What engine will fit in my vehicle?

Question

I have a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It has quite a few miles on it and I'm planning on buying a new engine. Do I have to get a Jeep engine or does it just have to be able to fit in the amount of space? I want to find a v8 or a newer v6 that has a lot of horsepower/torque in it. Thanks in advance.

I didn't really want to put the same one in it, even though it has lasted a long time. I'm looking for one with more power basically. I'm adding a good header and exhaust system, along with a good air intake as well. Basically wondering if it has to be a Jeep engine or not. I have a mechanic that lives a few miles up the road that's willing to make it fit.

Thanks for all the responses everyone. Getting a new Hemi or a Chevy 350 would be way too expensive, let alone finding a used one somewhere. I was thinking of going with the 5.2 v8 that is in most of the newer Jeeps, since it seems like that would be the easiest way considering they are the same make. Plus, I've looked around and found that a brand new 5.2L is only about $1,400, which isn't too bad I suppose. I work at Cummins, I wanted to put one of our engines in it (small block) but again the price of a new engine is ridiculous. I'm going to research the small block from Chevy that were suggested.

Answer 1

These are your best options for your ride. Don't insult your jeep w/a V-6. Stick with the 4.0 I-6. A V-8 swap would be more work and pesos. With a stroker, it bolts right up to your trany. You will need to change your fuel pump and injectors. You will also have to run on 91 oct fuel.

Answer 2

A lot of engines will fit but you need to decide how much work you are willing to do or pay for. If you change the engine will the the current transmission, transfer case and driveshafts fit; or will they have to be changed out. Will the computer controls and sensors need to be changed, how about emissions controls.

Do some online research and see what other people have installed in their Jeeps, and save some headaches. There are some companies that will do the whole conversion for you including all the adapters. Alot depends on which engine and transmission you already have installed. Jeep engines are well-known to run a long time if properly maintained especially the 4.0 liter.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

After reading your additional comments, all I can say is anything is possible, depending on how much you want to spend.

The absolute cheapest way to go is the same engine, since it will be a direct bolt in, and add a few performance options.

Once you start looking into different engines and sizes, you have to take the entire drive train and electronics into consideration.

The easiest upgrade would be to the 318 used in the GC. They are similar to the old Mopar 318, but have better heads. You'll want to scrap the fuel injection in favor of a carb, and swap out the distributor and efi fuel pump to avoid the electrical problems, and it will be cheaper than an aftermarket fuel injection system.

If you can find a wrecked GC with the 318, you'll have the trans and the mounts you will need, as well as the transfer case and drive shafts if they aren't damaged, since these will not interchange with the '93 GC 6 cyl pieces.

You'll also have to rewire your gauge cluster, since the wiring harness is different for the V8 sending units.

Good luck.

Answer 4

it kinda depends on how much work you want to do...i mean virtually anything can be done. i would recommend putting the same engine in...should be the 4.0 liter inline six, right? the reason you think it has no power is because it had so many miles...if you bought a new one you would be surprised with the power and torque. They are very good engines. If you want to do a V8, i'd put in a chevy 350. they have 350 conversion kits for pretty much any car you can think of.

Answer 5

Well as long as you're doing rediculous things like buying a new engine for a 15 year old Jeep Cherokee, why not go for the gusto? I suggest an Allison T800-801 turbo shaft. This engine will fit easily in your engine bay, and produce about 200 ft-lbs of torque but about 6000 hp at 30,000 rpm. You'll need to work on reduction gearing and there'll be some challenges with the exhaust.

Seriously. Why not look for a 1999 Grand Cherokee? With not so many miles. A high mileage car is more than just the engine. You have to consider the chassis, the drivetrain and all the other parts of the car have just as many miles on it. Retire your beloved Jeep to the scrap yard, and get something with more life in it.

Answer 6

I am not totaly sure, but I have a feeling you might be able to put in a newer 5.7L Hemi from Dodge, but you have a 93 so its a little up in the air on how easy it'll be (compared to having all the write ups and kits for newer the wranglers) but if all else fails people have been putting Chevy small blocks in all kinds of Jeeps for years. So look for something from the LS or LT line like and LS2 or an LT1 for example.

Answer 7

The Grand Cherokee was also available with either a 318 cid V8, and for a short time, a 360 cid V8. Needless to say, they were made to fit by the factory. Try to find one of those from a Grand Cherokee, but check engine mounting points and make sure the transmission is compatible.

Answer 8

Unlike other jeeps the grand doesn't have a long list of common conversions. The rule of thumb is that you can fit any engine into any vehicle with money and fabrication (I personally know of a 454 stuffed into a heavily reinforced MG). Have you considered rebuilding and boosting the output of your current engine? The 4.0 can be supercharged and modified to put out nearly 600HP. If you have the V8 the options are even more plentiful.

Answer 9

I completely understand your prob. I too have a 93 grand cherokee lmt. with the 4.0 I6. at first I was looking into doing a swap to a 5.9 or the jeep 5.2 but that would be costly and tons of fabrication. So I am sticking with the 4.0 but am going with a stroker kit. you can get it stroked to 4.6 (most common) to a whopping 5.0 ( expensive) and the nice thing is it all bolts right up without have to mod your engine bay too much!! GOOD Luck these links should help you

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2343094

http://shop.505performance.com

http://www.jeep4.0performance.4mg.com/stroker.html

http://www.jpmagazine.com/techarticles/engine/154_0508_jeep_4_0l_turbo/

http://www.kennebell.net

Answer 10

You can put whatever engine in it you like, depending on the amount of work you want to do and what you want to spend on it. If you change the engine u will most likely have to change the tranny as well. Also, u will need a computer for emissions that works with your engine. Also, an engine swap is not for a novice. Have it done at a shop.