What is the most cost effective TJ V8 swap?
- Thread starter wct097
- Start date
It's true, even though it's a running joke around here. That series of engines has been in shitloads of vehicles since 1995, so there are plenty to be had. Plus it's one of the only modern engines that you can put in a stand and crank thanks to its stand-alone engine computer shit. Since those few things made it popular, people and companies started making mounts and adapters and shit so at this point you can put one in damn near anything that exists if it will fit. Plus they aren't very big (physical dimensions) or heavy. Even a truck 5.3 is lighter than that 4L I6, shorter front-to-back, and only fractionally wider. They just plain make sense.
Unfortunately you're opening Pandora's box at that point, though. The monstrously awesomeness of the 4L blew up the D35 so you swapped in an 8.8 -- adding well over 100hp/100tq will find plenty more weak points unless you baby it.
4.0 is the only number I know.
If I knew how, I'd write a song.
"4.0 is the awesomest number that you'll ever know..."
To the tune of "One is the Loneliest Number"
Cornholio01
New member
502 & an atlas
Fawk yeah!If I knew how, I'd write a song.
"4.0 is the awesomest number that you'll ever know..."
To the tune of "One is the Loneliest Number"
I've wondered (but never to the point of research) about stuffing one under the hood of my XJ. As in, could I maintain cruise and all the other stuff that goes with a modern vehicle.
Beyond not being a cost worthy project however and about as likely to happen as my going ot buy a new CTD paying cash.
As in never.
But still, an LS would probably the XJ 100% more drivable.
Shut it.
I'm reading that the LS in a TJ is both lighter and more fuel efficient. Seems like a win-win. A proper TJ engine rebuild will probably cost over $2k. I'm betting I can get a LS for much less. Adapters may put the cost over, but probably is worth it.
The mechanic down the street from me calls LS motors "throw away motors". It's not because they're junk, it's because of the huge aftermarket and how inexpensive readily available refurbished motors are. He'll pull a higher mileage LS out if there's something wrong with it that requires more extensive repair and will toss a refurbished one in for less than fixing the old one. He has a pile of LS engines at his shop. Each one is tagged denoting what's wrong with it. When he's bored, he tears them apart and builds a couple of good motors out of them. I asked him if that's a common practice and he believes it is - "I think so, I don't know why it wouldn't be." He recently installed a franken-LS in a Hudson. You could probably find a franken-LS like that on the cheap. Or just buy a refurbished one. They're pretty cheap too.
If I had my shop built and a truck to drive, I'd be picking this one up this weekend:
V8 6.0 Chevrolet Motor
V8 6.0 Chevrolet Motor
Who dat?
So I'm pretty much convinced that I need either a LQ4 or LQ9 engine for the TJ. 300-345hp should make for good times in the TJ. As soon as I have a shop built, I'm going to start looking for one. If I can find one with under 80k miles, I'll just pull the pan for a visual inspection and re-seal any leaks. If over 80k, I'll do a closer inspection, replace rod bearings and rings and do a valve job.