Just picked up a 2001 XJ8 and need to replace the motor. I would like to do it out the top w/o the Trans. Does anyone know if I can do this?

 

Yes they're designed to be replaced. I'm taking one out with trans this week. remove all coolant hoses, disconnect the induction, disconnect the engine to ecu loom. Underneath, you can locate 2 bungs under the front subframe they bolt to the engine mounts, if you can undo them (I've had them seized) you're on the home stretch.

 

Yes you can leave trans in the car the o2 sensor electrical connectors and unbolting the cats i think are the worst part.Dont mix up the o2 sensor connectors when reinstalling motor.

 

Thanks for the help! I got the engine out late last night. My biggest challenges were:
1. the AC lines that go between the exhaust manifold flange and the rear engine flange. They kept wanting to catch on the exhaust manifold flange as I raised the engine.
2. My next big problem was not being able to get at the bolts connecting the torq converter to the flywheel. The engine is seized so I couldn't rotate it to get at these bolts.

 

How did it go installing the replacement engine? Any unexpected problems? Has it run well since? Please give those of us who are curious an update. Thanks.