Jeep Engine Swap: The Ultimate Guide

Q: How many hours does an engine swap take?

You can still expect anywhere from four to 15 hours to swap an engine depending upon the features you want, the type of engine you choose, the body it is being put into and who is doing the work.

Andrea Barbuti

February 28, 2023

Jeeps are widely known for their adaptability and versatility. The engine is a prime example of this. Some people believe that you can’t have any third-party motors operating a Jeep, but that’s actually quite far from the truth.

One way to do this is to replace your engine with one that has more power. In this Jeep engine swap guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to make this upgrade. We can help you choose the right engine and get your Jeep ready for the swap.

Start by Picking A Good Engine

A Jeep’s engine can be replaced with any of a variety of options. Depending on your specific requirements, you should select the most appropriate option from among them.

Chevy V8

Almost every Jeep can accept a Chevy 35 or 304 as a replacement engine. These exchanges are great because they are low-cost.

Ford V8

These cheap plentiful engines enjoy lots of aftermarket support. It offers excellent power and torque, and it’s relatively affordable.

Cummins 5.9 Diesel

It has incredible low-end torque but is already half a tonne in weight.It has incredible low-end torque but is already half a tonne in weight.

Hemi V8

The Hemi swap for the Wrangler is a great option because you’ll be upgrading to a current powertrain that’s widely used and has a wide variety of replacement parts available. However, the price tag is higher.

What Swaps Should a Jeep Avoid?

Dodge V-10

Gas is expensive, the engine is bulky, and it doesn’t provide too much power relative to its weight.

GM 60-degree V-6

It’s unreliable and usually doesn’t live up to expectations.

Northstar V-8

Transversely mounted structures are an engineering headache. For starters, you can’t modify a log-style oil pan to have a back sump.

3.9L Cummins 4BT

The smaller 4BT eliminates almost all packing concerns while transforming any Jeep into a genuine econobox commuter.

Check the Engine’s Compatibility

When you have determined the engine, the next step is to make preparations to fit the engine. There is little doubt that you will want new motor mounts, but the engine compartment of the Jeep may also need to be modified to accommodate your needs.

If your Jeep engine, for example, has a taller intake manifold system or a lengthy block with overhead cams, you may be forced to cut into the fenders and the firewall in order to fit the engine.

Fit is of the utmost importance when it comes to a Jeep Wrangler, since this vehicle requires additional space for ducting as well as intercooler systems.

In most cases, the turbochargers in the Jeep Wrangler diesel engines require a larger intake; consequently, you should plan equally for the cooling fan and the shroud.

Consider the Complete Drivetrain

Even though getting the engine to fit properly is traditionally thought to be the most difficult part of swapping engines in a Jeep, there are still additional concerns that need to be addressed.

Although this does make the process of pairing the engines easier, it is important to keep in mind that the components of the drivetrain, such as the gears, are only built to be able to withstand a particular level of torque.

Anything that goes above their requirements can end up compromising their functionality. Because of this, one thing that we usually recommend is that you think about doing is switching out the transmission as well.

If you are unable to do it all at once, you should at least think about upgrading some of the essential components such as axles, gears, and U-joints if you are unable to do it all.

Conclusion

A Jeep engine change is a terrific method to give your off-road vehicle a new lease on life. There exists an engine that meets your requirements, whether they for more power or improved fuel economy. Changing out engines might be a complicated operation, but with our detailed instructions, you’ll be able to handle it with ease. What are you waiting for, then? The time to begin work on your Jeep engine swap is now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is swapping an engine worth it?

Improved performance and efficiency – the majority of engine swaps are carried out with enhanced performance in mind; it’s considered the pinnacle of tuning up a car to get the most output from it possible.

What should be replaced when swapping an engine?

Debris left over in the engine oil cooling system can damage your replacement engine. Don’t forget to replace the engine oil cooler and flush those cooler lines. Replace belts, hoses, clamps spark plugs and thermostat. They don’t last forever.

How many hours does an engine swap take?

You can still expect anywhere from four to 15 hours to swap an engine depending upon the features you want, the type of engine you choose, the body it is being put into and who is doing the work.

Does a engine swap devalue a car?

Replacing the engine usually increases the car’s overall value

Does an engine swap reset mileage?

An engine swap or engine replacement will not reset the odometer as the odometer doesn’t just measure the engine but all of the components of the car.