GM 5.3 into AMC Eagle

[Zoro]

Been doing a lot of reading on the GM 5.3 swaps that seem to be so popular as of late and got to thinking...Anybody here ever swap a GM 5.3 and 4l60e into an Eagle? Is the unit body construction of the Eagle even able to handle such a swap? It's a bit past overkill but I think that the Eagle with that drive-train could probably average 25+ MPG all day long without batting an eye and have plenty of power to spare.

What do you guys think?

[shaggimo]

Could be be a worthy swap. There's a few cheokees rolling around with ls engines.  They're becoming plentiful in junkyards, good aftermarket support, lightweight versions, multiple oil pan configurations, you can even toss a carburetor on if you like. Extra bracing would likely be needed, a light foot would likely be needed in 4wd as to not tear up the front end. Would I personally go this route? Not likely, the ls engines are expensive if something goes wrong, you have to pick your donor very carefully, there are some known bad seed ls's out there. I wouldn't attempt this swap without a complete running/driving donor, it would save lots of money in the long run (IE pick up a totaled out truck). On the other hand, I like do the idea, so don't get me wrong, lol.

[Zoro]

Didn't know you could carb the GENIII SBC. I've found a few places online that sell turn key motors w/wiring harness for under $2k...I bet a performance built 6.0 in an Sx4 would make for one helluva car!

[shaggimo]

That it would, lol, GM performance sells the intakes to install a carb (holley and edelbrock may too by now), hefty price, but pretty cool, imo.

[amcinstaller]

shaggimo would find a way to carb anything 

[Sunny]

Every person I know who has done a 5.3 swap always wishes they went with a bigger LS motor. Something
However it's usually a performance application. You don't want to go too powerful or you will start to go through front and rear differentials pretty often. For that reason a 5.3 is a good option. Still enough power to do some drivetrain damage.

[eaglefreek]

I've also, thought about a 5.3 swap. I would use a 700R instead of the electrically controlled 4L60E. I read on another forum that a Chevy NP241c input shaft will swap into a NP249J and blot right up to the 700R. I've also read that people swap the NP249 input with an NP242, so I would assume the NP241c input would go into the NP242 case and alow it to bolt up to the Chevy transmission. If I were to do it, a solid axle swap would happen at the same time. I would think the front axle could handle it as long as you don't beat the snot out of it on the road. The rally SX4 had a 401 with the stock IFS front axle.

[Zoro]

I've also, thought about a 5.3 swap. I would use a 700R instead of the electrically controlled 4L60E. I read on another forum that a Chevy NP241c input shaft will swap into a NP249J and blot right up to the 700R. I've also read that people swap the NP249 input with an NP242, so I would assume the NP241c input would go into the NP242 case and alow it to bolt up to the Chevy transmission. If I were to do it, a solid axle swap would happen at the same time. I would think the front axle could handle it as long as you don't beat the snot out of it on the road. The rally SX4 had a 401 with the stock IFS front axle.

I've heard the same thing as far as transfer cases go. The 700R4 and 4L60e can be made to bolt up to the NP229/NP129 but I don't know how much power they can handle, is that what they used in the rally Eagles?

I'd keep an eye out for an XJ D44 rear end and regear it. I'm sure there's gotta be a way to beef up the front end somehow. Man you guys are really making me want to do this now LOL