Engine Swap
V8 Jeeps For Sale
Tow Rig - Diesel
Engine Performance
Suspension
Driveline
Yard Sale
Parts listed by brand
|
Home >> Articles >> Engine Swaps
Magnum V-8 into a TJ Wrangler - getting started
Evan and Tackett
If your 4 or 6 cylinder Wrangler can't spin big tires, or bogs on hills you may want to look at swapping in a V-8 from a Dodge Dakota, Durango or Ram pickup or van. They are availalable in 5.2 and 5.9 liter (318 ci and 360 ci). The new, Magnum V-8 series is a modernized, fuel injected version of the old reliable 318 and 360 Dodge has been using since the 60's.
Jeep doesn't offer the Magnum V-8 in a Wrangler, so we decided to do it.
We can make the swap for you, or sell you all the parts - we can even help you find a donor motor or install an automatic or manual trans in place of what you have.
We love the improved performance of a V-8, and they can actually get better MPG because the engine doesn't have to work as hard as the smaller one. It costs less than a supercharger, and has more power and tends to get better MPG and is more reliable. They don't require premium gas that a blower motor does, and frankly, we're sceptical of the claims of 300 hp 4.0 liter six.
The V-8 is wider, but about the same length as the 4 cylinder, and much shorter than the straight 6. It fits under the hood of a TJ nicely.
How about a Chevy V-8? A 350 is cheaper, right? Not really, because you'll need a newer, fuel injected small block in order to pass smog. Those aren't cheap. The GM computer is not compatable with the Jeep instrument cluster or body computer requiring all new gauges. Again, not cheap. GM's emmision systems are different from Jeeps, unlike the Dodge & Jeep systems which are the same. In addition, they require expensive adapters to install a GM transmission to your NP231 transfer case. As a huge bonus, Dodge uses the same transfer case behind the V-8s that Jeep uses in the 6 and 4 cylinder powered Jeeps, but you'll need a new input shaft for the 4 cylinder model. However, you don't need an adapter.
Because the computers are very similar, we can modify the wiring harness to make the Dodge V-8 talk to your Jeep instrument cluster - all your gauges work and you're still ODB-II compliant. Yes, you can pass smog with a V-8 powered Jeep in most states. Be sure to check with your local smog referee prior to starting this project.
Here's a picture of a 6 cylinder 4.0 liter as it came from the factory.
Here's a Magnum V-8. Not bad at all.
Once you decide to make the swap, you'll need to gather some tools supplies and skills.
Tools
- a welder, and the skills to use it well enough to weld in new motor mounts
- general hand tools
- plasma, Sawzall, torch or die grinder - to remove the factory motor mounts
- grinder - to clean up frame after removing motormounts
New parts
- Radiator. The coolant in/out locations are different on the V-8 than the 4 or 6 cylinder models. We offer a professionally modified stock Wrangler radiator in brass or a custom aluminum unit.
- motor mount kit
- throttle cable
- radiator hoses (requires Dakota hoses that your donor may have)
- electric fan (optional)
- 23 spline input shaft for the transfer case (if you have a 4 cylinder Jeep)
- modified wiring harness - we offer custom built harnesses if you don't want to tackle that one on your own it's one of the hardest parts
Used parts
- A Jeep Wrangler '97 or newer - aka a TJ
- A donor 5.2 or 5.9 liter Magnum V-8 with a transmission, functioning computer and wiring harness (modify it yourself, or send it to us along with the TJ underhood harness for customization)
- Most smog laws require that the donor engine is the same year or newer as the Jeep (make sure to check your local and state laws prior to starting
Fan options
You can run the stock mechanical fan and use a 4.0 liter fan shroud. If you do, you'll need to have your front drive shaft shortened, and the rear lengthened by about 1.5 inches.
Another option is an electric fan. An electric fan gives you the option of moving the engine back 1.5 inches and keeping your current driveshaft lengths. If you have expensive, custom driveshafts, an electric fan may be the cheaper option.
Headers are required to run the electric fan, as the factory cast iron manifold will hit the firewall.
|
|
