Specifications

ENGINE CONVERSION
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Engine conversions for offroad vehicles are popular with both old & new models. We have been involved with engine and
transmission conversions for more than 30 years and are not surprised when we see a new vehicle with less than 10,000 miles
having an engine swapped. Since you are venturing out beyond the boundary of the corner gas station and local repair shop, you
should be aware that offroad driving is quite different than street driving. Once you pull onto a dirt road, your vehicle must be capable
of returning you and your passengers back to civilization. The best, single reason for an offroad 4WD engine conversion is reliability.
If your 4WD cannot deliver this, then you’re in serious trouble. Make sure that when making a change on your offroad vehicle it is
done with the best equipment and design available. Don't short change your conversion for components that will give you less
reliability.
There will always be situations where more power would be nice such as when towing a trailer, turning those big new tires, or falling
short from the top of a hill. A common mistake of many offroad drivers is overpowering the existing drivetrain. If additional power
is required and the stock transmission specifications and rear axle torque rating have been exceeded, then you might be required
to use a stronger substitute. Jeeps have been equipped with several types and sizes of engines. In order to assist you, we have
listed the various stock engines that were used throughout these years.
150 CID 4 Cylinder Engine TBI (1987-02)
148 CID 4 Cylinder Engine (2.4) (2003-05)
258/4.2L CID Straight 6 Cylinder (1972-90)
4.0L Straight 6 Cylinder (1991-05)
2.8L V6 Engine (Cherokees) (1984-86) GM
2.5L V6 Engine 151 CID (XJ) (1984-00) GM
4.0L Engine (XJ) (1987-01)
2.4L & 3.7L Engine (KJ) (2002-05)
ENGINE SELECTION:
Select a motor which best fits the use of your vehicle. We manufacture motor mounts, bellhousing adapters, headers, and transfer
case adapters for Chevy, Chevy Vortec V8’s, Ford, Dodge & Dodge Hemi, Buick V6 & some AMC motors. Within these range of motors,
every practical need can be met.
ENGINE LOCATION:
Many people become overly concerned about moving the transmission, resulting in driveshaft modifications. The value of a good
engine location requiring driveshaft modifications will far exceed the expenses of an installation requiring special cooling due to
poor engine location.
We design most transfer case adapters to eliminate driveshaft modifications (whenever possible). This normally pertains to the
newer type Jeeps with the longer wheel base. In order to position your new engine, it is usually mandatory that the original engine
mounts be removed from the chassis. When placing the new motor into the chassis, several factors determine the best possible
location.
A. Firewall Clearance: Allow adequate clearance between the distributor & firewall. Be sure that the distributor can be removed
easily. Make sure the engine can be worked on without having to remove it from the vehicle.
B. Front Axle Clearance: Check the oil pan and harmonic balancer for axle housing clearance. Double check the suspension
clearance if bottoming out. Location of the motor mounts will require some vehicles to relocate their front axle snubber.
C. Hood Clearance: When the air cleaner is in position, will the hood still close? On certain applications, special low profile
air cleaners or a 1” body lift may be required .
D. Driveshaft Clearance & Angularity: The front driveshaft should have sufficient clearance to pass the bellhousing and
starter. On vehicles 1987 & newer, the drivetrain may have to be offset towards the passenger side or centered in the frame rails.
Make sure that the driveshafts do not bottom out when the suspension is collapsed. The angle of the rear driveshaft is very critical,
and compensation can be made by either axle shims or lowering the transfer case.
112
engine conversions (1987 & newer)