v8 in a yj

[BUKI]

Does anyone know what parts are needed (besides the obvious engine, tranny trans, mounts) to replace a 2.5l with a v8?  whats the cheapest v8 swap (chev, ford, dodge) to do?  Any advise would be awesome.  Also where would a person get good used parts to do this?  I want to start buying these parts soon for the swap to be done in the summer.

[Justink]

Chev 350 would probably be easiest being as there so common.  and do you want efi or carb? 

[Spinalguy]

Does anyone know what parts are needed (besides the obvious engine, tranny trans, mounts) to replace a 2.5l with a v8?  whats the cheapest v8 swap (chev, ford, dodge) to do?  Any advise would be awesome.  Also where would a person get good used parts to do this?  I want to start buying these parts soon for the swap to be done in the summer.

PM somethingwicked on this site. He has done it.

[BUKI]

carb.  actually whatever is cheaper

[.:.Dingman.:.]

I have a 350 with carb and trans with less then 180,000km on it just need an engine lift to get it out.

I'm willing to let it go cheap pm if interested.

Dingman

[cLAY]

EFI is way better offroad and usually not much more money.

Quite a few Chev 4.3L V6(same configuration as the Chev 305/350) swaps going on right now and there are lots of aftermarket wiring harnesses to support them. As well as bolt in motor mounts.

Don't forget that going to a V8 will require an upgrade to a bigger rad, tranny and diffs, custom exhaust, custom crossmembers, custom length driveshafts....... Make sure you budget for it all.

Buying a wrecked truck/SUV with the desired drive train is usually the most cost effective method of getting all the pieces you need.

A 258/4.0L swap is more of a bolt in and less customizing.

Chev4.3/305/350 probably the cheapest if you can fab(assuming only engine/tranny not diffs), 258/4.0L is probably the simplest more direct swap but you'll probably pay more $$$ for the drive train although you can pick up a wrecked Cherokee with a 4.0L for pretty cheap these days.

I would take a EFI 6 cylinder over a V8 carb for wheeling any day.....

[BUKI]

true i love the 4l too, who doesn't.  BUT it all has to be gutted anyways ax-5 wont work with v8/4l.  np 231 needs to be modified to accept both as well.   Someone once told me that going to 4l will be way more expensive, and the whole point is to keep it really cheap.  EFI seems to be very complicated with tons of issues and to buy a kit is in the thousands of dolars range.  I would like a dual purpose vehicle for ME, the wife just got a new JK.  I am very green at wheeling, and dont get too crazy, so getting really off camber and stalling is not really a concern of mine.

[BUKI]

Oh, and the sound of a v8 with a flowmaster is EPIC.

[cLAY]

A 4.0L will bolt in since it came in the YJ. Any V8 will need custom mounts, rad, crossmemebers and if you move the drivetrain forward and back for clearance you'll need custom length driveshafts.

I've driven V8 carbs offroad and have spent hundreds of dollars on spring loaded needles and seats and floats trying to get them to perform well when on an angle or bumping over a ledge. Never did get it to run decent on the trail when bouncing around.

If you are hung up on a V8 then only a V8 will satisfy you. If you simply want it to run good and reliably off road then buy a wrecked XJ with a good drievtrain and swap it all over, fuel injection included. Should be able to buy something for $500-$800.

Whatever yuo buy plan to spend some money on freshening it up. At the very least new gaskets(oil pan, front/rear main seals, etc). Nothing looks dumber than showing off your engine swap and its still all covered in oil/dirt and leaking.

[hps4evr]

dont forget the ford 5.0L. viable option. they are still kickin around. the ones from mustangs seem the be the cats meow. ive read that the stock 5.0L weighs less then a 4.0L jeep 6 cyl, and about 100 plus pounds less then a chev 350. not to mention it physically fits better as it is smaller all around.

[Justink]

I've driven V8 carbs offroad and have spent hundreds of dollars on spring loaded needles and seats and floats trying to get them to perform well when on an angle or bumping over a ledge. Never did get it to run decent on the trail when bouncing around.
I've drove a few carb v8's offroad and loved it.  Simple to fix not to bad to tune.  Any one I have drove has been running good enough that I haven't had any issues on or offroad.
my 0.02 cents

[Ostego]

I've driven V8 carbs offroad and have spent hundreds of dollars on spring loaded needles and seats and floats trying to get them to perform well when on an angle or bumping over a ledge. Never did get it to run decent on the trail when bouncing around.
I've drove a few carb v8's offroad and loved it.  Simple to fix not to bad to tune.  Any one I have drove has been running good enough that I haven't had any issues on or offroad.
my 0.02 cents

I've only ever wheeled in V8's, maybe three or four times in a V6. (and of course atv's and bikes!)
Never had an issue with carb. motors....unless its REALLY cold or damp....but my old trucks don't like the cold or damp any who! 

[parabs]

dont forget the ford 5.0L. viable option. they are still kickin around. the ones from mustangs seem the be the cats meow. ive read that the stock 5.0L weighs less then a 4.0L jeep 6 cyl, and about 100 plus pounds less then a chev 350. not to mention it physically fits better as it is smaller all around.

The 5.0l is an excellent engine, makes lots of tq at reasonably low rpm, and has an incredible aftermarket...if possible, buy one from an explorer.  They have a superior head/intake design from stock and they likely havent been bagged...as hard.  If you find a wrecked v8 explorer from 96-01 (i think) they are all 5.0l, with an 8.8 rear end, however they all utilize an AWD system that would not be great to pirate.

[after6queers]

I know it has been said before...but I was just at Chanda the other day and Jay was replacing a 4 banger in a YJ for the 4.0 l. I am not sure how much work it will be but it has to be less then putting in a V8.
I also use to own a YJ that the person before switched in the 4.3l Vortec and I have to say that I prefer the 4.0l in my TJ.

[Justink]

I know it has been said before...but I was just at Chanda the other day and Jay was replacing a 4 banger in a YJ for the 4.0 l. I am not sure how much work it will be but it has to be less then putting in a V8.
I also use to own a YJ that the person before switched in the 4.3l Vortec and I have to say that I prefer the 4.0l in my TJ.

I currently have owned 2 4.0 litres and loved them.  They go forever and are relatively easy to work on.  The one I am going to DD has 244xxx k and loads of power.  The one i sold with 303xxx was lacking a little, but was still enough to have fun with.  Also with a 4L you don't have to really worry about upgrading diffs as much and a Cherokee with a decent powertrain can be picked up for around $500.
my 0.02 cents