I'm going to be changing engines in my 85XJ
What I want to find out is what is the largest engine I can fit in it without doing a lot of mods underhood?
It has the dreaded 2.8L right now
Someone told me they thought I could get a 4.2? in it
I will get a better trans, I am going to stay with a 5 speed, any suggesetions on that? ;)
Also transfer case?
As you can see, I am going to change pretty much the entire drivetrain, front and rear end come later

Thanks

Go 4.0
A small block should fit too

Go with a 4.0 HO like the real (92-96) XJs have. Good power, good reliability, lots of 'em around for parts. You can get a better-than-new remanufactured one from http://www.jasperengines.com for about $2000 (I just did this), or buy a dead one for $300 and rebuild it yourself, or use a stroker kit to make it 4.7 liter/~ 250 hp, depending on your preferences and budget.

it shuold be noted that xjs that came with 2.8l v6s, can not "bolt-in" a 4.0. the engine compartments were different between the when they started puttin in 4.0s. the 4.0 can be made to fit, but it will require some work. your best choices for that motor would be a 3.4l chevy. that is more or less a direct swap.
personally, i think a sbc would be the best choice if you are going to bother with a motor swap. its short enough to fit in there, but that may need some massaging too.
honestly, i think youd probably save money just picking up an xj with 4.0 and aw4 and selling the old one.
~John

S/B 350! :flipoff2: