a question...

I live in California, would this thing (3.4) be emission legal?

Click to expand...

You'd have to check with the CARB but my understanding is that since it is a newer direct replacement for your engine, it is legal.

It is also visually identical to the 2.8L. If you run it with the stock intake and carburetor (although why anyone might do that is an open question), they'd probably never know. Just tell 'em you had your engine rebuilt.

 

Ghost

Member Number 257

NAXJA Member

Location

Hartsville, South Carolina

• Sep 4, 2003

• #9

Hoss or Old Man just put a 4.0 in a 84-96 XJ. And I believe he said he would not do it if he had it to do over!

 

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andyr354

NAXJA Forum User

Location

North Central KS

• Sep 4, 2003

• #10

on the 4.0 conversion it is much easier and probly cheaper in the long run to sell you current jeep and buy one with a 4.0 in it.