vortec 4200 into a TJ - R&D project

[efi-diy]

Hi,

I'm looking for someone that has a TJ with the front clip and engine/trans/xfer case removed but with the stock 4.0 engine mounts in OEM condition. The plan is to design a set of engine mounts + trans/xfer case mount that would allow the 4200 t0 bolt into the TJ chassis with no (or minimal - no welding) mods to the frame.

I have a bare 4200 block + a 4l60E case - I need to get the adapter to mate to the xfer case.  Once we get the design and prototype done the TJ owner would get the prototypes in exchange for using the TJ for the mockup.

I'm located in NW Calgary.

The 4200 came in Trailblazers and Envoys - 275 or 290 HP stock. They show up in picknpull from time to time.

I already did a trial fit - but the owner had already chopped the OEM frame mounts off to do a SBC swap. So I know there is room to do the swap.

If your interested PM me and we can start a discussion.

[Vinman]

Is that the online 6?

[hps4evr]

I think it's an inline 5, but someone confirm that... Seems like a lot of effort for minimal gains over a 4.0L. I guess options are nice but you're pretty much at the same point of installing a v8.

[JENSSEN]

Pm me I have a 2002 Tj I am parting

[EEP]

I think it's an inline 5, but someone confirm that... Seems like a lot of effort for minimal gains over a 4.0L. I guess options are nice but you're pretty much at the same point of installing a v8.

They made 3 - inline 4, 5 and a 6. The 4 and 5 are around the same HP and Torque +/- 25 hp and torque as the 4.0L jeep engine. According to the web the 6 is  270-291 hp, 275-277 ft/lbs of torque. Looks like they quit production of the 6 in 2006.

[Vinman]

Curious to see what the benefits are over a V8, possibly better fuel mileage but everything I've read about the 5.3 swaps gains of approx. 25% in fuel mileage.

[JackstandJohnny]

4.2 is a inline 6. and i don't think it was a bad motor however it isn't a popular one; it was phased out, probably because it had same power and gas mileage of the LS series V8s and didn't make sense to have the rare I6 in production because it only came in a few vehicles.

aka its easier to put minivan motors or V8s in SUVs; no need for a separate line of motors.

cool swap, but i don't see any benefit over an LS 5.3 unless you have a free driveline donor.

[hps4evr]

That's the engine with the front diff bolted to the side of the oil pan, and axle shaft goes through the oil pan... Odd setup but I guess it worked for them.

[efi-diy]

4.2 is a inline 6. and i don't think it was a bad motor however it isn't a popular one; it was phased out, probably because it had same power and gas mileage of the LS series V8s and didn't make sense to have the rare I6 in production because it only came in a few vehicles.

aka its easier to put minivan motors or V8s in SUVs; no need for a separate line of motors.

cool swap, but i don't see any benefit over an LS 5.3 unless you have a free driveline donor.

The 4200 (yes its an inline 6) engines were built upto 2009.  Main reason to use them vs a 5.3 is:

1) weight - the 4200 is ~ 150 lighter than the LS.
2) its easier to bolt in another inline 6 than do an LS swap. Less exhaust to deal with.
3) starter is mounted up high
4) with a free flow exhaust power increases ~20 HP - to ~ 300HP.

The engines take well to a turbo - on a stock 4200 - add 8# of boost and your at close to 400HP and 380 FT/Lbs.

[Vinman]

The 4200 (yes its an inline 6) engines were built upto 2009.  Main reason to use them vs a 5.3 is:

1) weight - the 4200 is ~ 150 lighter than the LS.
2) its easier to bolt in another inline 6 than do an LS swap. Less exhaust to deal with.
3) starter is mounted up high
4) with a free flow exhaust power increases ~20 HP - to ~ 300HP.

The engines take well to a turbo - on a stock 4200 - add 8# of boost and your at close to 400HP and 380 FT/Lbs.

Always good to have different swap options.
Turbo'd be cool. I assume they are aluminum block if they are that much lighter than the LS.

[raf2379]

that's actually a pretty cool motor after reading up on it, first time I've heard of it, but than again I wasn't really following chevy tech much until I went with the 5.3 in the XYJ.

[efi-diy]

Always good to have different swap options.
Turbo'd be cool. I assume they are aluminum block if they are that much lighter than the LS.

Yes its all aluminum - 2 guys can easily install the bare block.  Some folks are making north of 1000 HP (turbo'ed) with it...

If your curious what others are doing with the engine - google vortec4200

The engines getting swapped into a lot of different vehicle including a tracked ORV....