i was planning on swapping engines soon, and wanted to know the biggest engine size that could fit. I know why swap motors in a 93 when you could buy a newer cherokee with the engine I want. The thing is i got my '93 for free and the body and everything else is in great shape, plus i kinda like how i got things set up in it. Think I could fit a 6.1L SRT HEMI V8? or how about the 5.7L V8 HEMI w/MDS?

If I have my history correct the 93's were initially 4.0 liter with AW4 transmission. Second half of the year they switched to the 42re and I think thats' when they also started building them with the 5.2 V8. Those were the only motors until 98 when they added the 5.9 V8 and that was the only year for the 5.9.

Back in the day you might have been able to shoehorn some crazy big piece of motor in there and make it run but these days with EFI and computers running the whole damn thing you are talking nightmare. Every motor has it's own computer and every model year has a different computer also because little things change. You don't have a chance with a motor not designed to go in one of these vehicles because it's PCM isn't designed to interface with all the other parts of your Jeep.

BUT you could have a hell of a lot of fun building a 4.0 stroker.

so even with adapters and such its not possible because of pcm issues, dang. my original idea was to go with a stroker, but then I figured should I drop a bigger engine in? would the '98 5.9 v8 fit? i guess the question I should ask is what is the largest most compatible engine i could fit w/o issues? I'll stroke the 4.0 as a last resort.

What do you have in it now? If you have the 4.0 you can go with something like this.
http://www.golenengineservice.com/html/jeep_off-road.html
They have a very good reputation. Or you can swap in a 5.2/5.9. It's not too bad. You need the correct ECU/PCM, motor mounts, wiring harness, and various hoses. You will also need a new transmission. The AW4/42rh will not work with the V8. If you have the cash, this would be nice. :-)
http://www.krcperformance.com/krc/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=166&category_id=77&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26

Another suggestion is use an older engine with a carb on it and do away completely with all electronic stuff. Friend of mine did that with his cherokee when he dropped in a '83 model 5.9L. Took him a while to get everything straightened out though. On the GC it might be a little more difficult cause just about everything is electronic including the gauges for your dash and since a transmission swap would be required go to an older model truck that used mechanical gears for speedo. If you wanted to take the time, money, and the headaches that are going to follow, ANY small block engine will work, old saying I always heard: if you have money, time, patience, cutting torch, and a welder you can make anything work. Even a Chevy SB 400 will fit then.

My personal opinion, rebuild the 4.0 and keep what you have or trade off for something with the HP you what.

alright I think I got it figured out. I'm either going with the '96 5.2 or 5.9 V8. what type of transmission am I looking at? also to make a '96 ecm and engine compatible with my 1993 gcl do I have to add other things?