1986 Comanche and I want to change the front for sbc

[Steve F]

Sorry, I could not find any videos or write ups.  I have an 86 Comanche and want to change the front clip so I can fit a sbc in there.  I have the version that does not have the dent in the firewall and the radiator is placed closer to the engine than the grill.  This is a 2.8l v6.  No, I don’t want a 3.4 from an 84 camero.  I am mechanically inclined and know where there is a donor Cherokee that I can cut up.  Anyone have a pointer to a video or article that can explain the caveats / tricks?

 

Thank you

[eaglescout526]

You should still have plenty of room to change out to a V8. But changing the front clip on an 86 wont be easy in terms of using a 87-96 set up for the 4.0L radiator if thats where your thoughts are at.

Only because the front set up for the 84-86 is different than the 87-96. If i recall the front fenders and the way the front header panel mount together differently than the later years. Course you can just get a whole donor and swap all over to get you a 4.0L radiator set up. But dont quote me, I could be wrong on that. 

 

[Steve F]

Thank you @eaglescout526.  I sent emails to Novak and advanced adapters telling them that I wanted to drop a sbc in there and told them what I had and they said I would need to change the front end in order to have room.  I have compared my Comanche to a later Cherokee and my radiator is set about 7 inches deeper in the engine bay.  So something will need to change.  I was not sure what all needed to be done.  Also I imagine the little radiator for the 2.8 would need to be replaced with something with more cooling capacity and surface area.

[eaglescout526]

Sounds like Novak. They’re good for helping you build the drivetrain you want but not the Jeep you want. 
Yes you’ll need a bigger radiator. The bay is barely sufficient enough to cool the 4.0L later on. There’s some builds in the epic builds section that should have some V8’s that will give you some ideas on what issues or ideas you’ll be looking for to do your swap.