XJ to XJ block differences

[jeeptech01]

Hi guys I read the block faq and searched a bit but Im unsure. I see that tj and wj blocks arent compatible with XJ and also that the block part numbers changed several times so heres my question. Id like to build up a stroker for my 01 xj but 00-01 cores are hard to find and pricey. I'll be using an aftermarket 0331 head for the build but can I use an older block? IIRC the 96 and up got the webbing and girdle for nvh so will any of the 96-99 motors work? If so what modifications must be made? Thanks in advance.

I was looking at this info and some of the year breaks are confusing

The Jeep 4.0 I6 blocks for our stroker.
Year Casting No
1987-90 53005535
1991-95 53008405
1996-98 53020569
1997-?? 53010341
1999-04 53010449

53010328 (2000+ wrangler/XJ)
53020569 (2000+ Grand Cherokee, some bolt boss and MM differences)

[jeeptech01]

The 1999–2001 Cherokee and 1999 Wrangler got a new block casting 53010449AA and guess what? The filter mounting face is now pointing downward again, just as it always did. Again, there are dowel pin holes in the deck and it uses a stud girdle. It is the first year of production of the new thrust plate design camshaft and associated machining of the block for the retaining bolts, which is what makes it unique.

This is the problem isnt it?? So if I understand this correctly 99-01 Cherokee and 99 Wrangler are the only interchangable blocks or is this a surmountable obstacle?

[Bodo]

I'll be using an aftermarket 0331 head for the build but can I use an older block? IIRC the 96 and up got the webbing and girdle for nvh so will any of the 96-99 motors work? If so what modifications must be made? Thanks in advance.
)

The head bolts right up. I am using a 0331 head on my 97 block. No issues. The block even has the holes for the head dowels.
Come to think of it I think it had dowels when i tore it down. I vaguely remember having to remove them before I decked the block.

All of the HO blocks are basically the same and should be interchangeable for an XJ. The heads were a little different to take the coil rail for the 00 and on XJ.

[jeeptech01]

Ok thanks for the reply. I had seen where the heads were interchangable but I wasnt sure if the engine mounts and oil filter adapter etc would be in the correct place. Really dont want to find out it wont work after building it and trying to drop it in.

[Bodo]

I just checked the computer at work. The motor mount part number is the same through 01.

try this link too: http://www.pera.org/articles/eb40319.htm

[jeeptech01]

Thanks I read that article. That is where the quote came from. It says the blocks are unique which is what is bothering me.

The 1999–2001 Cherokee and 1999 Wrangler got a new block casting 53010449AA and guess what? The filter mounting face is now pointing downward again, just as it always did. Again, there are dowel pin holes in the deck and it uses a stud girdle. It is the first year of production of the new thrust plate design camshaft and associated machining of the block for the retaining bolts, which is what makes it unique.

Thrust plate design camshaft. So will aftermarket camshafts not be compatible with this block?

[SilverXJ]

You can use an older style cam in the newer style cam setup. Delete the cam thrust plate and purchase the washer, bolt, spring and pin for the earlier cam. IIRC the part numbers are in the FAQs.

Also, at least Durabond lists a different cam bearing style for later blocks. Don't use that with the older style cam. Just get cam bearings for, say, a 98 and you will be ok.

[jeeptech01]

Ok thanks for that info. I had seen the button etc for sale on 505's site and wondered why. I guess that explains it. So block mounting points and acc mounting holes are common to 96 and up blocks? Except two pn's it seems.

1996-1998
C/N 3010341, 53010449

Cast iron block, left side has five 2" cast plugs. Second bolt from pan rail on right side of timing cover is a through hole, coil mount bosses lower right front. Basically it is the same as the 1991-'95 blocks except for dowel pins in the deck for head and block alignment. Oil filter mounting on left side of block is pointing downward. Uses long main bolts and stud girdle. Has "NVH" on side to denote block strengthened for "noise, vibration and harshness" reductions (no visible differences).

1998
C/N 53020514, 53020515

Cast iron block, oil filter mounting surface is 90° to pan rail of engine instead of pointing downward. Uses long main bolts and stud girdle. Has 1/8? pipe thread oil tap into main oil line in rear of block. Will retro back with filter kit available from Daimler-Chrysler. Has "NVH" on side to denote block strengthened for "noise, vibration and harshness." Grand Cherokee application.

1999-2006
C/N 53010327AB, 53010328AB

Cast iron block, oil filter mounting surface is 90° to pan rail of engine instead of pointing downward. All kinds of configuration and boss changes with long mounting boss protruding off the lower left of block. Uses long main bolts and stud girdle. Camshaft thrust plate block. Has "NVH" on side to denote block strengthened for "noise, vibration and harshness." No coil pack mount bosses, now mounted on cylinder head.

1999-2001
C/N 53010449AA

Cast iron block, second bolt from pan rail on right side of timing cover is a through hole. Oil filter mounting on left side of block is pointing downward. Uses long main bolts and stud girdle. Basically the same as 1996-1998 except that it is a camshaft thrust plate block. Has "NVH" on side to denote block strengthened for "noise, vibration and harshness."

[jeeptech01]

Sorry