Topic: Oh dear - another junker dragged home - 1994 Jeep Cherokee

[ktm525]

Oh and the exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking, too.

Only the later year models I believe 2000+. This "old" head design did not have that problem.

[aaronk]

As for the type of engine: @  4.0 L, 15 mpg, it should have yield way more power.

True enough. I'm sure with all the enthusiasts that exist for this vehicle though, there has to be a long list of well-documented engine swaps. I'm sure a few Chevy small blocks have ended up in these over the years. Here's a site that documents just such a swap, and according to the author 0-60 in 6 seconds and 20 mpg is achievable (although they are mutually exclusive )

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/xj_swap.htm

[Scaerio]

Nice - I always liked the 1997-2001 facelift version.  I'm sure you'll have this baby in tip top shape in no time!

[kardood69]

As for the type of engine: @  4.0 L, 15 mpg, it should have yield way more power.

True enough. I'm sure with all the enthusiasts that exist for this vehicle though, there has to be a long list of well-documented engine swaps. I'm sure a few Chevy small blocks have ended up in these over the years. Here's a site that documents just such a swap, and according to the author 0-60 in 6 seconds and 20 mpg is achievable (although they are mutually exclusive )

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/xj_swap.htm

Cherokee engine swaps don't seem common as the CJs and Wranglers... except for for people swapping out the pre-87 V6 or the I4 for the 4.0 L I6..

The forums were full of guys stroking the 4.0 to 4.6 or something like that.

180/190 Hp and 225 ft-lb torque was not bad for the time was it not? 

[Arthur Dent]

Cherokee swaps seem almost non-existent as the 4.0L is a pretty good engine. The engine bay is tiny of these things too - taking way longer than I though. I bet my Mazda has a bigger engine compartment.

[jamie1]

Oh and the exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking, too.

Only the later year models I believe 2000+. This "old" head design did not have that problem.

Actually it was the earlier ones that had exhaust manifolds that cracked. Usually snapping off the two end studs at the same time. As for the cylinders heads cracking. Never ever heard of that. Work for the largest Jeep dealer in the Edmonton area and have so for the last 22 years.

[Weexy]

Memories of my old 91 Comanche I had.  Identical interior.  Fun truck when the pavement was dry
Got that 4.0 unstuck yet Arthur?

[Arthur Dent]

Not yet. I've managed to get the hood stuck shut - not sure how as the striker and hatch is gone. Argh.