Generally, I'm partial to the 87+ XJ's with the 4.0. They are getting very hard to find under 200,000 miles in my area for a reasonable price. I've got a lead on an 85 with the 4cyl, manual. I know the 84-86 was terrible with the 6 (2.8 chev POS), but besides low on power, how was the 4cyl? This will be a trail rig, but will need to be driven to legal-wheeling areas. I intend to go with a 4" lift and 32's. Is it as reliable as the 2.5L that was in my
89 Wrangler?Carl
Afaik, the main difference was TBI* versus MPI**. The '85 will have TBI. It would be similar to the 2.5 that was in your '89, except for that. I used to have an '85 Chevy S10 with the 2.8. I believe that it had the same amount of power as my 2.5 liter Wrangler, or maybe a little bit less. Now I don't know that the MPI represents a power increase, or just an emissions related change, but if the body is good on the vehicle you are looking at, you might consider fitting it with some newer, possibly recycled, parts and for sure a less restrictive exhaust system.
Earle
*Throttle body (fuel) injection **Multiple point (fuel) injectionMotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.