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1997 wrangler engine swap

What engine for a 97 tj?

  • Total voters
    13
cipsmithers

cipsmithers

877
48
SW Washington
I think I can throw this in here I guess, even If it ain't a ford, it involves ford.

A friend of mine just bought a 1997 wrangler, with the 4 cyl. By far the most gutless thing Ive ever seen. He wants more power, Im a ford guy. See where this is going?

I suggested a 302. From the googling ive done so far, it seems to be not to hard of a swap. Im wondering if anyone knows anything about this, and/or any swap kits that are worth a damn.

Also, there is the option of finding a 4L I6, like what most jeep guys play with, maybe building it up a little, and swapping it in (Probably the easiest option)

Other ideas?
 
Last edited:
Raptor22

Raptor22

4,862
142
Davis, California
I vote for other. I think a 300 would be awesome in a wrangler, and have the best low end ability when off roading, especially compared to a 302 and the 4.0L. And parts are cheaper and easier to find too...
 
cipsmithers

cipsmithers

877
48
SW Washington
Raptor22 said:
I vote for other. I think a 300 would be awesome in a wrangler, and have the best low end ability when off roading, especially compared to a 302 and the 4.0L. And parts are cheaper and easier to find too...
Click to expand...

I honestly didn't think of that. Rep points
 
Raptor22

Raptor22

4,862
142
Davis, California
cipsmithers said:
I honestly didn't think of that. Rep points
Click to expand...

Thanks man. :)

You should be able to find a 300 real cheap since most people pull them for V8 swaps. They dont know what they are missing. :p
 
cipsmithers

cipsmithers

877
48
SW Washington
Raptor22 said:
Thanks man. :)

You should be able to find a 300 real cheap since most people pull them for V8 swaps. They dont know what they are missing. :p
Click to expand...

Actually, around here, you don't see to many just floatin around. Someone let the cat out of the bag and a lot of people know of the possibilities of the 300
 
countryboytn

countryboytn

'78 Bronco owner
4,371
204
Cincinnati, Ohio
I voted other...

What about a smaller Ford motor, say a 3.0 or 4.0 ranger engine? :)

I know their lacking on power, but limited budget ain't gonna get him much (hate to say it.. but it's true, unless he gets extremely lucky..)

(plus, they should be plentiful from junkyards, etc.)
 
CowboyBilly9Mile

CowboyBilly9Mile

Charter Member
7,118
442
USA
Got enough length under the hood to fit a straight six, including the radiator?

*If I were to go through with it, I'd do an eight, and a bigger one than proposed. Besides, why go straight when you can go eight? smilietease
 
Last edited:
Raptor22

Raptor22

4,862
142
Davis, California
CowboyBilly9Mile said:
Got enough length under the hood to fit a straight six, including the radiator?

*If I were to go through with it, I'd do an eight, and a bigger one than proposed. Besides, why go straight when you can go eight? smilietease
Click to expand...

Because Straight >>> Eight... smilietease
 
countryboytn

countryboytn

'78 Bronco owner
4,371
204
Cincinnati, Ohio
CowboyBilly9Mile said:
Got enough length under the hood to fit a straight six, including the radiator?

*If I were to go through with it, I'd do an eight, and a bigger one than proposed. Besides, why go straight when you can go eight? smilietease
Click to expand...

I have a 235 I6 in my truck... :suspicious:
 
CowboyBilly9Mile

CowboyBilly9Mile

Charter Member
7,118
442
USA
Raptor22 said:
Because Straight >>> Eight... smilietease
Click to expand...

Straight = six and eight = more cubes and therefore ponies (and not so longgggggg under the hood). When making a swap, work is work so I'd suggest he derive the most benefit from the work. YelloThumbUp
 
70torino429

70torino429

130
1
Wilmington,Ma
i vote 302 or a 300 six for a budget, if you can find a 351 that would be a good option if hes not worried about saving fuel.
 
1970Custom

1970Custom

They call me Spuds
14,107
447
Middleton, ID
300 won't fit, Ford 3.0/4.0 V6s suck compared to the 4.0 I-6 the Jeeps have. 302 would be a good choice 347 would be better.

4bt cummins is an awesome engine in a wrangler, but aren't cheap on average.


Probably the best bet is go with a SBC purely on the basis of CHEAP to build and everybody has done it to their Jeep when wanting more power...
 
5.0

5.0

FTF'er
1,319
64
In the Middle
.

My first choice would be a 5.7 Chevy, maybe an old TPI motor. The older TBI 5.7 Chevy motors are cheap, reliable, and super easy to wire in. My second choice would be a Ford 5.0 HO.


I've wanted to swap a supercharged 3.8 from a Super Coupe into something... but it's quite an involved swap and it takes a lot of room. The SC 3.8 can make a lot of power for cheap $$$.

.
 

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