I found a guy a few hours away that will swap in a 5.2L V8 from a 2001 Dakota into my TJ for 6K. It would include a new radiator, the V8, and the stock auto trany, all pieces required to do the install and wiring...

I have never done an engine swap, never helped with one, and dont want my DD jeep to be out of commision for 6 months while I try to get it all figured out...

He also will swap in a hemi for about $4000 and I have to supply the hemi and trany... A 5 speed auto hemi would be sweet.

With the 5.2L i worry a little b/c i know the swap wont be legal b.c. the motor is older than the jeep...
Is it worth it???

the 5.2 is good power over a 4.0, but not worth the swap IMO. Plus, expect the belly pan gasket to blow out, and the timing chain to get loose, which causes pinging in the motor.

I'd try and get a 5.3 chevy motor.

my problem with that is the dodge motor will spice right into the jeep wiring, bolt to the trasfercase, and all the gauges will work..

so you dont mind making your 2003 (practicly new) jeep illegal to drive/register in california??? from reading some of the other 20 posts you have done lately, this is your DD, why would you even be considering this while living in california. BTW illegal smogs are getting harder to get and even more expensive. just something to think about!

$6000 to make your jeep illegal? hmmm..... Let's think. :shaking:

I'd say: No, it's not a good idea. :D

Why not find a v8 swap that IS legal, and then you can determine if it's worth it. :smokin:

Just my $0.02
Pete

For 6K you could go buy a trail rig with a V-8 and Keep your TJ legal.

so you dont mind making your 2003 (practicly new) jeep illegal to drive/register in california??? from reading some of the other 20 posts you have done lately, this is your DD, why would you even be considering this while living in california. BTW illegal smogs are getting harder to get and even more expensive. just something to think about!

I am in the military, have florida plates, will always have florida plates, and am not required to get an inspection or smog check ever.

ok, just wanted to make sure i wasnt crazy.. . I agree I shouldnt make the jeep illeagal... So my options are a hemi, or a 4.7L out of a 03 or newer vehicle..

thanks guys

Ok, legal issues aside then, $6000 for someone to take out a nice 2003 4.0 and tranny, and put in an older used motor and tranny.

....I'm still not seeing the good idea. But maybe you just have more money than me.

Pete

the engine has to be the same year or newer and from a similarly sized vehicle. you can do it but I dunno how they check the year of the engine.

Or just blow half of that money on a supercharger or a stroker kit and make the same amount of power

true... My only dislike of that is the high octane gas requirement