So I've had my 97 TJ for a few years now. I bought the 2.5L with the full intent of doing an engine swap. (not to a 4.0) so I could save a few thousand. I also spent a lot of money playing with the 2.5L to try and get a few extra pony's out of it... It was fun... but pretty uneventful with the additional weighted upgrades (bumpers, winch, armor, 33's). I'm finally at the stage to start my engine swap though and the engine of choice is going to be a 5.3L vortec. It's extremely popular, well balances in power and weight, and can be upgraded to make some pretty decent power with minimal effort (cams, lifters/valve springs, intake and exhaust can net upwards of 100 hp).
There's some pretty detailed info and support through Novak and Advance Adapters. I'm waiting for all the parts to come in, but I bought the conversion kit for the Chevy Gen III mated to the NV3550 through advance adapters. I decided to go with the NV3550 because it better suited for the HP than the AX-15, would probably have less miles since its a new tranny, and it was only a few hundred more. I bought headers from Novak(although I've seen the truck exhaust manifolds work) incase I decide to do some top end upgrades. I also got the Novak fuel pump regulator bypass to address the fuel pressure issue and the adjustable transmission mount since it will pull it forward about 2 inches. It Says I'll need a 1 inch body lift... but then it also looks like everyone has to modify the firewall anyways... soooo I guess ill see what needs to happen at that cross road... probably some 2x4 and dead blow action... but we'll see.
The 5.3L I bought from a guy who set up all the wiring specifically for an engine swap and was able to start it on the stand before I bought it. It cost more then pulling one from a yard, but having a ready to play wiring harness and mated ECU, easily made of for itself instead of buying it all somewhere else. He did a really good job of labeling all the wires. and kept everything I'd need for a swap to include the drive by wire setup with the gas pedal. I haven't looked to far into that method to see if it'll be work keeping or swapping to a drive by cable setup instead.
As soon as the tranny, adapter kit, and other needed accessories come in, I'll probably start posting pictures and descriptions as I move along and any other upgrades I do along the way... Enjoy! Hopefully it all goes smooth!
There's some pretty detailed info and support through Novak and Advance Adapters. I'm waiting for all the parts to come in, but I bought the conversion kit for the Chevy Gen III mated to the NV3550 through advance adapters. I decided to go with the NV3550 because it better suited for the HP than the AX-15, would probably have less miles since its a new tranny, and it was only a few hundred more. I bought headers from Novak(although I've seen the truck exhaust manifolds work) incase I decide to do some top end upgrades. I also got the Novak fuel pump regulator bypass to address the fuel pressure issue and the adjustable transmission mount since it will pull it forward about 2 inches. It Says I'll need a 1 inch body lift... but then it also looks like everyone has to modify the firewall anyways... soooo I guess ill see what needs to happen at that cross road... probably some 2x4 and dead blow action... but we'll see.
The 5.3L I bought from a guy who set up all the wiring specifically for an engine swap and was able to start it on the stand before I bought it. It cost more then pulling one from a yard, but having a ready to play wiring harness and mated ECU, easily made of for itself instead of buying it all somewhere else. He did a really good job of labeling all the wires. and kept everything I'd need for a swap to include the drive by wire setup with the gas pedal. I haven't looked to far into that method to see if it'll be work keeping or swapping to a drive by cable setup instead.
As soon as the tranny, adapter kit, and other needed accessories come in, I'll probably start posting pictures and descriptions as I move along and any other upgrades I do along the way... Enjoy! Hopefully it all goes smooth!