Nice! The 6.1 8 speed swap was relative easy if you can fabricate. Without hijacking the thread I can shed some light on the swap. When I get time I’ll do a detailed write up.
I have over 1,000 miles and loving it. Did the Rubicon a few weeks ago and plenty of on/off-road with no issues The 8 speed feels like you have an extra 30-40 HP vs the 5 speed and you can hit 100mph+ very easily. Not that a jeep should be going that fast.
As far as I know there are only 3 TJs running the 8 speed and we are all slightly different. There is not a lot of support, however Hotwire and Jeep Speed Shop helped where they could, but I was left to figure a lot out on my own.
The trans harness is completely different since it’s wired as a standalone hot rod harness with its own computer and canbus input.
I made my own gas pedal bracket, trans mount, exhaust, AC lines, and power steering lines. I re-used my TJ PSC pump since the bolt holes lined up perfectly, but had to make a simple spacer to align the belt.
My 6.1 came from a Cherokee and I didn’t need to change the accessory drive since everything fit…closely.
I used the Holley mounts and they worked great once the motor is in but it’s a PIA getting the motor and trans in.
You have to run a 1” body lift. I spent weeks trying to fit the exhaust and trans and couldn’t fit them without a lift. I am running a belly up skid plate so that might have played a part.
Stock SRT manifolds will not fit on the driver side with a long arm set up. Spent countless hours trying. Ended up using a modified shorty holly header to fit everything.
For my 2000 TJ I used a 05 ram computer, flashed the TCM in the trans for a 16 challenger.
6.1 and the 8HP70 bolts right up but I needed a different starter, shifter and trans dust shield.
Feel free to DM if you have any more questions.