86 comanche

[DAVID DANIELS]

So I want to put a V8 small block in my 1986 Comanche 4x4 that has a 2.8l in it. Live on Long Island so also do a lift and put larger wheel and tire package.  basically want to do brakes and lines so like a restoration.  Any one have a good shop with a good reputation on long Island?  

[Eagle]

Historically, Chevy small block V8 conversions in XJs and MJs have had cooling problems. Unless there's some reason why you really have to have a V8, a much easier and better swap would be a GM 3.4L V6 out of a rear wheel drive car like a Camaro or Firebird.

 

[omega_rugal]

you need a tranny too, the ax4/ax5 won't last long behind a V8, so you gonna end up with a Jeep on top of a GM powertrain... why just not get a GM truck?

[Pete M]

I don't know shops in your area, but there are several v8 swap build threads in the Epic Tech forum if you want to peruse what others have done.  

[thecodemonk]

Honestly, you might want to limit scope when starting out on this project.  Get the lift/tires done first and get all the other systems working before going after the V8 swap because the V8 swap will strain all those other systems.

 

The V8 swap is not as simple as it usually reads out to be.  Our jeeps are uncommon and the XJ/MJ platform are usually not owned by people with a bunch of money (those with money, usually go after the wranglers).  For wranglers, there's a lot of shops that have it down to a formula for a v8 swap.  For XJ/MJ's, it's different...not only is the aftermarket much thinner, but we have some unique challenges with our wide and short engine compartment.  There's a lot of custom fab and mix-match of parts involved no matter what you end up with there.  

 

Even then, a good shop will take a few months to get it all done (that's assuming they spend a lot of time getting it done quickly and not having to wait around for parts much).  That's not even talking about the bill...you're probably looking at well over 100 hours of time to do all of it right (not counting the parts), and any decent shop is going to run at least $100/hr, so...there's that. 

 

Most of the other guys on here have the time to invest, and the skills to fab the things they need, so it ends up being a lot cheaper for them, but when you pay a shop, you're looking at a large bill at the end.  This is the route I took due to time constraints with a new baby and a wrecked daily and I still ended up spending a bunch of time doing research and grabbing parts ahead of time so that the shop didn't have to wait or order things.

 

All of that is not to discourage you from it, but to ensure that you go in eyes wide open.  This is not an endeavor for the faint of heart (or wallet), but if you go for it, keep us posted!  We love seeing builds no matter how they happen. :)

[dasbulliwagen]

Another thing youll need to look into is New York State laws regarding engine swaps and state inspections for modified vehicles. I know that they are sticklers when it comes to that stuff, so theres no need investing any time or money into it if you can't get it inspected and tagged when all is said and done. If that is an issue, youd probably be money ahead to find a clean rust free southern truck with a 4.0 and just sell the 2.8 truck..... assuming it is more power youre after. And as was said, a 3.1 or a 3.4 from a Camaro/ Firebird will bolt right in with very little modification using all your existing engine accessories and offer more power than what you currently have, and still be compliant with NY state emission equipment laws. Do your research before spending any money. Youll be much happier in the end.