I'm debating the v-6 or a v-8. The v-8 that keeps coming to mind is a 4.6 out of a cobra mustang. I used to have one and it's got some pep. The only thing is that it's a big ass engine, although it's all aluminum. So weight it's as much an issue. I just wonder how much of a pain in the Arse it will be. Hence the v-6 swap keeps coming to mind, plus they are already in 4x4's.

How much power do you want is really the question here.

I'll take an inline engine over a V-6 any day of the week and twice on Sunday. In fact, I'd spend the coin to build the I-6 to have as much torque as a V-8 and call it a day.

Or do a stock 4.3L that makes more torque and HP then a stock 4.0L, and it matches RPM for RPM across the power band doing it? Not as long, not as heavy, and not as tall at the same time. :)
Let's not even get in to cost of buying the things, mating to desirable trannies, and having pound for pound more power upgrades available? :eek:
Oh, there are more options to stroke the 4.0L though since there's only 1 for the 4.3L... But that does make 320 HP and 350 lb/ft if you do it. :no:

ok, ok, yes you have to do some work to the 4.0 to make 300 ft-lb, but I'd venture a guess that dollar for dollar you can build a better 4.? I-6 than the cost of swapping in a freshly built 4.3... I guess it all depends on if you are keeping whatever tranny you have or if you're assuming that has to go as well...

The most common thing I run into when having this discussion is that people do not start with the same basis. Usually the argument is: "But I found a junkyard engine/trans for $800, and the other stuff I need is only maybe another $400..." Ok, so now you have a junkyard engine with a worn out tranny and I have a freshly built motor.

Like I say, it depends on what the total project entails...

To simply say that a 4.3L is better than a I-6 swap (when comparing versus a V-8) is a bit elusive since they are solutions to totally different problems...

And if we're throwing dollar signs aside and just going for broke, I'll take an aluminum V-8 over a cast iron any-6, any day of the week and twice on Sunday :D

And if we're throwing dollar signs aside and just going for broke, I'll take an aluminum V-8 over a cast iron any-6, any day of the week and twice on Sunday :D

Now you're talking :)

4.6 out of a cobra is a _really_ big motor. (I have one where it belongs - in a Cobra :8 ) You would have issues trying to shoehorn that thing in a SWB jeep of any year would be my $.02. Also, depending on what you want to do, it might not be the right motor for a jeep anyhow. Power is way up in the RPM band, sure it has some low end grunt - but not I would want for the cost/benefit ratio of stickin' it in a Jeep. Now, if your looking to blast through the dunes mostly - well then it'd be a pretty fun choice (if you could ever make it fit).