JustaValiantguy Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 Alright guys. I'be done very little research, and I'm lost in the specifice and can't really get a build sheet together for this poor MJ. I've got an 86, command trac, 2.5L 4 speed. The engine has been rebuilt twice, odo shows 400xxx. I want a 4.3l 262. I know that's probably an awful idea, but I've got a lot of parts already for it, but if there's a better solution, I'm up for it. I want to run about 350hp, and I had a few ideas (sm465 with stock np207 followed by a dana 44). I just want to make sure I'm not getting into a turd fest with this kind of build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 I've got my doubts that a 207 will handle that kind of power. might need to step up to the later 231. honestly, the "ease" of swapping an LS motor has blinded me to all other high-HP swap options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 Another case to consider would be the Chevy NP241 that came in the 1/2 ton and some 3/4 ton trucks. It's an upgrade over the 231 (and 207) and bolts right up in place of a 208 that would have come behind the SM465. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustaValiantguy Posted November 9, 2019 Author Share Posted November 9, 2019 I agree to the LS swap idea, I'm just not trying to add too much weight to the engine bay, so I can stick close to stock suspension setups. I do like the chevy t/c idea, but still wondering what I should run as a front axle that would match the rear axle and make sense Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted November 9, 2019 Share Posted November 9, 2019 According to my quick Google searches: The 4.0 is 515 pounds. A Chevy 4.8/5.3/6.0 iron block with factory aluminum heads is around 520 pounds. An aluminum LS1 weighs in at around 430 pounds. A Gen I small block chevy with Iron heads and intake weighs upwords of 575 pounds. An LS V8 swap won't add any more weight to the nose of the XJ than the heavy 4.0 pig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustaValiantguy Posted November 9, 2019 Author Share Posted November 9, 2019 It sounds so tempting, as the LS came at about 350 out of the box, but I'm also limited on budget. I wanted to go the carburetion route due to not wanting to use a computer (ie. Pay for a computer and a Painless kit ) and I know the carb manifolds for the LS engines run pretty high. I was wondering what other v6 engine would be suitable for this build? I like the 4.3, but a 90° v6 requires some "creative persuasion" to fit in an MJ bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted November 9, 2019 Share Posted November 9, 2019 Engine swaps are never cheap. And when it comes down to it, the cost of the engine is a very small part of it. It ends up being about the same cost to swap a V8 over a V6. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omega_rugal Posted November 9, 2019 Share Posted November 9, 2019 40 minutes ago, derf said: Engine swaps are never cheap. And when it comes down to it, the cost of the engine is a very small part of it. It ends up being about the same cost to swap a V8 over a V6. unless you do it yourself... i´m training to perform engine swaps, gathering the tools and the skill what about the buick 3800? those are plenty, some come supercharged, have power and torque, bulletproof some say and bolt to the GM 60 deg bellhousing, you have to make your own engine mounts but they looks rather easy to make a supercharged, LPG breathing Buick 3800 serie III will be my next favorite engine when the 4.0 becomes extinct... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted November 9, 2019 Share Posted November 9, 2019 what's the plan for getting 350hp out of a 4.3? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnkyboy Posted November 9, 2019 Share Posted November 9, 2019 When I was gathering parts for a 4.3l i was wanting to do an NV3500 5spd with a 231. It would have fit pretty much the same as a stock trans, they shift pretty nice, and are drivers drop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustaValiantguy Posted November 11, 2019 Author Share Posted November 11, 2019 Well if weight isn't an issue, I am partial to a mopper 318 build. They, in my opinion, can easily hit that hp mark, but then I'm stuck with trying to find a t/c and trans, has anyone done a 318 swap recently? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 there are a couple 5.2 swaps in the Epic Tech forum. both guys say they wouldn't do it again, but they swapped in stock engines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Given the lack of aftermarket support for the MOPAR, especially when compared to the Chevy V8, I would have a hard time convincing myself to do that swap. However, being different and doing something that isn't the same as everyone else does have its own appeal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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