CJ7/350 chevy conversion

jasonvess · #1 (**permalink**) 06-23-2004, 03:49 AM

well i have been considering a amc 360 transplant or a 350 chevy conversion. I have finally decided to go with the chevy. I have found a 94 caprice classic police car with a roller fuel injected 350 v-8 in it. decent miles on it, recently had $1500 in work done to the heads. it is being retired. i have placed a bid on it for 500 and won, then sold the trans for 250 and the body for another 250. SO basically it is costing me nothing but the tear down time.

Here is my question i have swapped motors, trans, before with no problem, i have built my jeep almost from the ground up, but i have been told this swap is a real pain in the A**. SO what is everyone's opinon on this.

I know i will need an advance adapter for the trans which is a t176, some weld in motor mounts, a different radiator, electric fuel pump, electric fan, and a bunch of patience for the fuel injection and wiring, but anything else? what about the clutch, driveshafts?

I have read on a website on the internet that this conversion moves the trans back several inches shortening the driveshaft, and you have to cut a hole in the firewall for the distributor, and there is hood clearance problems, i think this web sight i was on is wrong, i wouldn't think i would have all these problems as long as you install the motor correctly, and in the right place.

let me know you opinions

Junkpile · #2 (**permalink**) 06-23-2004, 09:48 PM

That's the same engine I have in my 80 Camaro. Mine is out of a 92 Caprice. That roller cam engine is nice and they will hold one hell of a camshaft using the factory lifters, which is the most expensive part of running a roller camshaft. Check the head casting number after you get it, if they are the 193s then a cylinder head swap is the FIRST mod to do if you're going to build it. With some nice heads, induction system work, and the GMPP HOT cam-kit that engine can easily crank out over 400hp at a reasonable rpm, and still be mild enough to be driven daily without any drama.

I'd rather see you running the AMC, but you can't go wrong with the Chevrolet. Just call Advance Adapters with all the technical info about your Jeep and the engine you intend to use and they will tell you everything you need to know. The Novak website has alot of info too.

jeepinstien · #3 (**permalink**) 06-23-2004, 09:51 PM

Check howell engine development for the computer and harness. They have alot of conversion kits.

Joey-T · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2004, 01:11 PM

Well, my neighbor has a CJ-7. He is 20 with limited auto knowledge, and the guy that helped him is one of those "know-it-alls" who likes to rig things rather than do it right (I know, I spent some time undoing alot of his handiwork). If these two can do a Chevy conversion, I know you can!

They used an early 80's 350, so it was carbureted. They used mounts and adapters from Advance. There were no distributor clearance issues, and no driveshaft mods. He does have a TorqueFlight auto in his, so yours might be different.

One word of advice- DO get the conversion radiator! My neighbor's bonehead friend used the factory radiator and spliced two lower hoses together running under the balancer. The thing leaks fluid everywhere he goes. I finally talked him into the right radiator.

jasonvess · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2004, 04:02 AM

OK, would i be better off using the chevy trans and transfer case in it, or the t4 and dana 300. Has anybody done this, how does it work?

Snitty · #6 (**permalink**) 07-07-2004, 11:38 AM

probably better off using the Tcase and trans with the chevy motor... but... a chevy Tcase has a passenger side drop on it... so there would be a problem... if you can get an adapter, you may want to go that route