Topic: 1987 2.5 engine???

[haulincats]

I found a rebuilt 1987 2.5 engine complete with carb, header, water pump alternator,
pretty much ready to bolt in. I think it was in a 87 Wrangler.
How much work would it be to put it in my 98 Wrangler TJ that has a 2.5.
The guy who has it says it runs really good with the carb that is on it
(think he said a Holly) He said I could just unhook my computer
and run the carb.
The price is right. Pro and cons???
Thanks,
Vance

[FourbangerYJ]

I have to pass. The wonderful state of Cali. won't let you go from FI to Carb. You might want to check your state laws first.
Plus the older carb motors don't have the power that the newer ones do with more modern FI.

[haulincats]

I have to pass. The wonderful state of Cali. won't let you go from FI to Carb. You might want to check your state laws first.
Plus the older carb motors don't have the power that the newer ones do with more modern FI.

Michigan does not do emission testing.
Thanks,
Vance

[sharpxmen]

Michigan does not do emission testing.
Thanks,
Vance

first there is some HP difference between the 2 (although i think the camshaft could also be different) and also you'll most likely take a hit on mpg as well

secondly, why drop the EFI which is by far superior to the carb - lots of folks try to go the other way.

just my 2 cents...

[haulincats]

first there is some HP difference between the 2 (although i think the camshaft could also be different) and also you'll most likely take a hit on mpg as well

secondly, why drop the EFI which is by far superior to the carb - lots of folks try to go the other way.

just my 2 cents...

Thanks for the replies.......Could I put my intake on and still run the
fuel injection?
How do I find out if the cams are different?
Thanks,
Vance

[sharpxmen]

Thanks for the replies.......Could I put my intake on and still run the
fuel injection?
How do I find out if the cams are different?
Thanks,
Vance

not sure about the cams, i guess you could ask for the p/n at the dealer or do an online search. I think you can bolt on the intake but you'll have to verify that (don't see why not as i don't think they changed the cyl head), i think you'll also need to find a place to install the PCM temp sensor as well as i think the older head did not have a hole in the rear for that (towards the firewall).

[chardrc]

i think you'll also need to find a place to install the PCM temp sensor as well as i think the older head did not have a hole in the rear for that (towards the firewall).

the pcm temp sensor is in the thermostat housing for mpi guys (so you just need to swap thermostat housings) the sensor near the back of the head is for the temp gauge and is in the same location on the tbi heads (so hopefully its the same for carb also.)

[sharpxmen]

the pcm temp sensor is in the thermostat housing for mpi guys (so you just need to swap thermostat housings) the sensor near the back of the head is for the temp gauge and is in the same location on the tbi heads (so hopefully its the same for carb also.)

i prolly got them mixed up - i think the newer TJ doesn't have the hole in the head. that's easier in that case, he already has his old t-stat housing.

[haulincats]

If I buy the 87 engine, can't I put my intake and exhaust on it and
use my fuel injection?
Also I found an 1983 2.5, is that about the same as the 87?
Thanks,
Vance

[Sine Deviance]

Also I found an 1983 2.5, is that about the same as the 87?

Wouldn't '83 be an Iron Duke? AFAIK the AMC150 (our 2.5L) didn't come out until 1984.

In any case, if it's the Iron Duke, it's not the same engine and it will not be a direct swap.

[haulincats]

Wouldn't '83 be an Iron Duke? AFAIK the AMC150 (our 2.5L) didn't come out until 1984.

In any case, if it's the Iron Duke, it's not the same engine and it will not be a direct swap.

How do I find out what year engine it is.
The guy that owns it has no idea?
Thanks,
Vne

[chardrc]

iron duke has exhaust and intake manifolds on opposite sides of the head.. iirc

[Jeffy]

You're going to run into any differences with the TJ 2.5L if you're mixing and matching older years.  Heads were different as well as cams.  You'll also have to swap ALL of your accessories over as the older carb and TBI engines were V-belts.  Oh and your waterpump as the TJ doesn't run in reverse like the older engines...  Exhaust manifolds are also different as well...

If you want the least amount of headaches stick with a TJ engine.

[haulincats]

You're going to run into any differences with the TJ 2.5L if you're mixing and matching older years.  Heads were different as well as cams.  You'll also have to swap ALL of your accessories over as the older carb and TBI engines were V-belts.  Oh and your waterpump as the TJ doesn't run in reverse like the older engines...  Exhaust manifolds are also different as well...

If you want the least amount of headaches stick with a TJ engine.

I can't find a TJ engine for under $1000. So maybe I will pull mine down and see If
I can figure out what is wrong with it.
Where is a good place to buy a rebuild kit?
Then I don't know how deep into it I want to get.
Thanks,
Vance