Howell EFI Kit vs. 4.0L Swap??

[Tom Jacobson]

OK...need some help getting off the fence on this decision.

The pros to the Howell are obviously that it's the most straight-forward approach. Just call 'em up and order the kit. Two concerns I'd need to address are the availability of adaptor plate to mount it to my 4BBL intake (Offenhauser) and whether an EGR is required to make the Howell function. Also a good thing - my motor was just rebuilt about 5yrs ago, so I know it's in good shape.

But I'm concerned that the Howell upgrade will not be a sufficient cost vs. improvement investment. The kit is ~$1200, and I don't know if I can install myself, or should just have an expert do it. The 4.2L is a low HP engine to start, and adding the Howell...will it really make much HP difference???

On the other hand, a 4.0L engine swap would get me the FI performance I need, plus plenty of HP to satisfy (for at least a decent period of time). It should bolt right to my tranny (TF-999 3spd auto), right? Question here is...where to find a donor engine and wiring kit? Haven't seen anything on the local boards. Pirate has/had one from a 2000TJ for $500 somewhere in Cali...claims to have run great but has 118K mi on it or something. Assuming I find a suitable engine/harness...what would someone expect to pay for the install? This one I will not do myself...just not enough time/knowledge to mess with it. Want to spend my time wheeling more than wrenching nowadays, although I know that means more out of pocket $$.

Any thoughts/recommendations from those of you that have done either swap/install???

Tom

[xFallen]

Seriously, for that kind of coin I would rather see you with the venerable SBC. Parts abound, both in the after market and in Farmer Joe's field in the middle of the boonies. They are all over the place. If you can think it, it exists. Not much heavier than the I-6 and stronger in every way than any of those options listed. You can get running Vortec truck motors pretty cheap in the grand scheme of things and end up with a powerful workhorse that is very streetable on any grade of fuel.

[AZXJ]

Chevy V8 adapter for the 999... Whala!!! :D

[Tom Jacobson]

Cost for V8 swap increases too much when the new front axle required is factored in!

[xFallen]

Cost for V8 swap increases too much when the new front axle required is factored in!

You need to upgrade that axle anyway.

If you go with the V8 and an auto and moderate the throttle accordingly until you can upgrade that axle, I bet it would be cheaper in the long haul.

The 999 adapter idea is a good one (Wilcap, Advance Adapters, Novak) and there's a couple others Todd can probably dig up.

[Keith Haw]

If not the SBC what about a 4.3? Better horsepower than the 4.2 you have but not so much that your front axle will be a problem.
Keith

[Crawldad]

I had a 90' wrangler with a 258. The carbuerator was a big problem. So
I bought a 4.0 w/computer & wiring harness off ebay for like $550. I thought I got a great deal. Then add in shipping from Florida +$300, gas tank, instrument cluster + numerus other parts I can't even remember. Umpteen trips to AMC4X4 + install $750, a friend did that. It didn't seem like such a great deal anymore. The 4.0 was a big improvement over the carb'ed 4.2.
But in hindsight, I probally could of done a SBC for the same $.

[TRLR8TDTJ]

Guess I will suggest it over here also. Propane anyone? Wont have to make burritos on engine anymore. Burger time:)

Kyle

[Hackle]

As I have an 89 YJ I used to have the 4.2 and I looked at all the add on injection systems but 130,000 on the engine I did not feel it was worth it. I went to AMC and got a 98 4.0 with 50,000, I bought a wiring harness for a 95 4.0 and swapped all the sensors. I changed the 98 to an OB1 system as it was easier. It runs great and I installed it myself in a week (after work and a Sat.). The swap was very easy and in total I spent $2200.00. I kept track and that included all the little parts and peices. I am very happy with the change and it has been 4 years. HTH