Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Swap Compatibility Chart

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

When you are a Jeeper who loves to swap out engines, you need to know what will fit in your Jeep. Here is a compatibility chart for Jeep Grand Cherokee engine swaps.

Peculiarities of Jeep Grand Cherokee Engines

With so many options from different years of manufacture, we decided to explain the peculiarities of the Jeep cars with 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Grand Cherokee luxury SUV is not only built to handle any season but also designed to turn heads with its sleek exterior. If you're unaware of what this vehicle offers, be prepared to be blown away. It has a maximum towing capability of 7,200 pounds and an impressive V8 engine that produces 707 horsepower! There's definitely an engine option available for everyone - no matter how you want to travel.

3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine:

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is standard on all 2020 Grand Cherokee trim levels, except the Trailhawk, SRT and Trackhawk. This engine delivers a comfortable ride with 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It also has a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. With this engine, you'll get an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

5.7L HEMI V8 Engine:

Outfitted with a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, this SUV was designed for strength and solid performance you can rely on. Don't be afraid to invite your friends or family along for the ride either - with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque under its belt, this vehicle can tow up to 7,200 pounds easily.

6.4L SRT V8 Engine:

With a 6.4L HEMI V8 under the hood, the sportier Grand Cherokee SRT is designed for drivers who want an exhilarating experience. It produces 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, so you can take control of any situation. The sound of acceleration from the SRT V8 will thrill you as soon as you start driving down the road. It also has a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds.

Supercharged 6.2L V8 Engine:

For drivers who need power, the Grand Cherokee equips its Trackhawk trim with a V8. Supercharged, responsive, and powerful, the 6.2L V8 was built for speed. Enjoy pure unadulterated performance, as it delivers 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. Besides, this engine provides a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Swap Compatibility List

So, here are what Jeep engines will fit in your Jeep Grand Cherokee.

1987-1990 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4.0L

Renix motors can be used in 87-90 4.0L vehicles by relocating temp senders to the thermostat housing from HO motors. However, it is not recommended to use 00-01 models because of their less reliable heads.

All other Renix accessories will work for 91-01 XJ, 93-98 ZJ,91 -95 YJ, and 9799 TJ model convertibles. The 0331 model is not as bad as people assume, although we frequently see scrap Jeeps. Most likely, if we get a 0331 head Jeep in with a cracked head, more than half of the high mileage 00-01 ones have this issue.

1991-1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4.0L

87-90 XJ - This Jeep has a Renix motor and lower power output. We do not recommend this model. 91-01 XJ, 93-98 ZJ, 91-95 YJ, 97-99 TJ (The 0331 head on the 00 TX can have issues)

2000-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4.0L

00-01 XJ. You can also use 91-01 XJ, 93-98 ZJ, 91-95 YJ, and 97-99 TJ engines if you purchase separate coil pack adapter brackets. The 00-01 is a coil pack motor and earlier engines do not have mounting provisions. However, it would be cheaper and easier to just find the correct 00-01 motor.

93-98 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ 4.0L

The 87-90 XJ is equipped with a Renix motor, which has lower power output and is not recommended. The 91-01 XJ, 93-98 ZJ, 91-95 YJ, and 97-99 TJ all have 0331 head issues that should be considered when making a purchase (see the 87=90 XJ section for more information).

99-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 4.0L

Although all 2002 and up WJ and TJ models have TUPY heads, it is recommended that you get a model from 02 or later to avoid the cracking problems associated with 0331 heads.

1991-1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ

The 87-90 XJ models have a Renix motor, which output is lower and not recommended. The 91-01 XJ, 93-98 ZJ, 91-95 YJ, 97-99 TJ (read the 87_90 XJ section before this about 0331 head issues on 00_01 XJ)

1997-1999 Jeep Wrangler TJ/LJ

If you have an 87-90 XJ, it has a Renix motor. These models had lower power output and aren't recommended. 91-01 XJs, as well as 93-98 ZJs and 91-95 YJs, use a 0331 head (which can experience issues on 00-01 Xjs). 97-99 TJs also read the 87=90 section above.

2000-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ/LJ

The 0331 heads on 99-04 WJs and 00-06 TJs are known to crack, so it is recommended that you get a 02+ model with TUPY heads. Of course, these are not only the Jeep Grand Cherokee cars but also the Jeep engines that will fit in your car. So, when you are planning to do an engine swap, consider what model of Jeep you have and what engines are compatible with it.

Conclusion

The Jeep Grand Cherokee engine swap compatibility chart is designed to help you find the right engine for your car. Keep in mind that the chart is only a guide and that it is always best to consult with a professional before making any decisions.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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