Topic: easiest motor exchange 2.5 to a????

[jdzjp]

I have a `89 yj with a 2.5 and would like to know what would be the easiest motor exchange, and on a budget? 

[neale_rs]

Probably a newer 2.5. 

[Jeffy]

Easiest?  TBI 2.5l ->.....................................................TBI 2.5L

[Rob the plumber]

I would do an AMC 360 swap. I have a 360/TF999/231 waiting to go in if I am not happy with my turbo install.

I got the engine, transmission and transfer case for $400. A few hundred extra in engine mounts, an HEI distributor, exhaust, fuel regulator. etc... I can be in business. Basically about $1000 for me to do the swap after all the trips to the parts store.

[oldjeep]

4.0L is probabally the easiest non 2.5L swap.  AMC 360 is a decent motor, but you will really have to beef up the front suspension - they are a heavy pig - around 640 lbs.  vs around 300 for the 2.5L

[Jeffy]

4.0L is probabally the easiest non 2.5L swap.  AMC 360 is a decent motor, but you will really have to beef up the front suspension - they are a heavy pig - around 640 lbs.  vs around 300 for the 2.5L

Probably just as 'easy' as doing a 4.3L or a SBC V8 though.  Pre-made harnesses make the swaps a lot easier.  You'll have to replace all of the gauges with ODBI gauges since you're dealing with a pre-OBDI engine.  Frame mounts will need to be cut off and new ones made and welded.  I think all of the engine accessories will need to be replaced as well.  You might have issues with matching the fittings on the PS box and Pump since they changed a few times.  Radiator would need to be replaced as well.  The 2.5L's usually had a single core radiator.  I believe the fuel pump would need to be swapped as well.  To make it easier, you'd probably just want to swap the whole gas tank, fuel pump and lines to a OBDI setup.  You'd also need to change out the transmission and minimum swap the input shaft on the transfer case.

Another popular swap is a 5.2L and later 5.9L Dodge engines.

[yjmyway]

The 4.0 is also a big heavy pig. It weighs almost the same as a 350 plus the 350 is cheaper and has been swaped more than most other motors. So there is a wealth of info out there.

[oldjeep]

The 4.0 is also a big heavy pig. It weighs almost the same as a 350 plus the 350 is cheaper and has been swaped more than most other motors. So there is a wealth of info out there.

True enough on the weight.  The benefit to the 4.0L is that they actually came in a YJ and you can grab a complete driveline and wiring harness from a yj/cherokee or TJ  We've got 2 or 3  guys in my club who have done the 2.5L to 4.0L swap into YJ's.   Pretty easy to get a rusted out but good running 4.0L Cherokee for $500 and have everything you need.

[Jesse-James]

I'm thinkin 4.3L/4L60 down the road when the time comes. Lookslike OBD1 emissions are on the way out so it's becoming feasible.

...and there's a 4.3L in the wife's Astro....

[Jeffy]

I'm thinkin 4.3L/4L60 down the road when the time comes. Lookslike OBD1 emissions are on the way out so it's becoming feasible.

...and there's a 4.3L in the wife's Astro....

I kinda like the diagnostics that the OBDII gives you.  Although wiring doesn't really scare me.  I'm thinking 5.3L or 6.0L Vortec.

[jagular7]

Why hasn't anyone thought of the straight 6 cyl in GM and Ford trucks of yesteryear?  They will basically outrun the Jeep just like they have in the trucks. The Ford 4.9l (300 cuin) has a strong aftermarket support and went to EFI in the early 90s. In the mid 90's it went to MPI. It comes in front of the durable C6 and the manual 435.

Another thought would be to take the 258 from an early Jeep, add the 4.0l head and stroke it to gain larger cuin.

[omnisi]

It may be more expensive and harder to find, but my '04 Chevy Trailblazer's all aluminum straight 6 was very strong.  It was the first 4x4 I ever owned that got over 20 mpg.  Ive often wondered why there hasnt been more interest in that motor....not too heavy, pretty strong, and good mpg...