[C-Mil]

I'm going to put a V8 in my cherokee this winter. (if i can sell my dodge magnum police car)

if i do, which V8 should i use?

i want:

small block,

fuel injected, (or a TBI kit)

at least 350 HP naturally aspirated.

My budget for this build is probably gonna be around 8 grand.


i plan to use Chevy running gears with an automatic transmission, and leave the exterior mostly stock (except for the hood, which will probably get replaced with a cowl induction style for clearance), reinforce the frame, build new cross members, motor mounts, etc., and use coil sprung front and leaf rear, to keep things semi-simple.

(just killing some time here, also trying to get a build/cost sheet going)


any idears???


P.S. I am indifferent about Chevy/Ford/Chrysler motors. i just want a good reliable V8 that kicks out decent power.

P.P.S. i was also thinking about an AMC 304... i mean, makes since doesnt it?

[tjjeepwrench978]

Well the least is a 318 magnum to the nv 3550 to 231, bolt in except for the motor mounts, Why would you want to tho, unibody, prone to rust, You put heavy drive train in you get a heavy truck...My frend wants to do 1 ton everythin in his 98 sport, I dont think the unibody willl hold up for ****


I run the stock dana setups on a 97 3.55s, A center force 3 dfxclutch, a stock 4.0 with poly motor mounts and I can spin a 37 in the woods/mud,,,r u gonna auto or manual cuz there is alot of power in the 4.0 to realized with polys mounts and a nv3550

[JGriff99xj]

GEEZ! for 8 grand you can almost get away with a 4.0 stoker and supercharge it.

[GregB_00XJ]

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/5-0-xj-501878/

5.0L Mustang V8 in an XJ.

How about a drive train out of a Grand? You can go 5.9L and still keep it in the Jeep family?

[Kristjan]

I personally would build 383 or 400 cid sbc, build it with torque in mind and you should have some real tire twisting torque for your jeep.

[XJcruiser]

4.6L I6 Stroker... All the power you need to wheel a 3500 lb. vehicle.

[C-Mil]

well, the reason i want to do this is, i love my cherokee, i love V8's, and i like to be different.

i have thought of a 4.X stroker and supercharging it, but i mean, a V8 in a cherokee is just cool.

ALSO i should add, if i did the V8 swap, i would totally reinforce the jeep with a full cage and what i mentioned in my original post...

why not have a cherokee with a V8? i mean, think about it...


OH and im currently crawling the 5.0 V8 cherokee project right now. i cant wait to see how that turns out. i might do the same. maybe even put a blower on it...

[oldmanriver]

Personally I'd go with a 4.0 stroker, but if your set on a v8 I'd go with a ls series chevy. Great platform out of the box, with plenty of aftermarket support.

Of course, I dont know how much they go for or how hard it would be to squeeze in the xj, but thats my

[C-Mil]

Originally Posted by oldmanriver

Personally I'd go with a 4.0 stroker, but if your set on a v8 I'd go with a ls series chevy. Great platform out of the box, with plenty of aftermarket support.

Of course, I dont know how much they go for or how hard it would be to squeeze in the xj, but thats my

i just watched an episode of HorsePower TV where they converted an LS1 to a carburetor motor. it made 470 horespower without really any performance parts except a high CFM holley. it got me thinking...

[C-Mil]

chevy 454 1974

hmm...

[oldmanriver]

Originally Posted by C-Mil

chevy 454 1974

hmm...

Never seen a big block in an XJ, that would be interesting..

I still say 4.7 stroker with an avenger blower. There's a thread floating around where a guy built one for his wrangler, I'll try to fish it up.

[JGriff99xj]

It doesn't look to me like you would be happy with a ford engine from your quote in your sig.I personally like v8 engines as well, who doesn't. From being a jeeper for a while now, i personally would not trash my cherokee by swapping in a v8, but thats me. You will be breaking so many parts that you will never be able to enjoy your jeep. But if you do decide to do this, good luck.

[tellicojeeper]

my buddy owns lsx performance he could do you alot better than that. all of the lsx engines are sweet. he has a 98 ls1 waiting on my 99 xj. pm me i will get you in touch with him. go lsx and dont look back. whats wrong with 350-400hp and get 20mpg. try that ford boys. HAHAHA

[tellicojeeper]

and for 8k, you should be able to brace it up and everything. alot of guys spend way to much on a engine swap. i had 1400 in my 3.8 swap. motor, harness, fuel pump, and clutch. i used my trans.

[PlaySmart]

I think a LS1 would be cool, or a LS2 if you can find it cheap. I saw a Cherokee with a LS1 and a 150 shot of NOS (I think it was 150) on youtube, thing was sick.