Topic: Picked up another 4banger

[Bounty Hunter]

Just bought another 4banger jeep, this time an '89 Comanche.  This will be my first adventure tinkering with the TBI version of this engine.  Already bought a TBI kit and rebuilding it as we speak.  Lots more to do, like a 4wd conversion, then maybe a 4.3L if this is gonna be a daily driver.  Much to straight and solid to make a trail jeep.

[sharpxmen]

Just bought another 4banger jeep, this time an '89 Comanche.  This will be my first adventure tinkering with the TBI version of this engine.  Already bought a TBI kit and rebuilding it as we speak.  Lots more to do, like a 4wd conversion, then maybe a 4.3L if this is gonna be a daily driver.  Much to straight and solid to make a trail jeep.

looks nice - body seems altogether with no rust. How much $ was it if you don't mind sharing?

[chardrc]

looks very nice and rust free... 

[Jeffy]

I'd drop in a complete GM drivetrain.  3.6 or 3.8 from a Camaro or you could go with a S-10/S-15 4L60E from an Extreme.  It is awfully clean and straight.

[Bounty Hunter]

looks nice - body seems altogether with no rust. How much $ was it if you don't mind sharing?

I will share that the asking price was $900 obo

I want a GM drivetrain with the GM auto but I'd also like to keep the transfer case drop on the driver's side.

[Jeffy]

I will share that the asking price was $900 obo

I want a GM drivetrain with the GM auto but I'd also like to keep the transfer case drop on the driver's side.

There's an App for that...

[sharpxmen]

I will share that the asking price was $900 obo

nice - i like the Comanche, it's a fair weight pickup and parts are not to bad in price. what about throwing in a 4.0L hi-output, should be plenty of power but depends of what your plan is.

[Bounty Hunter]

I think that would require a new grille support for the added engine length, not sure.  I've got a spare 2.5 MPFI here, would just need a harness and ECM.  But I like the 4.3L and think it would be a better fit.

[sharpxmen]

I think that would require a new grille support for the added engine length, not sure.  I've got a spare 2.5 MPFI here, would just need a harness and ECM.  But I like the 4.3L and think it would be a better fit.

i would think is the same as the 4.0L Cherokee, but i see what you mean with the 4.3

just thinking that you could probably get gauges and harness off a 4.0 fairly cheap that's all - how much power/tq does the 4.3 put out?

[Jeffy]

i would think is the same as the 4.0L Cherokee, but i see what you mean with the 4.3

just thinking that you could probably get gauges and harness off a 4.0 fairly cheap that's all - how much power/tq does the 4.3 put out?

Older XJ's and MJ's have a slightly smaller engine compartment then later ones.  This allowed for the use of a 4.0L.  The 4.3L is just two banks of 4 and is a lot shorter in length leaving more room in the engine compartment.  MJ's and XJ's of that era and even the newer ones have problems with cooling so the extra room will help as well.

You could go with a 3200, 3400, 3600, 3800 series as well.  A 3800SC would be interesting.

[sharpxmen]

Older XJ's and MJ's have a slightly smaller engine compartment then later ones.  This allowed for the use of a 4.0L. 

I see - i didn't know that.

[chardrc]

I want a GM drivetrain with the GM auto but I'd also like to keep the transfer case drop on the driver's side.

s10s have drivers side drop... and the 4.3l

[manimal]

'89 should not have any problems swapping in a 4.0. You could also do a 4.6 stroker!. I too have a Comanche w/2.5 TBI. I am going to leave alone. Runs GREAT! For a daily driver,why not just leave the 4banger in it? Better mpg than a 4.0 or 4.3.

[dwtaylorpdx]

The 3.8 crate motor from GM has the same bolt pattern as the 2.5.......

That motor can make 230 to 280 without much effort....

Dave

[chardrc]

For a daily driver,why not just leave the 4banger in it? Better mpg than a 4.0 or 4.3.

what kinda millage are you getting in your Comanche 2.5l?