Stanley Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Hi everyone, I looking to buy a comanche, Someone sell me one, with no engine and a lot of repair, my question could I fit a newer engine (thinking about to strip an Cherokee latitude 14-19 ) for a multi air 2.4 No need a lot of power just to run smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZJeff Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Just about any engine that will physically fit into the engine compartment is a candidate for conversion. However.....the further your alternative engine is from the original one(s) for the MJ, the more money you will spend getting the conversion to function correctly. For example, the new (fake) Cherokees you suggested are designed to be front wheel drive first and foremost, with all wheel drive being the option. That means the engine/trans is really a FWD setup. That would make a conversion of an MJ using this engine.....challenging to say the least. Your best bet is to find a decent used engine from a junkyard XJ or MJ, and install that. It is the closest to "plug and play" as you can get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stanley Posted March 23, 2020 Author Share Posted March 23, 2020 So that means i will lose 4x4 ? I'm a little confuse, I live outside USA that mean it's hard to find some jeep parts, XJ just find but from 97 up, and this comanche it's really rare not even found on junkyard. I was saying newer engine, because I thought I could buy a jeep latitude(or other model ) from salvage and transfer all I need Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 97+ XJ stuff can go in with relatively minimum effort (at least without having to invent anything). search the projects section and you will find a lot of guys have done that conversion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZJeff Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 The "new" Cherokee Latitude (and other sub-models) is VASTLY different in mechanical layout than the older Cherokee that was produced up until 2001. Unless you are willing to take on a VERY complex conversion, don't even think about using parts from that vehicle to upgrade your MJ. Pete M is givng you the best advice on how to modernize the driveline in your MJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 I agree with above. The newer Cherokees are completely different in almost every way. The conversion is possible but very expensive and difficult. The whole layout of the Jeep changed and they added a lot of computer control that also runs everything inside. The suspension is completely different. The engine layout rotated 90 degrees and they went to independent suspension front and rear. All of the wiring is one big integrated mess that is hard to split apart. You can make the swap but it would cost 10 times as much as it's worth, if not more. A 1997-2001 XJ conversion is the closest to "cheap and easy" as you will find. The entire XJ/MJ product line has the same basic engine and transmission layout and it kept basically the same (or at least similar) axles from 1984-2001. The wiring harness and computers did not drastically change so swapping computers and wiring is not very hard. Parts will interchange with only a small amount of effort compared to what it would take to swap in something else from a completely different donor. The 97+ XJ swap will be the most cost effective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Your other option for relative ease would be a GM V8 conversion, of which there is good aftermarket support, or possibly a Mercedes Diesel conversion, which would be readily available in Europe. There are a few Mercedes conversion in the projects forum, as well as Chevrolet v8 conversions. But for greatest ease , the 97-01 Cherokee swap would be best. I believe many of them in Europe are 2.5 Diesels so there is that option as well. Most of it would be just swap it from the Cherokee to the Comanche, but would have to include the complete dashboard and interior electrics, full engine compartment electrics, as well as fuel system conversion of some sort and modification of the exhaust and driveshafts. Explore your options and consider your mechanical experience level there too. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 On 3/23/2020 at 8:15 AM, Stanley said: Hi everyone, I looking to buy a comanche, Someone sell me one, with no engine and a lot of repair, my question could I fit a newer engine (thinking about to strip an Cherokee latitude 14-19 ) for a multi air 2.4 No need a lot of power just to run smooth. If you are in Europe........... Look to the Nissan Frontier or Exterra or other with 4.0 and 4X. The 4.0 would be a perfect fit with plenty of power. Engine and trans controls are another matter. You've got plenty of NIssans over there, many if not most with diesels from what I understand......the diesels may be a cheap option for you. Where are you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stanley Posted March 24, 2020 Author Share Posted March 24, 2020 Hi everyone, I read all your message, Really understand why it could be really difficult to put Cherokee latitud system on comanche. I'm from Honduras a little country in Central America, no tu much jeep car here, the people here prefer Toyota and if its diesel it's the best. 29 minutes ago, Jeep Driver said: If you are in Europe........... Look to the Nissan Frontier or Exterra or other with 4.0 and 4X. The 4.0 would be a perfect fit with plenty of power. Engine and trans controls are another matter. You've got plenty of NIssans over there, many if not most with diesels from what I understand......the diesels may be a cheap option for you. Where are you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89 MJ Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 46 minutes ago, Stanley said: Hi everyone, I read all your message, Really understand why it could be really difficult to put Cherokee latitud system on comanche. I'm from Honduras a little country in Central America, no tu much jeep car here, the people here prefer Toyota and if its diesel it's the best. If you can pick up a Volkswagen or Mercedes with a diesel, that would be your best bet if you want a diesel Comanche. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 rear through the Epic Tech sub forum. There are several diesel conversions in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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