Engine renewal

[Stu Olson]

Well, I could call it an engine swap but that normally implies you are upgrading to something...a I6 to a V8, stroking your existing engine, etc.

So....I got asked today if I would be interested in dropping an '05 TJ engine into my '98. It was recently removed from a new TJ (about 350 miles on it) when an engine swap was done to it.

If I have the terms correct, I believe one would call it a long block. It is complete less the manifolds and virtually anything else that you can bolt onto the engine. The heads are there...just nothing else except for 6 spark plugs.

Do you see an issue as far as emissions, etc. is concerned? I don't see a problem with it but maybe I am overlooking something. To me, it would seem to be not much different than if I just rebuilt my existing engine.

This engine obviously came with coil pack ignition (or what ever it is called). However, it has a distributor hole in the block (where the cam shaft sensor is driven). Am I correct in assuming I could drop a regular distributor into the hole and keep my '98 vintage ignition system?

I've never done much in the way of engine swaps before (helped a few folks but that is about it). Any comments would be appreciated.

[mnjeeper]

For a long block, I doubt anything has changed that would stop you from bolting your accessories and ignition on.

If it were me, I would put the longblock on an engine stand and transfer things directly from the engine bay to the long block before you drop it in.

[Stu Olson]

Originally posted by mnjeeper
If it were me, I would put the longblock on an engine stand and transfer things directly from the engine bay to the long block before you drop it in.

I believe that was how they did the swap that this engine came out of. That would make for a good method to ensure everything found its way to the new engine.

[Allen]

Contact Davey for verification.....I think that the accessories and the way they mount are different.

AC compressor I think.....high mount vs low mount.

Also ask him about the distributor.

Allen

[Dan-H]

Hi Stu,

IIRC, the front dress mounts (block casting) was different than 99, or 98minus.

Part of my fading memory thinks the firing order might also be different, but this memory might be from another engine.

Would you be keeping your computer and accessories? or updating everything?

[Stu Olson]

Dan.....there is no computers, etc. to swap.....it is just the long block, that is it. I can check the firing order in the FSM.

Allen....I shall do some checking on the bolt on pieces and parts. Who is Davey?

[mnjeeper]

Originally posted by Stu Olson
Who is Davey?

He's a guy on JU always parting out wranglers.

[Allen]

Originally posted by mnjeeper
He's a guy on JU always parting out wranglers.

And knows what'll fit what.....

Allen

[Dan-H]

Hi Stu,

http://www.atk-engines.com/download/catalog_2004.pdf

lists different engine block part numbers for 96-98 wranglers, 99 wranglers and 00-04 wranglers.

Also the 96-98 and 99s have the same part number for the head, but 00-04 are a different part number for the head.

In short, I don't think that engine is going to work for you. If your friend needs it cleared out of his shop, he can send it to me

- Dan

[Stu Olson]

I checked today and the mounting points on the lower block are not the same as mine, so it won't work.

On a brighter note, we finished a V-8 swap today.

I took it for a test ride this morning.....I've never been impressed with a V-8 in a Jeep....up until now. I was about 3/4 into the throttle when it grabbed 2nd gear....the 35" tires barked on the asphalt, doing about 30 MPH at the time. Pretty cool.

Folks always post how they can tell the difference when the K&N filter is installed. I guess its true......that K&N really made a difference.

[Jeff Weston]

That looks like my foot trying to fit in a regular-width shoe ... tight! Actually, it looks pretty good.

Are there any smog requirements in AZ for engine swaps?

[Stu Olson]

Jeff....10 pounds in a 5 pound container comes to mind. Lot of custom fitting from underneath that puppy.

As for smog, I've "heard" that if you are installing a newer model year engine, things are good. How much of that is gospel....I do not know. I do know that there are no codes being thrown from the engine computer....it has its own OBDII port. The TJ's computer is having a nervous breakdown. It thinks the TPS voltage is too high!

I noticed on the license tags that it is up for renewal in January. Not sure if it has to be smog tested or not (the first 5 years are exempt).

[Dan-H]

Stu,

is that a 5.3L Chevy Vortec?

- Dan

[Stu Olson]

I believe that is the correct designation for it. I think it is the aluminum block (didn't pay that much attention to it) and if so, the crate motor company rates it at 350 HP and 350 pound feet of torque.

[Dan-H]

oh, its a crate motor.

sweet

I've got the 5.3 in my tahoe, and it makes 285hp and 330ft-lbs of torque.

350hp/350torque in a TJ would be a wild ride.