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braves3331

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engine swaps
« on: September 12, 2005, 08:05:14 PM »
i've got a buddy who said he saw a list online that showed which engines you could swap in to your jeep with little or no mods at all, and was wondering if anyone might know where i can find this list at online? he lost his hard drive on his computer and no longer has the website. any help is appreciated.

i've got a 1990 jeep wrangler yj 2.5l that i'm interested in swapping for a bigger engine, but don't want to have to make any major changes at this time....i've heard maybe a 305, but not sure. thanks
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Offline Jeffy

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engine swaps
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2005, 08:23:03 PM »
How much money do you have saved and not much down time can you afford.  Not to mention how much of this are you going to do yourself.  Oh and does your State/County require emission tests or inspections.
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braves3331

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engine swaps
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2005, 09:56:54 PM »
about $2500-$3500 to spend, but the less the better of course, i'll be doing pretty much all of it, like to be up and running by spring if possible, and yes they do require emission tests.

after posting, i googled it and found a website where they said a ford ranger 2.9l engine is a really good engine as well as a small block chevy...what do you think about those?
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Offline Jeffy

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engine swaps
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2005, 10:21:01 PM »
Well, if you're in CA then it would be hard pressed to get it legal on that budget.  Knowing you location would help.
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braves3331

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engine swaps
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2005, 11:23:59 PM »
oh sorry...im in reno, nevada...not really concerned too much with the emissions, i've got a buddy that can get me passed
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Offline Jeffy

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engine swaps
« Reply #5 on: September 13, 2005, 12:57:28 PM »
Well first you might want to check out the FAQ and the interchangeability of a few different options.

The only problem with a Buddy is that if they give you a certificaton, and you get caught they (the shop) could loose their license.  Or if you're friend decided to change jobs or the business closes.  Not to mention if you ever move. You could be left SOL.  Happens a lot too.
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trailblazer95

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engine swaps
« Reply #6 on: September 13, 2005, 12:58:31 PM »
most states will not accept the swap unless the engine is the same year, or newer.  those engines were available from 86-90, so if you could find a 90, that would be great, and make it easier on you.  but in all actuality, NOTHING will bolt up, and you especially don't want to use your stock tranny or axles with a larger engine.  Nothing's ever simple.
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Offline Jeffy

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engine swaps
« Reply #7 on: September 13, 2005, 01:08:36 PM »
Quote from: "trailblazer95"
most states will not accept the swap unless the engine is the same year, or newer.  those engines were available from 86-90, so if you could find a 90, that would be great, and make it easier on you.  but in all actuality, NOTHING will bolt up, and you especially don't want to use your stock tranny or axles with a larger engine.  Nothing's ever simple.


Well technically you can bolt a 5.7L/350 to a AX-5 with the right bellhousing.  (ie, no fabricating) It's not recommended but people still seem to do it since AA sells the parts.  A 3.1, 3.4 or 3.8L would also bolt up with minor difficulty.  The stock tranny would hold up alright too.

Also a 2.5L MPFI would bolt up fine.  305cid no chance unless you start replacing more stuff.  Why bother with a 305 anyway, you'd be wanting to go with a 350 later anyway.

On the cheap you could go a carbed 350 with a complete drivetrain swap if you get a donor and don't care about emissions.  It's been done many times.  But like I said before, you take your chances.
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braves3331

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engine swaps
« Reply #8 on: September 14, 2005, 05:48:44 PM »
cool thanks for all of the help.

are there any jeep cherokee engines that will swap into a 90 wrangler with 2.5l? just wondering, because the junkyard here in town has a few jeep cherokee's out there with complete engines, and any engine is $149.00, so maybe i could find one of those to swap in without any troubles? i'm not sure which is why im asking.

thanks again
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Offline Jeffy

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engine swaps
« Reply #9 on: September 14, 2005, 06:18:22 PM »
Depends on the year.  Personally I wouldn't bother with a 2.8L or early 4.0L.  1991 was the first year for the 4.0L HO which is the same one the YJ and TJ used.
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StefanBidi

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engine swaps
« Reply #10 on: September 14, 2005, 10:29:54 PM »
Well, any GM 60* V6 will bolt up to the 2.5L's bellhousing.  Most people will say to stay away from the 2.8L (the smallest in the 60* V6 family), and I'll agree.  They have the smallest displacement and were also the first generation.  These were used in Cherokees, S-10s, Camaros, and I think that's it for RWD.  Then there's the 3.1L (second engine in the family), which i'm not sure you'll find in a RWD application.  The 3.4Ls are probably you're best bet.  These are the largest of the family and can be found under early 4th generation Camaros.  Edelbrock also sells carb manifolds for the 2.8L, which might bolt to the later 3.4s (I'm not sure if they use the same heads though).

Anything else, you'll need a complete drivetrain.  The 2.5L bellhousing can bolt up to a lot of engines (Jeff has a post abou tthis) but you just don't want to AX-5 behind them.
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trailblazer95

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engine swaps
« Reply #11 on: September 15, 2005, 07:47:58 AM »
personally i wouldn't bolt anything to the ax-5 other than the 2.5L.   if you're going to do it, do it right, get a whole drivetrain and don't half-a$$ it.   you'll pay for it later...
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