blistovmhz
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
Hey all.
My 98 XJ has taken some abuse. The uniframe is starting to fail at the rear due to some poor engineering decisions, the 4.0L is starting to feel a bit soggy, and the HVAC is destroyed.
I figure I should play it safe and just start a new build. My 98 is built up pretty well, but aside from some armour, everything can be swapped over. Found a real sweet 88 limited for cheap and thus the project begins.
The plan is to start by reinforcing the entire uni-frame rail before I destroy it, get a v8 running, and then worry about the rest of the drive line. The 88 comes with a 3" lift, so I'd just swap out my built d44/d-turdy and suspension to the 88, and then sell the 98 with the 3" lift and axles from the 88.
That said, I haven't decided on a powerplant, but my roomie finally got rid of his ricer (his GF smashed his pretty civic) and he picked up medium built Foxbody Cobra. I heard him pull into the driveway and was sold on the engine. Took it for a test drive in the driveway and was sold on swapping in a 5.0L immediately.
But, I can't find a single complete write up on the 5.0L swap. Lots of guys talking about it, lots of guys saying it's real easy, but NO ONE actually says what's involved.
Anyone know of a complete write up anywhere?
Current consideration:
* Have a line on a 1990 5.0L HO (medium built, cammed, cobra intake, etc).
* I like the AX15, but I'm not at all married to it, and mine (in the 98) is on it's way out anyway. I can always find an AX15 for cheap, but are there better options? I know you can put several ford options under the XJ, but at around 300hp, is there any point swapping the AX15? Finding bellhousing adapters for the AX15 > 5.0L is easy enough (though sorta expensive).
* Fuel delivery - I'm guessing I'd be ripping out the XJ fuel pump (in tank) and just bolting on an aftermarket external Ford pump/filter. I'd prefer the pump to be external to the tank anyway. IIRC, the 5.0L requires 50-60psi so I'm assuming I'd need to run new fuel lines.
* Motor mounts - I'm sure I can fab something up pretty easily.
* Exhaust headers - I've heard that clearance isn't as big an issue with the 5.0L compared to other V8 options. A standardish set of block huggers perhaps?
* Exhaust - Dual or just run a collector and a 3" pipe?
* Cooling - I've heard the stock rad and fans should keep the 5.0L cool, but I'd probably throw in a new 3 core, dual electric fan like the one in the foxbody.
* Dash - No idea here. Completely at a loss. Haven't heard anything about it anywhere.
Thoughts?
My 98 XJ has taken some abuse. The uniframe is starting to fail at the rear due to some poor engineering decisions, the 4.0L is starting to feel a bit soggy, and the HVAC is destroyed.
I figure I should play it safe and just start a new build. My 98 is built up pretty well, but aside from some armour, everything can be swapped over. Found a real sweet 88 limited for cheap and thus the project begins.
The plan is to start by reinforcing the entire uni-frame rail before I destroy it, get a v8 running, and then worry about the rest of the drive line. The 88 comes with a 3" lift, so I'd just swap out my built d44/d-turdy and suspension to the 88, and then sell the 98 with the 3" lift and axles from the 88.
That said, I haven't decided on a powerplant, but my roomie finally got rid of his ricer (his GF smashed his pretty civic) and he picked up medium built Foxbody Cobra. I heard him pull into the driveway and was sold on the engine. Took it for a test drive in the driveway and was sold on swapping in a 5.0L immediately.
But, I can't find a single complete write up on the 5.0L swap. Lots of guys talking about it, lots of guys saying it's real easy, but NO ONE actually says what's involved.
Anyone know of a complete write up anywhere?
Current consideration:
* Have a line on a 1990 5.0L HO (medium built, cammed, cobra intake, etc).
* I like the AX15, but I'm not at all married to it, and mine (in the 98) is on it's way out anyway. I can always find an AX15 for cheap, but are there better options? I know you can put several ford options under the XJ, but at around 300hp, is there any point swapping the AX15? Finding bellhousing adapters for the AX15 > 5.0L is easy enough (though sorta expensive).
* Fuel delivery - I'm guessing I'd be ripping out the XJ fuel pump (in tank) and just bolting on an aftermarket external Ford pump/filter. I'd prefer the pump to be external to the tank anyway. IIRC, the 5.0L requires 50-60psi so I'm assuming I'd need to run new fuel lines.
* Motor mounts - I'm sure I can fab something up pretty easily.
* Exhaust headers - I've heard that clearance isn't as big an issue with the 5.0L compared to other V8 options. A standardish set of block huggers perhaps?
* Exhaust - Dual or just run a collector and a 3" pipe?
* Cooling - I've heard the stock rad and fans should keep the 5.0L cool, but I'd probably throw in a new 3 core, dual electric fan like the one in the foxbody.
* Dash - No idea here. Completely at a loss. Haven't heard anything about it anywhere.
Thoughts?