hello, I have a 01' 4.0 S type with a rod out the side of the block. I am researching replacement motors, blocks, ect and I keep running across a VIN reference that the 8th digit VIN change between a "D" and a "P" means the engines are not interchangable.
The only information I have found on the forum is that there may have been a flex-plate / torque converter change sometime in 01' .

Can anyone confirm this, and are there any other engine changes between the "D" VIn and the "P" VIN ?


thanks !

 

I believe there is a VIN cut off sometime within the 2001 MY (not sure) Research used engines on EBay - the info you need to reference is the last 6 of your VIN (LXXXXX) to be 100% sure. The engine you need would have a "P" as the 8th digit of the VIN.

Do not plan on installing a 4.0 from a XJ8 - is not comparable.

Be wary with these used engines - they are essentially "ticking time bombs" unless tensioners/guide rails are changed out, otherwise you'll be wasting your $ Look to spend minimum $1,200 (I'm being optimistic - cost will be actually higher) and up for a used high mileage engine w/ NO guarantees...

 

thanks Abonano, my goal is to get a time bomb that hasn't exploded yet for a resonably low proce and then rebuild it before swapping it in.
I am just wary of the VIN change as i don't know what it means with regards to the motor changes.

 

If you do get a used engine - just have the tensioners and chains/guide rails changed out. Much easier job when the engine is out. That should give you good life out of the engine for sure.