Blew a rod through the block

[Dom U]

Well guys I recently purchased a 1988 Comanche and ran like a champ after replacing the intake mani gasket. Untill yesterday while driving down the freeway at only about 60mph my engine decided it was done and through a rod through the side. Can you believe this thing would still start LOL. Anyways now I'm on the hunt for a new engine. I know the 88-90 xjs are a direct swap and what iv read on so far the HO swap seems simple enough. But I live in CA with smog regulations does anyone know if it would pass with the HO. Also is there specific years that have a better engine that I should specifically look for? Thank you very much in advance!

[Pete M]

4.0?  there is a way to swap just the HO block into your truck.  that way everything looks and acts stock.  guys with memory better than mine will need to fill in the details.

[Minuit]

http://comancheclub.com/topic/36382-cruisers-renix-tips/

 

Tip 17: HO engine into Renix. You'd keep your stock wiring and engine controls but with a newer block. I imagine smog people would be none the wiser unless they decided to for whatever reason check the numbers on the block.

 

17. HO engine into Renix

This swap is easier than some will lead you to believe, generally those who have never done it. Those of us who have done it, like myself, will share with you the things that need to be done for a successful swap. Just think of it as swapping in a long block.

The HO and Renix have some differences but none that can’t be overcome very easily.
Any HO engine from an XJ or ZJ through 1999 can be used. One running change was that the rear of the head was no longer drilled and tapped for the temperature gauge sender beginning in the 96 model year. The sender can be relocated to the threaded hole in the thermostat housing taken from the HO engine. You’ll have to extend the wire to that location. Some brave souls even drill and tap the HO head for the sender.

You will be using the intake and exhaust manifolds from your Renix, along with all your sensors and wiring. Since the intake ports of the HO are slightly different, you use the Renix gasket. Exhaust ports are identical. You will need to use your Renix distributor as it is different than the HO because they use different fuel management systems. The flywheel or flexplate from the Renix must be used so your CPS gets the correct signals. The valve cover from the Renix allows you to keep your CCV system intact and requires no modifications.

The HO block will have a plug in the coolant galley on the driver’s side of the block, closest to the front, which needs to be removed so your Coolant Temp Sensor can be installed in it’s place just as it is on the Renix. It requires a 5/16" square drive or a modified 3/8" drive that has been ground down to fit. Do this before installing the engine.

As for the knock sensor, which is located just above the oil pan on the driver’s side of the engine about mid way, all the blocks I’ve seen are threaded for it. If not, I’ve heard they may be drilled but not tapped. Tap the hole if that’s the case.
　
Revised 03/28/13

 

All credit to cruiser54.

[Dom U]

Yeah that's made me think the swap would be pretty simple. Love's cruisers tips. Sorry Pete it is a 4.0

[Pete M]

feel free to throw some info into your sig :thumbsup:

[johnj92131]

Just stick with the Renix era engine.  It gets better fuel economy anyway.  The knock sensor lets you get more ignition advance.  Cam is slightly different grind from the HO cam also.  See Cruser54 tips to get just about exactly the same 190 hp from the renix as the HO.

[Dom U]

Found a 88 with 124k miles for $375 pretty sure ima make the 2.5 hour trip in the morning to snag it up.

[86FUBAR]

Where abouts in ca do ya live ?

[Dom U]

The valley $#!& hole lol. Small town in foot hills called lemon cove.