Advice on engine swap

[Cole]

Currently - 98 Wrangler - 4 speed auto - 2.5L 4 cylinder. If you have the entire donor vehicle it will be pretty straight forward. The only welding you will have to do is welding on the engine mounting brackets from the 4.0 in place of your 4 cylinder engine mounts.

I've got limited knowledge when it comes to completely swapping out engine/transmission, but going to be working with someone who knows pretty much everything. I'm just wondering what would be an appropriate upgrade (for my own sake) or what kind of money am I looking to spend on something that will get me some more power. Probably 4.0 6 cylinder is what we're looking at, but wondering if this community has any good insight before we start looking and buying things.

 

[Chris]

The 4.0 will be the cheapest and easiest way to gain power.

Ideally you'd put in a V8 engine, but even with the most budget minded V8 swap, you couldn't do that for less than 8k (and even at that price it might not be possible), but more than likely closer to 12-20k if you want it done right with one of the more desirable V8 engines.

 

[Cole]

Sorry for my lack of knowledge when it comes to this question, but with putting the 4.0 in, new transmission as well?

 

[Chris]

Sorry for my lack of knowledge when it comes to this question, but with putting the 4.0 in, new transmission as well?

Yes, you'll need to put in a new transmission as well. Your 4 cylinder transmission isn't strong enough to handle the 4.0.

The ideal choices would be either the 32RH automatic transmission, or AX-15 manual transmission, both which came on earlier model 4.0s.

If you're going to put in a 4.0, I would suggest finding a complete 97-00 donor vehicle.

 

[Cole]

Awesome. Thanks for the info Chris.

 

[Chris]

No problem, happy to help!