Want To Install A V-8

Blue84JeepCJ7 · 10-12-2008, 10:17 AM

Hello all,

I have decided to replace my engine with an older non-computerized V-8. I'd like to remove all the gauges, wiring, install custom gauges and re-wire the whole thing like I did my 49 Willy's Station wagon. I installed a Ford 302 in my 49 in 1987 out of a Murcury Montigo. Nothing special, just a V-8...and it was free.

I'd like to keep the A/C but been without one for 10 years cept one I installed two months ago! I am sick and tired of mashing the gas peddle and nothing happening. My wife has a new Dodge with a Hemi and I am jealous.

I do not rock crawl. I do not play in the mud. Had mud tires on now for over three years and have only had it on a dirt road. No time to play but I drive it every day. Replaced the engine three years ago and it is still good....just want a V-8.

I hear there is a converter for the transmission. Can ya lead me to it? I don't want a hotrod due to gas but anything that will give me at least 15mpg will be ok. I like my Jeep, had it for eight years. Has 200,000 miles on it...purchased it with 21,000. Replaced the engine at 135,000.

NH2112 · 10-12-2008, 10:53 AM

I'd say the easiest swap with the most plentiful resources & parts will be a small-block Chevy. Get a wiring harness from Painless Performance and you'll be set. You could probably recover a good percentage of the cost by selling your engine & intact wiring harness.

For mileage you can't beat a diesel, though, and GM 6.2l diesels are out there for cheap. They'll bolt up to anything a SBC will, make about 150hp & 240lb-ft in stock form, and will easily get you over 20mpg - I had a 275HP/500lb-ft 6.5l turbodiesel that was getting me 22mpg in a fullsize pickup when I wasn't having fun blowing clouds of black smoke because all that power made me want to have fun & go fast

It'll be a tight fit, and you'd have to upgrade the front suspension because the engine's about 800-850lb. I probably wouldn't count on an automatic to do too well behind it.

Jeepsr4me19 · 10-12-2008, 10:59 AM

If you steering away from the computer version engines dont be intimidated by those wires and sensors. there are 100's of examples on here and the net of it being done fairly easy. You and I live in states that have pretty easy engine swap rules so......... My favorite one to do is 5.3 Chevy. Strong everything and on ebay you can get everything for less than 2500 bucks to include trans and transfercase computer and harness.

Blue84JeepCJ7 · 10-12-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeepsr4me19

If you steering away from the computer version engines dont be intimidated by those wires and sensors. there are 100's of examples on here and the net of it being done fairly easy. You and I live in states that have pretty easy engine swap rules so......... My favorite one to do is 5.3 Chevy. Strong everything and on ebay you can get everything for less than 2500 bucks to include trans and transfercase computer and harness.

Like this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ENGINE-5-3-OUT-OF-2004-CHEVROLET-SILVERADO-TRUCK_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c39Q3 a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q 2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem160291538238QQitemZ1602915382 38

**RnEmOvr** · 10-12-2008, 08:28 PM

4 wheel drive hardware has complete kits including brackets

472cid · 10-12-2008, 08:48 PM

could put injected 302 in pretty easy with a stick. i am running a 302ho ax15 231 in mine. pm if you have questions or i have a thread with pics if you want to see it in the jeep

sportcoupe · 10-13-2008, 07:44 AM

A V8 isn't all that most of the time. The straight six 4.0L is a wonderful tq monster down low. You state you're sick of mashing the gas and not going anywhere. You probably still has the 3.07 gears with your 33" tires. There's your problem.

Swap those gears to 4.56 and then ask yourself if you still want a V8. I weight increase and the slight tq gains are not worth it. If you need more tq then stroke the 4.0L and be done with it.

**spyder6** · 10-13-2008, 07:49 AM

or put a blower on it,

avengersuperchargers.com

**Unlimited04** · 10-13-2008, 07:56 AM

and/or stroker 4.7L.

you won't get 15mpg out of a carb'ed v8. you need fuel injection for mileage.

**Wheelin98TJ** · 10-13-2008, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportcoupe

...You probably still has the 3.07 gears with your 33" tires. There's your problem.

Swap those gears to 4.56 and then ask yourself if you still want a V8...

Good point, your axles should be geared for your 33" tires.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportcoupe

... I weight increase and the slight tq gains are not worth it. If you need more tq then stroke the 4.0L and be done with it.

Not all V8s are heavier than the 4.0 I6.

I would not call a V8 swap a "slight" torque gain. The 4.0 I6 makes decent torque, but its certainly not the torque monster many people think it is.

The small 4.7 V8 from the Grand Cherokee makes more torque at 1,200 RPM than the 4.0 I6 does at its peak.

sylgeist · 10-13-2008, 08:44 AM

I put a Ramjet 350 in my LJ. I would have gone with an LSx motor, but I already had the Ramjet. Look at the torque curve on it. 80% of its full torque (400+ ft/lbs) is available at 1700 RPM and that's just as low as the chart goes. It doesn't weight significantly more than the 4.0L and has a much larger usable RPM range.

Having done the swap though, I don't know if I would do it again. I had regeared first and it helped a lot, but it just wasn't enough. I thought I would save money doing the swap over a blower/turbo - didn't happen!

I would probably do a cam, head work, aftermarket ECM, stroker kit, and then maybe a blower/turbo if I still felt like it needed more.

472cid · 10-13-2008, 09:28 AM

my 302 weighs 70 to 80 pounds less than a 4.0. part of the reason i put it in was weighed less than 4.0 and made more power

Blue84JeepCJ7 · 10-13-2008, 04:39 PM

post or PM me any links. I am open to all suggestions. First thing I will look into is the gear change. Need links to that as well. You guys are great!!

navman · 10-13-2008, 05:00 PM

go to the novak website and check out the knowledge section in there. gives you all kinds of tips/advise/info. certainly a must read for anyone considering a swap. http://www.novak-adapt.com/index.htm

Jeepsr4me19 · 10-13-2008, 08:15 PM

That ebay 5.3 looked good. damn If I had a jeep to put it in I would jump on something like that. I have driven a Silverado for 100's of thousands of miles with that 5.3 and in no way can a Jeep4.0 compare. Smooth power all the way to red line, I dont care what gears you got now, with that 5.3 you will feel like your in a rocket ship. Jeep does not weight what a 4x4 crew cab silverado does.

10-12-2008, 10:53 AM	#2
NH2112 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Windham, ME Posts: 622 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I'd say the easiest swap with the most plentiful resources & parts will be a small-block Chevy. Get a wiring harness from Painless Performance and you'll be set. You could probably recover a good percentage of the cost by selling your engine & intact wiring harness. For mileage you can't beat a diesel, though, and GM 6.2l diesels are out there for cheap. They'll bolt up to anything a SBC will, make about 150hp & 240lb-ft in stock form, and will easily get you over 20mpg - I had a 275HP/500lb-ft 6.5l turbodiesel that was getting me 22mpg in a fullsize pickup when I wasn't having fun blowing clouds of black smoke because all that power made me want to have fun & go fast It'll be a tight fit, and you'd have to upgrade the front suspension because the engine's about 800-850lb. I probably wouldn't count on an automatic to do too well behind it. __________________ Phil No more Jeep. '88 F350, 2WD, 7.3l diesel, 5-speed, crew cab, SRW, flatbed. Right around 450K miles on it.