Questions about ZJ and WJ V8's

[StingerdavTJ]

I am a big ZJ/WJ fan and I know how Cheap feels about the 5.2, but what you do guys think about the 5.9 and the 4.7? Do you know anything about reliability on either of them?

[JeepXJClassic]

they are very reliable and provide lots of horsepower and torque, but if you are using them offroad i would reccomend a new 3 core radiator, 180 degeree thermostat and a dual electric cooling fan setup, that way you wont be stranded on the trail with a burnin engine, the 4.7 shoudl be fine but you would want that stuff with a 5.9

[SaharaMike]

here's my thought on the 5.9 v8...sometimes there IS such a thing as too much engine

[SpyderXJ]

Why do you think the 5.9 is too much engine? Although I've never driven one, I don't think it's too powerful. Just because the power is there doesn't mean you have to use it. I think it's especially appropraite when you couple it will full-time 4wd.

[StingerdavTJ]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he was saying size-wise that it is too much engine, not power-wise. He is just saying there is too much engine for the hole that is available in the ZJ's front end.

[Cotter_v2.0]

Size Matters????

Moving on.....both the 5.2 and 5.9 do seem a bit "stuffed".......and with my experience with the 5.2....for hard core wheelin'....you'd prolly want to do a thing or two to it to help with the cooling....elec fan, etc....

P-

[SaharaMike]

Originally posted by StingerdavZJ:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he was saying size-wise that it is too much engine, not power-wise. He is just saying there is too much engine for the hole that is available in the ZJ's front end.Yep, pretty much - plus the 5.9 is a pig on gas...why bother?! If you want a great v-8 engine: the 4.7 is my fav. graemlins/icon_bowdown.gif

[FLAXJ]

Guys, if the 5.9 is "too much engine" based on size...then so is the 5.2. Last time i checked they were the same block, ie same outer dimensions. And as far as power, the 4.7 HO has the same HP numbers as the 5.9. The 4.7 is just a better designed engine, while the old 360 has the history and aftermarket support. If I were looking for a v8 I'd do the 4.7.

[Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com]

I have yet to see long-term reliability reports on the 4.7 so I haven't really made up my mind on that one.

Mopar 318s (5.2) are junk, but the 360s (5.9) rock.

You are right though, as far as eating gas, the 5.9 is a hog, even with MPFI and all those technological advancements.

The 4.7 seems to be a good motor, but I'll stick with my 4.0L.. if i want 4.7L, i'll stroke the 4.0 icon_smile_wink.gif

[generalP]

We've got about 63k on a 4.7, with no engine problems thus far. Great engine in my opinion.

[XJ Fanatic]

lol i got three times that on my 4.0l

[rogzylla]

Had a 76 Ramcharger. FT 4X4 318.
Rebuilt it with a butt load of MoPar Perf stuff from Summit.
Went another 300,000 miles, 13-16 mpg. Lots of power.
Sold it 3 years ago to a local to buy my XJ. Still rocks!
318 340 360 are all GREAT motors, just like everything else, you gotta take care of it.

[SaharaMike]

Originally posted by FLAXJ:
Guys, if the 5.9 is "too much engine" based on size...then so is the 5.2. Last time i checked they were the same block, ie same outer dimensions. I did not know that

[ct90YJ]

We have a 5.9 in a Durango...goes like a bat outta hell, nice engine, it's a 1999 with almost 60K on the ticker, runs great...and yes it's a gas pig

and it's plenty big on the inside icon_smile_wink.gif

[ January 14, 2003, 02:05 PM: Message edited by: ct90YJ ]

[XJ4ME]

Originally posted by SaharaMike:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by FLAXJ:
Guys, if the 5.9 is "too much engine" based on size...then so is the 5.2. Last time i checked they were the same block, ie same outer dimensions. I did not know that </font>[/QUOTE]well now you know icon_smile_wink.gif see you will always learn something new here always graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/jeepincom2.gif graemlins/werdsign.gif graemlins/icon_beerchug.gif

[SaharaMike]

trrrrrrrrrruuuuuuue! icon_shades.gif

[Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com]

Originally posted by rogzylla:
Had a 76 Ramcharger. FT 4X4 318.
Rebuilt it with a butt load of MoPar Perf stuff from Summit.
Went another 300,000 miles, 13-16 mpg. Lots of power.
Sold it 3 years ago to a local to buy my XJ. Still rocks!
318 340 360 are all GREAT motors, just like everything else, you gotta take care of it. what all did you replace.. or modify for that matter? and how the FAWK did you get 13-16mpg out of that? did it have the holley 2 barrel?

[Dennis]

Originally posted by SaharaMike:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by FLAXJ:
Guys, if the 5.9 is "too much engine" based on size...then so is the 5.2. Last time i checked they were the same block, ie same outer dimensions. I did not know that </font>[/QUOTE]The size of the engine in the little hole matters because it is harder to get around it when working on it. Even if you don't do it yourself, the shop book is going to say things take longer, so you are going to pay more for maintaniance and repairs

[Steve95ZJ]

Originally posted by SaharaMike:
here's my thought on the 5.9 v8...sometimes there IS such a thing as too much engine no way man, never. I think everyone here knows I'm getting the 98 5.9 ZJ later this year, so I'll ley ya know how it is icon_smile_wink.gif . Can't wait, so much to do, so many upgrades. Makes me all warm and fuzzy inside just thinking about it. graemlins/grinyes.gif icon_shades.gif graemlins/icon_beerchug.gif

[Dennis]

It is still a LOT of additional weight up front for not a huge power increase. I only see it as a real advantage for towing.

[Steve95ZJ]

Originally posted by Dennis:
It is still a LOT of additional weight up front for not a huge power increase. I only see it as a real advantage for towing. Little confused, if its the same block as the 5.2 and the same size, it's not going to be that much more wieght than the 5.2, like I have now. Not seeing where all the extra wieght is coming from.

[Dennis]

Sorry, I meant all the V-8's available in the Grand Cherokees. I guess it is good for Highway running except for the milage, but don't see a real off-road advantage.

[SaharaMike]

One of my buddies from way back in the day has a brother who just recently got the 5.9 ZJ - sick truck...it hauls serious a--...........hope you have a gas card with a nice big credit limit graemlins/grinyes.gif