My 1992 4.0 L I6 has a bad lifter and needs a new cam with lifters. I was going to add a Borla pipe at the same time, till I saw how incredibly expensive they have become (what is up with that???). Been looking at the cam and pipe from Clifford (seems good), but will still end up dropping $800. Engine has 104K on it, and uncertain if this is good use of (limited) resources. Is it better to pull out the I6 and swap in a small(ish) V8? I understand one can pick up 350's for about $600. I figure I would probably spend another $1000 to get it in right, but then would have V8 power. Is it worth doing? Is the V8 so much heavier than the I6 that is somewhat defeats the purpose? Can I use my AX15 tranny? I have a D44 rear end and the shortened transfer case kit from Currie, so I figure those two are okay. Anyone have experience or guidance for this swap? Thanks!

if you put in a stock 350, the ax15 will probably last for a while, it is considered a medium duty transmission. the 231 tcase should be ok for a bit too. my 350s shipping weight was 618 pounds, if i remember correctly. personally, i love the extra power ive gotten from it. makes it soooo much more fun to drive. i say go for it, if you can do the work yourself. if you want to see some pics and details of my swap, go to http://www.robwehrs.com/ and click on the pictures link, then on the cars link.

Chevy V-8 is definitely the way to go, but it won't be as cheap as you think. I swapped out my 150,000 mile 4.2 for a TBI 305 and it is the way to go. For cheap(er), use a 700R4 and an S-10 transfer case. It bolts all together and has a wider chain. You can put your Currie kit right in it too. Then it's nickel and dime stuff, and the 44 rear will take it up to 35's, with medium skinny pedal.

Swapping a sbc in a Jeep is probably the least expensive swap, but they cost more than you think. It will probably run you in the neighborhood of $3000 - $5000 to swap a sbc. Do not use the ax15, for 2 reasons. First you will need an adapter $$$, and second it is relatively weak compared to other manual or autos that will just bolt up to the chevy. Here is rough estimate of costs to do a small block swap.

Engine ..................... junkyard $100 +400 for rebuild
................................. rebuilt $1000
Exhaust .................................. $400
Wiring Harness ....................... $300
Fuel line and pump ................. $200
Guages ................................... $100- $500
Radiator .................................. $ 250
Misc hoses ect ......................... $100
Fluids ....................................... $30

You are at nearly 2 grand with out a transmission adapter, or new tranny and lots of other misc sensors ect you need. You will need at least one adapter if you wish you use your xfer case. Another $500

Ben

Carolina Rock Shop (www.carolinarockshop.com) has a guy that builds 4.7 stroker motors from your 4.0 liter for right in the range of what you are looking to spend. They are in Concord, NC. Andy had one built for his Cherokee that is rated at about 300 horsepower. That way, you are still completely legal inspection-wise (I have talked to quite a few inspection places near me and they won;t pass mine because of the Chevy mill under the hood..... I still have a Michigan tag because of that) and you end up with the same result and the WOW factor of a thumpy mill under the hood.

Anyway, it's an option....


Matt

350/700R4/S-10 NP231, it's about as cheap as it gets, TBI is pretty easy to wire up and combine with stock YJ guages and stuff, and it all fits so well that it looks factory.

Thanks a bunch for the info guys. Have to look at the check-book after x-mas to see which way I go. I'll keep ya all posted! Thanks Again!

5.0 HO Ford gets my vote.
About the same cost and difficulty of an SBC,.. but lighter and more compact.

A 350 with Al intake is around 175# heavier.