I found a 96 5.7L Vortec and 4L60E to swap into my YJ and make it smog legal. I am currently running a 71 Chevy small block (registered in NH atm). I live in Placerville, Ca. now.

So, my quandry: I'll end up paying 1K for the motor, tranny, mounts, harness and all accessories. The motor has 120Kmiles on it. Would you install it as is? Would you even buy it? It's across the country, so I can't hear it run now.I don't really have allot of cash for a rebuild right now. The current owner says it runs fine, with no knocks or burnt oil. Will warranty is for 90 days.

No opinions on a power plant?

'96 Vortec 5.7L with Tranny and all harnesses for $1K....

If it runs that sounds like a pretty good deal to me. If it was porperly maintained then 120K for that motor isn't too much. Shit you only have to change the oil every 7500 miles in it (per '99 Vortec 5.7L manual). 90 Day warranty sounds good too. Have it in in a few weeks and beat it up for a couple months on warranty.

I say go for it if it's running and don't mess with a rebuild.

I would agree, go for it, or buy it and loan it to me for a few years and I will tell ya if it was a good deal :flipoff2: :p

Actually if you decide to pass let me know. I'm on the East Coast and might just pick that bad boy up for myself it's such a good deal :eek:

Originally posted by bigdude
Actually if you decide to pass let me know. I'm on the East Coast and might just pick that bad boy up for myself it's such a good deal :eek:

Yeah, I'm sure your jeep could use another 4 cyl's:flipoff2:

Hey Bigdude,
It's actually in your state. I have to ship it here.

I run this same motor in my 99 Suburban. Motivates it nicely.

Thanks for the .02 guys.

Originally posted by Grendel
Hey Bigdude,
It's actually in your state. I have to ship it here.



Damn I need to find one of those deals. Whoever you get it through ask them to update you if they get any more :D

If it's a FL motor then I can almost guarantee it's in good shape, automobiles age well here because of this hot fawking weather.

Originally posted by Grendel
I found a 96 5.7L Vortec and 4L60E to swap into my YJ and make it smog legal. I am currently running a 71 Chevy small block (registered in NH atm). I live in Placerville, Ca. now.



Smog Legal - If you haven't done your research yet do it. In WA the only options for swapping engines and being Smog Legal is swapping in an engine that was available from the factory in your jeep produced that year. The engine can be newer, but could still only be say a 4.2 or 4.0L. even if Chrysler offered a V8 in a 2003 model, you still couldn't run it and be legal. (I don't think)

I know your in a different state, but its something to check.

Originally posted by twaldher


Smog Legal - If you haven't done your research yet do it. In WA the only options for swapping engines and being Smog Legal is swapping in an engine that was available from the factory in your jeep produced that year. The engine can be newer, but could still only be say a 4.2 or 4.0L. even if Chrysler offered a V8 in a 2003 model, you still couldn't run it and be legal. (I don't think)

I know your in a different state, but its something to check.

i dont think that the guys that work at some of the inspection shops even know the difference between what comes stock and is in there. around these parts you could simply tell them you added an aftermarket FI kit to the stock V8 that came with it. i dont think anyone has ever popped the hood of my truck when getting it inspected. nor has the hood of the jeep been popped for inspection. Thats not saying much though, it was passed without a working parking break, only half ass breaks, and not running worth a shiat....



ahhh i love living in Texas....modified vehicles get less scrutiny then stock ones....:D :D

I have a buddy running that same engine in a suburban with 250000+ on it and its never had the heads off. He changes the oil every 3000-4000 miles and it doesn't burn even a pint between changes and he's been known to pull its ass off at times.
My opinion go for it and run it as is

Originally posted by bigdude


Damn I need to find one of those deals. Whoever you get it through ask them to update you if they get any more :D

If it's a FL motor then I can almost guarantee it's in good shape, automobiles age well here because of this hot fawking weather.

I'll keep you posted. I find them all the time!

How about a 5.3L Vortec with 4L60E for 1100?

Originally posted by AGGIECJ-7




ahhh i love living in Texas....modified vehicles get less scrutiny then stock ones....:D :D

Well, here in CA, I can do the swap, but the motor has to be the same year (or later) and gvw class and use all emission and computer controls.. They will connect to the computer, they will run the VIN of the motor and the YJ. They will do a visual inspection as well as a dyno chassis run. If one thing is off, it fails.
This will satisfy that requirement. The 385HP Small block I have in there now does not.