I have a 1997 xj that has been getting more noisy. I also have a 1989 xj that the tranny is bad on. if I swap all sensors, distributor, intake and stuff will the engine out of the 1989 work in my 1997? any info on this would be helpfull thanks for your time.

 

89 has a Renix head on it...only 173 hp

 

Does anyone have any more input on this subject? It would be helpful to know if there are any pitfalls in doing this swap. I know that the renix head has less power but i have a renix motor and it ran really good and wasn't knocking. My motor in my 1997 jeep is knocking and tapping.

 

You can probably use the head off your 97(if good) on the RENIX and get a little power back, if you want? and I believe the cam is a little different but not anything to worry about(unless you live in Cali, or a smog state) believe the diff is emissions related. Not sure about the engine mounting I think Jeep changed those at some point??? Not sure if you have to swap flywheels, think you do though.
Haven't seen a thread about going backward just forward. There is a thread here about swapping up, I might start there for what it takes to go backwards.

 

Yes, the '89 engine will work in place of the 97.

You have to swap the head, manifolds, flexplate (if auto trans), distributor, and sensors from the '97 over to the '89 block. After that it should work.

 

Not even the head.

Here's how to go from Renix to HO. Use it as a guide.


Cruiser’s HO into Renix Swap

This swap is easier than some will lead you to believe, generally those who have never done it. Those of us who have done it, like myself, will share with you the things that need to be done for a successful swap. Just think of it as swapping in a long block.

The HO and Renix have some differences but none that can’t be overcome very easily.

Any HO engine from an XJ or ZJ through 1999 can be used. One running change was that the rear of the head was no longer drilled and tapped for the temperature gauge sender beginning in the 96 model year. The sender can be relocated to the threaded hole in the thermostat housing taken from the HO engine. You’ll have to extend the wire to that location. Some brave souls even drill and tap the HO head for the sender.

You will be using the intake and exhaust manifolds from your Renix, along with all your sensors and wiring. Since the intake ports of the HO are slightly different, you use the Renix gasket. Exhaust ports are identical.
You will need to use your Renix distributor as it is different than the HO because they use different fuel management systems. The flywheel or flexplate from the Renix must be used so your CPS gets the correct signals. The valve cover from the Renix allows you to keep your CCV system intact and requires no modifications.

The HO block will have a plug in the coolant galley on the driver’s side of the block, closest to the front, which needs to be removed so your Coolant Temp Sensor can be installed in it’s place just as it is on the Renix. It requires a 5/16” square drive or a modified 3/8” drive that has been ground down to fit. Do this before installing the engine.

As for the knock sensor, which is located just above the oil pan on the driver’s side of the engine about mid way, all the blocks I’ve seen are threaded for it. If not, I’ve heard they may be drilled but not tapped. Tap the hole if that’s the case.


Revised 03/28/13


And, if you have any questions, post them up. We're here to help.

 

Not in 89. Had 182 due to ECU changes.

HO head is NOT responsible for the bulk of the total of 8 frickin horsepower more the HO made-190. All made at the higher RPM range and without an ounce more torque than a Renix BTW.

The bulk of this higher end horsepower came from a redesigned exhaust manifold and an increase in throttle body size from 52mm to 60mm.

 

I used a 96 block in place of my 87 and it worked fine. If I were you, I would use the 89 block and put all the 97 stuff on it. You can reuse the head bolts, I've done it a lot over the years and have had good luck. Make sure to use the 97 flexplate and torque convertor. The Renix flexplates are way different.

 

It's frightening how much sh** cruiser knows...

 

The main reason I would swap the head is to maintain all original mounting points and to keep ports alligned.

 

Yes , cruiser knows his sh** along with a bunch of the regulars!

 

I doubt anybody would notice ~5ish HP difference. My 89 runs with a half dozen later model XJs and can keep up easy, if not even faster.

I can always press my secret "power" switch. hahaha

 

Will the whole engine management system work if i put all of it from 97 motor including manifold on to the 89 motor? And just install it

 

The blocks are nearly identical. The heads are somewhat different, mainly the intake port height and shape. You can bolt your 97 intake on the 89 head and it will work as far as I know. There is less sealing area due to the mismatch also intake flow is interrupted, but it should work. I personally would go the extra mile to swap heads for a better chance of a reliable intake seal and possibly a little more power.

 

YES!