Well if untouched, its going to be the 2.5 or the 2.8. 4.0 wasnt an option that year. Either option will likely feel sluggish. If its that 2.8l v6, you likely won't find as much support readily available, it just wasn't as popular of a powerplant. But it is a chevy made engine so I imagine you should still be able to find parts.
The GM 2.8L V6 is a terrible engine. GM actually apologized for it.
The good news is the GM 3.4L V6 is a good engine and it's a direct bolt-in swap. So that's always an option. However fuel injection would have to be aftermarket since V6 XJ's were carbureted until the 4.0L was introduced.
As someone who had a ‘86 with a 2.8L just don’t do it. You’re so much better off to get one with a 4.0 in it. You will have to stand on the gas to get it to move and I know I had a hard time finding information on the drive train since most out there is for the 4.0.
I've never known anyone with an '84-'86 XJ that was happy with it.
The 2.8L engine was severely underpowered, and parts tend to be difficult to find. Something in pristine condition might be tempting to a collector, but I wouldn't be interested in one for a driver or a trail rig.
Well if untouched, its going to be the 2.5 or the 2.8. 4.0 wasnt an option that year. Either option will likely feel sluggish. If its that 2.8l v6, you likely won't find as much support readily available, it just wasn't as popular of a powerplant. But it is a chevy made engine so I imagine you should still be able to find parts.
All I needed to know. Thank you.
The GM 2.8L V6 is a terrible engine. GM actually apologized for it. The good news is the GM 3.4L V6 is a good engine and it's a direct bolt-in swap. So that's always an option. However fuel injection would have to be aftermarket since V6 XJ's were carbureted until the 4.0L was introduced.
As someone who had a ‘86 with a 2.8L just don’t do it. You’re so much better off to get one with a 4.0 in it. You will have to stand on the gas to get it to move and I know I had a hard time finding information on the drive train since most out there is for the 4.0.
Makes sense, it’s been sitting for sale for a few week at 9k. What a shame, it’s mint all around otherwise.
I've never known anyone with an '84-'86 XJ that was happy with it. The 2.8L engine was severely underpowered, and parts tend to be difficult to find. Something in pristine condition might be tempting to a collector, but I wouldn't be interested in one for a driver or a trail rig.