Why would someone put a big V8 into a Jeep Cherokee, well why not!

I just can’t seem to leave well enough alone. I’ve done projects before and it’s been too long since the last one.

This is not going to be an off-road truck, it’s going to be a street/strip truck. A simple formula for great performance, light weight, powerful engine, low gears and traction. This project came about after considering a Chevy Trailblazer SS. The Trailblazer SS was the latest of GMs SUV hotrods. After making a statement with their Tyhoon & Syclones back in the ‘80s, they did it again with the Trailblazer. They put a 390 HP Corvette V8 into the current SUV, gave it some low gears and made available an AWD version. The Trailblazer SS can run the ¼ mile in 14 seconds flat, pretty decent for a 4500 lb truck.

Although the original project plan was to include the same engine, because of the aluminium block and the HP, the cost of a local LS1 engine is in the range of $3500. I’ve obtained a cast block 6.0L engine from a truck. It only produces about 325 HP, but they respond really well to a performance camshaft and intake manifold. The XJ rear end is being swapped out for a Ford Explorer 8.8. These rear ends are very tough and have a great track record. The current 4wd front end is getting replaced with a lighter 2wd front axle.

Project 6.0 LS Cherokee

On it’s way to it’s new home.

It had been sitting for several years after the engine spit its internals out through the side of the block. It has a solid body with next to no rust. It cleaned up very well. The process of removing the busted motor has begun.

All cleaned up and waiting for the donor to give up its engine.

This project will be moving slow as I am in the tail end of a Mustang supercharger install. Found some issues with the transmission that need to be dealt with.

Updates will follow as they occur.

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It desperately needed cleaning! After 3 days of washing, several times overs, it came out looking not too bad.