2002 5.3 V8 in YJ

[2000roo]

After 8 months and 5700.00 and countless hours of fitting and fab work I finally got it running down the road. The guys at Novak Conversions are extremely helpful. Ken Brown and Eric are the guys to talk to. My knowledge is basic, I can change a motor and do basic mechanical stuff. This one was a blast to do and at 5700.00 it wasn't that expensive. I have a spread sheet that I will try and post so you can see what all I had to buy. I have pictures but I don't know how to post them. It fits the engine compartment like it belongs there. You just need a welder to weld the motor mounts in and it's down hill from there. I can even tell you where to put the mounts so you don't have to modify where the shifter comes through the floor. Waiting on the custom rear drive shaft and I am going wheeling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!8)

 

[2000roo]

I put a picture in my gallery.

 

[jps4jeep]

congrats, price sounds about right for the swap when using off the shelf components.

What transmission are you running?

 

[2000roo]

I am running the ax-15. It should hold up for a while then I plan to run the 4l60e.

 

[jps4jeep]

Ya, that trans might be short lived.

700R4 might be easier swap, no computer to worry about, same trans, just one is computer controled and the other is not.

 

[OffRoadzDezertRatz]

I was wondering why it cost so much? I have a custom built 1988 Wrangler & I am looking to put my 5.3L High output motor & 4ll60E Transmission in my jeep, did the money you spend include the purchase of motor & transmission?

 

[jps4jeep]

Most likely, plus he mentioned Novak, nothing cheap about using off the shelf components. Plus Novak (and advance) are really niche parts providers and will charge a premium. I've done plenty of engine swaps including a bunch of 5.3 with a 700r4 and the cheapest we got it was about $1500 for everything soup to nuts, not including labor because I do not charge myself. But that is with a lot of hand made parts like motor mounts, transmission mounts, used t-case adapter, pinning out our own harness, making our own fuel pick ups with walbro's, etc..

you can save money by not paying
$500-800 for transmission and motor mount kit
$900-1500 for custom wiring harness
$200 for fuel system
unknown $$ for random adapts (v8 to ax 15 or 4l60e to np 231)


Also the motor's initial cost can vary. I have a friend in the wrecking yard that pulls motors and I can generally get a 5.3 with ECM and harness for about $500-700 with no trans. for simplicity of wiring, I prefer to run a 700r4 over the 4l60e, they are identical trans as I mentioned, one is just computer controled, which for fuel efficiency is great, but for beating on the trail can be over kill. also running a VSS np241 that is a direct bolt up can save money.

 

[metaldave81]

Looking to find the right flywheel, clutch, starter and throw out bearing for the same swap. Can anybody help?