v8 swap !! need help starting a project..
- Thread starter mxkid
- Start date
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
I wouldn't think that makes them any cheaper, the jeep's wiring harness nor the transmission will work with those engines. Both are good engines but may cost a bit more to get into than your typical smallblock Chevy.
yeah but being they were "factory" in another Jeep product I would think that it would make them a "closer" sswap. Mounts are gonna have to be welded to the frame regardless but injector plugs, sensor plugs computer plugs etc are more likely to directly swap out with the "right" stuff for both the Jeep itsel;f and the engine; and being that they used the same transmissions (other than the casting itself; I know the bellhousing pattern is different)
but the same model trans can be found that will work with a Small block; it will be the same length so driveshafts would match up, the T case would mount up in the same spot, and the same one could be used, as with the 4 banger, less hassle overall. snd it'll keep another damn Chevy motor OUT of something it DON'T belong in! A Jeep is not a GM product; so a GM engine does NOT belong in there!! I absolutely HATE that; Chevy motors in damn near anything.
GM used to say "Keep your GM all GM"; I like "Keep the Mopar ALL Mopar";
failing that, if you absolutely HAD TO put a different manufacturer's engine in there, I think I'd rather see a 302 or a 351 wind up in there.
but the same model trans can be found that will work with a Small block; it will be the same length so driveshafts would match up, the T case would mount up in the same spot, and the same one could be used, as with the 4 banger, less hassle overall. snd it'll keep another damn Chevy motor OUT of something it DON'T belong in! A Jeep is not a GM product; so a GM engine does NOT belong in there!! I absolutely HATE that; Chevy motors in damn near anything.
GM used to say "Keep your GM all GM"; I like "Keep the Mopar ALL Mopar";
failing that, if you absolutely HAD TO put a different manufacturer's engine in there, I think I'd rather see a 302 or a 351 wind up in there.
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
Sounds like you're letting your bias against non-Chrysler engines in a jeep override the OP's request for info on the cheapest swaps. The OP has a 2.5L so that means he likely needs a transmission and a transfer case as well, so to keep cost of adapters down it would be cheapest to find a complete drivetrain from a donor vehicle. And I'll stand by the statement that GM drivetrains are likely the cheapest out there.
Saddle Tramp
New member
It was either JP or Four wheel Drive & Sports Utility magazine, don't remember which, did a 318 swap in to a Wrangler once. It's been a few years but as I recall the swap went well. The 318 actually had better torque numbers than the 360 making it a superior off road motor for most applications.
I’m also part of the anti Chevy in a jeep crowd. Leave the SBC to the hot rods where the screaming power they can make will be put to good use, but not in a jeep. In my mind, the SBC motor devalues the jeep and I wouldn’t even put one on the short list if I’m in the market, but that’s me.
I’m also part of the anti Chevy in a jeep crowd. Leave the SBC to the hot rods where the screaming power they can make will be put to good use, but not in a jeep. In my mind, the SBC motor devalues the jeep and I wouldn’t even put one on the short list if I’m in the market, but that’s me.
Cheapest? not all GM powertrains would qualify, just Chevys; Olds or buick (other than maybe a 231 V6 and he wanted a V8) would certainly cost more! and he'll get what he pays for; He wants cheap; he'll get cheap; but cheap does not necessarily equate to "bang for the buck".
Saddle Tramp
New member
I'd shoot them an email' tell them what you want to do, and ask what do they have.
http://www.painlesswiring.com/
http://www.painlesswiring.com/
HiHood
New member
Do you understand that I bought a brand new Dodge Ramcharger in 1974 and when I climbed underneath the thing guess what it said on the side of the transfer case . . .From the "mopar factory" . . .it said GM.
My 1980 CJ 5 came from the factory with a Ford transmission and the Kaiser CJ5's came from the factory with a Buick V6.
The reason why Chevy small blocks are cheaper is because 1. They are more abundant with hp ranging from 150 to 750 and 2.GM has a common belhousing (only two)and most adapters manufacterers build chevy adapters. 3. they are abundant (as in EVERYWHERE) and therefore cheaper. If it were up to me, I'ld stick another 2.5 in it. That way there's no need for an adapter, lower the gears and she'll have all the gitty up you need (Jeeps ain't racecars anyways) There's my two cents, for what it's worth, keep the change.
My 1980 CJ5 came from the factory with a GM engine.. Iron Duke 4 popper. Even used the same bellhousing pattern as a SBC. However, I had a mild AMC 360 laying around when I rebuilt the Jeep so that's what I used. When the 360 dies, I'd actually like to do a 454 swap...
When you start looking at engine swap kits and aftermarket parts, the first (and cheapest) parts listed are usually for the SBC.. followed closely by SBF.
Since you're asking.. I vote SBC for ease/price. Brand-mixing doesn't bother me.
When you start looking at engine swap kits and aftermarket parts, the first (and cheapest) parts listed are usually for the SBC.. followed closely by SBF.
Since you're asking.. I vote SBC for ease/price. Brand-mixing doesn't bother me.
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