Already searched with no luck. Looking for info on putting a 4.3 in my TJ. All the parts to make it work are available through either Novack or AA. Just wondered if anyone has done this that could fill me in on some of the snafus. Maybe a write up?

unless u got a 4 cyl..........WHY:confused: if you got a 6 already whats a .3L difference?

Same thing I was thinking...

Guess I should have been more clear. I do have a 4 cyl, and even with 4.88s it's a dog with 35s.

It would be way easyer to put in a 4.0 and you need to swap trannys as well, other wise :nuke: If your gonna swap go v8.

I think putting a 4.3 in a TJ is a great idea. I have given it serious thought for mine and I have a 4.0L. Why the need to put in the weight of a V8 unless you think you really need it. I know I don't. Sure it sounds really cool and it would be nice to have all that power sometimes but it is not needed for the trails that most do. Look at what Toys do with 100hp. I think another advantage to running a 4.3 over the 4.0 and even V8s is the length. You could build the motor mounts to locate the engine as far forward as possible and get enough room to run some type of dual case setup.

These are my thoughts, take them for what you like.

Phil:usa:

And of course a 4.3L makes some decent HP over a 4.0L and can make similiar torque and stay a little lighter than a 4.0.

You are not a nubie to this delema. What trans/t.case do you have? AX5/NV231?
My advice is to sell your current TJ as is and buy one with the 4.0L already in it. The amount of effort involved in the 2.5L to 4.3L swap is surprising, and further, could get expensive. [Can you say, "ADAPTERS"?] Bottom line: it's not worth it, unless you are an excellet mechanic and can get parts cheaply, and want a project real bad.
That being said, the folks I know who have installed 4.3L's in their Jeeps universally like the swap. It's a stonger engine than the 4.0L, shorter (as was mentioned above), a has a large aftermarket. With F.I. they are a great trail engine, as well as a reliable engine for on-road or daily drive. If you were to take on the swap, and you have the 'chops' to pull it off, you might as well go with all bolt-together GM with an early '80's 4.3L, TH700R4, NV241(left hanger) to get bullet proof. Then your axles are under strength, and you keep pulling on that string.
Just remeber, you want the engine to not be stronger than the drive train can handle, which ain't much with a D30 and D35.
Just sell it. Most folks don't know the 2.5L is such a slug with big tires.
regards, as always, jefe

I have the AX-5 tranny with the NP231 Xfer case. The reason I wanted to go with a 4.3 is because they are pretty light, readily available for about $750 complete with wiring, and produce some pretty decent HP. I guess my main concerns with the swap involve wiring the new engine to the Jeep. I'm starting to wonder if it would be easier to just buy a blower. I'd hate to spend all that money and still be under powered.

Blower is a bad idea on this motor. A friend tried that and ended up sending his back. Doesn't make that much more power, sure not $3k worth more. I'd do a v8 swap if you are going to all the trouble anyway. If you haven't already put a lot of time/money in it (unlikely if you are on this board) trade it for one with the 6 already in it like already mentioned.

i love the 4.3 idea. thats what i'm doing in my next jeep(cj-7), besides you have a tj, whats a couple more grand?:p