Engine Swap

[WiSDoM]

Hello Guys,
I am thinking about an engine/tranny swap for this summer and wanted to go American maybe a small block v8. I don't have the coin for LS*, but would be interested in hear your opinions if any on what you think would be the easiest and best swap to do. It been along time since I have driven the beast. She gave up the ghost in jan. this year. Not driving her is killing me. I would like to gain hp and torque, just not sure which to go Ford, Chevy, or jeep motor. i guess it would be more bang for the buck and ease of swap.

[Gussie2000]

I guess it's time to do a lot of research to find the proper and suitable engine & for the VX.

Going V8 ? what about fuel price ?
Unless isn't your DD it could be Ok to do so.

Another details such as ECU,wiring harness and drivetrain fitness is all to be taken into account. You must have a good bunch of $$$ do get the job done.

I hope you can successfully get it,i also would love to get more power and torque for my horse

[etlsport]

4.0L V8 from an olds aurora will bolt directly to our trans or the rodeo 5 speed trans which still works with our tod transfer case.

[Riff Raff]

4.0L V8 from an olds aurora will bolt directly to our trans or the rodeo 5 speed trans which still works with our tod transfer case.

That sounds like a winning match, EtlSport!!! Although, I'd love to see a classic small block GM family 350 C.I or 400 C.I. be squeezed into a VX cavity. Whatever goes under the hood; it undoubtedly should come from the GM family bloodline, since Isuzu has distinct family ties to GM over the years.

[WiSDoM]

TOD works okay with the 5 speed? I was only getting around 10-15mpg before so I am not sure the mpg can get much worst. I drive about 60m pre day on a lot of back country roads with crazy hills and winding roads. Fun to drive on but a bitch on mpg. I was thinking what ever would be easier and cheaper to of course. I was quoted by two difference shops on rebuilds and used motor replacement and the price range is 3500.00 for just rebuild alone so what is expensive I guess it is all relative. 4.0 would be a good option too.

[WiSDoM]

The tranny we have can't handle more than 275hp right?

[etlsport]

IIrc 285 ft lbs of torque is the limiter. The rodeo 5 speed is much stronger, and yes it was sucessfully used with TOD in a VX

I think the install presented two problems, part or the casing had to be shaved down for clearance under hard acceleration and the check trans fluid light flashes as a shift indicator

[WiSDoM]

I know it is a tall order. I have been looking for a stock chevy eng/tran w/pass. side drop for a while now.

[Gussie2000]

IIrc 285 ft lbs of torque is the limiter. The rodeo 5 speed is much stronger, and yes it was sucessfully used with TOD in a VX

I think the install presented two problems, part or the casing had to be shaved down for clearance under hard acceleration and the check trans fluid light flashes as a shift indicator

What about the wiring harness & the ECU eric ?

Is all 100% compatible with that engine or requires additional mods ?

According to the 2001 aurora the engine handles 250 hp @ 5600rpm. Torque is 260 @ 4400rpms.

Does anyone knows how much $$$ that engine cost ?

[etlsport]

I would presume the ecu would have to be swapped as well, thats why I mentioned the rodeo 5speed, less computer control necessary

[Riff Raff]

Does anyone knows how much $$$ that engine cost ?

Do a search on eBay for 4.0L Olds Aurora V-8 engne pricing. You may be pleasently surprised at just how inexpensive that 250HP engine really is.

If it's an uncomplicated swap, it may be a much better choice than rebuilding/replacing with the OEM 3.5 engine. I don't know, but I hope somebody tries the Aurora 4.0L swap-out someday to determine its compatibility with the VX and gives a report here on the forum.

[Gussie2000]

Do a search on eBay for 4.0L Olds Aurora V-8 engne pricing. You may be pleasently surprised at just how inexpensive that 250HP engine really is.

If it's an uncomplicated swap, it may be a much better choice than rebuilding/replacing with the OEM 3.5 engine. I don't know, but I hope somebody tries the Aurora 4.0L swap-out someday to determine its compatibility with the VX and gives a report here on the forum.

If i can gather the right info i can look into this.
I just saw a 4.0L engine for under $ 600.00 with 83,000 miles,not bad considering it comes from a 2001 model.

[SilverBullet75]

I had considered buying a wrecked Corvette and removing the entire VX drivetrain and replacing with all Vette front to back... with some modding of course. But, would the time and money be worth it? Not sure (for me). I'd almost rather buy a Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

[Grif]

I did a search too, on ebay. One for approx $2100 or so.

According to wikipedia there was also a twin turbo version of that engine producing some ungodly amount of HP. That one would prolly never fit, but the core was the same 4.0l.

[Gussie2000]

I did a search too, on ebay. One for approx $2100 or so.

According to wikipedia there was also a twin turbo version of that engine producing some ungodly amount of HP. That one would prolly never fit, but the core was the same 4.0l.

I saw that one too.

But with fuel prices heading up an V8 it's kind of scary