97 TJ Chevy 4.3 swap question

[StormRider]

I've got a 97 TJ, 4.0L / AX15 with 150k on the drive train. I'm considering a Chevy 4.3 / 4L60-E swap. I've had a hard time finding any info on dealing with the OBD-II port. ASSuming I find the right donor (97 or newer), and rip out all of the electronic guts (PCM, ECM, ect), am I going to be in good shape for OBD-II emissions BS?

 

[mbryson]

I'm not sure you'll be getting much of an upgrade in power with the 4.3L (esp. considering any/all emissions issues)? Just curious about the reasoning for the swap.

I'd shoot for a lower mile 4.0L. They shouldn't be too hard to find, but are probably getting a little harder.

 

[Greg]

Or if you're considering the 4.3, might as well step up to a V8 IMO. The work and parts required will be about the same, but you gain much more power. Mileage is probably going to be similar too. A '97+ Vortec would be a killer motor that you can probably find pretty cheap, around $1200-1000 for a running motor.

 

[StormRider]

horsepower wise, the 4.3 is going to be close to a fresh 4.0L, but should be 40+ more ft-lbs torque. I'm still considering a V8, but a V6 _should_ be easier to fit length wise, less hassle with exhaust, heat, radiator needs, ect. I really don't see the need for 300 horse either, (it would be really fun though ) and if I did end up down that road, bolting power onto a 4.3 isn't that much more money.

I also want to get away from the manual trans. I've looked at the AW4 swap, and while attractive, there's a hell of a lot more 4L60-E's out there.

 

[mbryson]

horsepower wise, the 4.3 is going to be close to a fresh 4.0L, but should be 40+ more ft-lbs torque. I'm still considering a V8, but a V6 _should_ be easier to fit length wise, less hassle with exhaust, heat, radiator needs, ect. I really don't see the need for 300 horse either, (it would be really fun though ) and if I did end up down that road, bolting power onto a 4.3 isn't that much more money.

I also want to get away from the manual trans. I've looked at the AW4 swap, and while attractive, there's a hell of a lot more 4L60-E's out there.

that 4.0L is WAY longer than any automotive V8 I know of

 

[Kiel]

4.3 vortec v6 has what 190 hp. Not worth the money or time. Plus those wrecking yard motors aren't exactley cheap unless you get a whole wrecked one anyways. Plus I hate that damn spider injection centrol port bs.

For just a little more money and no extra time run the v8.

 

[Meat_]

In this case power = mpg

 

[chans]

In Utah, isn't it required that the motor be out of the same manufacturer to pass or just that it is as new or newer? They have used Hemi motors online for pretty reasonable prices and kits to put them in TJs.

 

[abhaulr1]

swap

I just put a 350/th350 in my dads 83' cj7. the t/c is still in the same location. I used an A/A adapter to join the th350 to the dana 300. the total lenght of the swap is 1.5 inchs shorter than the straight 6. just food for thought.
my 97' 4.3 works great in my sammy its a pain in the a$$ to try to get the wiring out of the jimmy to work. i bought a stand alone harness from Howell Ind. it was 570.00, but worth the cost to me.
Dwayne

 

[UNSTUCK]

I really don't see the need for 300 horse either, (it would be really fun though ) .

Maybe you should ride in a Jeep with 300HP. You will then find ways to NEED 300 of them!

 

[Greg]

Maybe you should ride in a Jeep with 300HP. You will then find ways to NEED 300 of them!

MY 5.3l Chevy'd TJ sure does boogie... :greg: Supposedly 325 HP after the ECU tune. I've found ways to NEED that power, I have an entirely different driving style compared to my 4 Cyl Toyota... and I like it. :guilty:

 

[Bart]

Like has been said, it's the same amount of work and not much more $$ to do the V8. I've know 3 people to swap in the 4.3 then immediately after wished they would have done the V8. YMMV, but I doubt it.

 

[UNSTUCK]

MY 5.3l Chevy'd TJ sure does boogie... :greg: Supposedly 325 HP after the ECU tune. I've found ways to NEED that power, I have an entirely different driving style compared to my 4 Cyl Toyota... and I like it. :guilty:

My wife used to be so happy that all I drove was an old beeter slow cj7. Not a chance for a speeding ticket. She's a little less happy now because I drive just an old beeter cj7. I love merging onto the freeway. The guy behind me always quickly changes lanes to go around me because he thinks I'll be slow. Then I blow him away.

I figure I'm right at 300HP, but that's with a 350 TPI.

 

[Greg]

My wife used to be so happy that all I drove was an old beeter slow cj7. Not a chance for a speeding ticket. She's a little less happy now because I drive just an old beeter cj7. I love merging onto the freeway. The guy behind me always quickly changes lanes to go around me because he thinks I'll be slow. Then I blow him away.

I figure I'm right at 300HP, but that's with a 350 TPI.

I totally relate, my old CJ5 had a 400 Horse roller SBC and a 4 speed. I'd go pick on muscle cars in that thing, it was a monster. I have a few stories, but will try keep this thread on track.