Big Block in 89 YJ

campbellmc73

campbellmc73

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Gainesville, GA
what's the largest V8 that you think will fit in the engine bay of an 89YJ? My brother just gave me a 454 and seems like something crazy to do so looking at the options.
thanks
Mark
 
Will it fit? Probably. It will be very, very tight. You'll likely run into clearance issues with your accessories (A/C components, power steering pump, alternator, etc.) steering components, exhaust, firewall, etc. The engine is longer, wider, and heavier compared to a SBC. Keep in mind that there is less aftermarket support on things such as headers, engine mounts, adapters, and such for BBC's into a YJ as well. You may be able to get off the shelf parts, such as our engine mounts, and modify them to work for the BBC rather than fab your own. We don't currently offer any mounts for that swap. Of course, if you're an experienced fab guy you've got it no problem.

It's been done before, so the short answer is yes it can. It's up to you to decide if the free engine is worth the additional time, labor, and potential costs.

Best of luck whichever way you decide to go! Feel free to reach out with questions and we will help where we can.

-Dustin
 
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NovakConversions said:
Will it fit? Probably. It will be very, very tight. You'll likely run into clearance issues with your accessories (A/C components, power steering pump, alternator, etc.) steering components, exhaust, firewall, etc. The engine is longer, wider, and heavier compared to a SBC. Keep in mind that there is less aftermarket support on things such as headers, engine mounts, adapters, and such for BBC's into a YJ as well. You may be able to get off the shelf parts, such as our engine mounts, and modify them to work for the BBC rather than fab your own. We don't currently offer any mounts for that swap. Of course, if you're an experienced fab guy you've got it no problem.

It's been done before, so the short answer is yes it can. It's up to you to decide if the free engine is worth the additional time, labor, and potential costs.

Best of luck whichever way you decide to go! Feel free to reach out with questions and we will help where we can.

-Dustin
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I agree 100 percent, I did one in a 93 yj, clearance, what clearance?
A small block would be better, with a efi ste up. Novak has all the goodies you need to make it happen. Also with the big block you will have to beef up you front suspension. Good luck
 
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