1962 CJ5 guidance needed, new to old jeeps

I just picked up a cool 62 CJ5 not too long ago. It has a beaten sbc 283 that I am going to replace and I am seriously considering putting a crate 350 in that just dyno'd at 411 hp and 444 tq. My questions are:

Will I ever need this much power or would it just be for my ego?
Will it explode my T18 or 19 (can't remember right now, but one of those) D20 combo?
What trans and tcase combo will work with the length restrictions on these rigs and hold up to that power?
What other issues am I not foreseeing with this swap.

Running a small lift and 33's. Mostly cruising around town, with the occasional hunting or off-road trip are the planned uses.

Thanks for your input on this!!! Would like to have this sucker on the road/trails this summer

 

Welcome from Boston!

Do you need that much engine? Why not rebuild the 283? That's more than enough power for a Jeep, IMO.

Better find out which transmission and transfer case you have. A '62 would have had a T-90 transmission and Dana 18 transfer case from the factory. A T-18 is a truck 4-speed, and a Dana 20 wasn't used in CJs until 1972.

 

"Will I ever need this much power or would it just be for my ego?"

No comment, except that many jeepers do fine with about 70hp.

 

The crate engine is way overkill for trail running IMHO. It will overtax the stock running gear leading to a cascade effect of running gear upgrades. If there is an issue with the engine that is there now I'd recommend a stock style rebuild or find a like engine in the 200-250 hp range that makes good low end (just off idle) torque. That will be the most useful for what you posted the use of the Jeep will be.
I agree with Timgr, figure out what you have now and also let that be a guide to how you upgrade.


Sent from my iPhone

 

Wow, you guys respond quickly! I was considering the 'cascading effect' of needing to redo the entire drive train after I wrote my post, which is more project than I am interested in, or really needed at this time. And I can swallow my ego and keep the power down to a reasonable level, as recommended. I won't rebuild this 283 because of cost to reward ratio. I can pick up a solid 350 for well under a grand and swap it right in over a few days and bloody knuckles, but a rebuild can be at least as expensive and the 283 is from a 57 chebby, so not the best base either way. I assume that if I decided that I needed more out of it then the 4 bolt 350 gives me a better starting point. Thank you all for the astonishingly quick responses and good advice. Saved me some $ and energy.

 

Even a GM 153 out of a postal jeep in your local junk yard would work and be plenty of power, i think it has 90hp, which is alot more than the 65-70hp 4 bangers from jeep had. probably get a good engine for $100 if you look. i have one in my postal. nice little engine. jeep's weren't made for HP anyway.

 

Another question. My rig needs a windshield. Is that something that I should try to source locally or is there a good place to find this? Thanks again.

 

"My rig needs a windshield." Expect to pay several hundred dollars.

One option, try to locate a good used, maybe from a "parts" vehicle, or jeep parts traders. Easy to swap, across many years. But many will need work.

Shipping may be a factor, if not local.

Repros are available, such as Omix-aida but fit and quality may be iffy. Glass, wipers, and rubber extra.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/12006-06-Om...Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ec42b68f7&vxp=mtr

Hinge parts are pricey, even used.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Willys-...003&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=3&sd=130902674814&


Uber-cool is the rare fold out "ventilating" style.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EARLY-JEEP-...3x%2BW9HFLNnrXOqm7pWs%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

 

Regarding the windshield, we had a tech article on windshields...

Basically there are early windshields (Korean war through 1975) and late windshields (post-1975). The early windshields from about 1970 through 1975 are the most desirable for your application. They have the bottom mount wipers with linkage inside the windshield frame, larger glass and will bolt on to your Jeep's cowl with no modification. The wiper motor is outside the cabin. Earlier (pre-1970-ish) windshields will have smaller glass and top-mounted wipers.

The most plentiful windshields are from 1976 or later Jeeps. Almost everything changed for the 1976 model year. These windshields can be adapted to your Jeep with some modifications (minor drilling and filing AFAIK). The wiper motor is inside the cabin. Get the hinges and use everything from the later Jeep.

The main difference in the early vs. late windshields is what tops they will work with. Late windshield requires a late top, like early uses early. No mixing allowed.

Do your homework about this topic. It's been covered a lot in old posts. Here's a link to get you started. https://www.google.com/search?q=site:earlycj5.net windshields

 

One other thought, the 283 from 1957 will have some collector intrust Don't throw it away. It really is a great motor and worth rebuilding

 

The 350 will work fine, but it seems like you're still thinking "hot rod" and not "tractor."

The SBCs were a popular swap for early CJs in the 60s and 70s because they were widely available. Since then, the more popular swap has been a V6, either the Buick 225/231 or the Chevy 4.3L. A 4.3L will bolt in pretty easily, is dirt cheap, can be found with factory TBI, and will give you plenty of poop for what use you describe. Remember this is a light chassis with high numeric axle ratios (5.38 or 4.27 in 1962) and you don't need a lot of engine to generate great performance. Also, the chassis is not sophisticated, and popular trail mods like lift and big tires will make it less safe and stable on the highway. So don't focus on the engine too much ... if at all.

If you want to learn about engines and transmissions and other swapology, read all of the Novak site www.novak-adapt.com Your transmission choices are pretty much limited to the original 3-speeds, some truck 4-speeds, and a few automatics that have a short OAL. Overdrive 5-speeds and most automatics are out because they are too long.

 

This thought had not escaped me ... 8)

I'd try to sell the '57 283 to someone building a car from that era. Then take that money and install a 4.3L with TBI. 4.3L = 262 cid, plenty for this purpose. Nothing wrong with the 350, but the 4.3L fits in the engine compartment better, and they are plentiful from Astro vans, S10s, G10s, etc.

Or freshen up the 283 - valve job, rings, rod bearings, timing chain - that would be fine for a hobby car.

 

Oh, and

:uwop:

 

You guys are really good! I am a member of many other forums for cars and the responses tend to be slow and full of really strong opinions. All the feedback is very helpful as I am pretty versed in classic mustangs where hp and tq are king, but this is a whole other animal. I am going to do a sbc and try to sell the 57 283 to someone who wants that era engine. That way no messing with engine mounts and bell housing issues. I will search around here and try to find a windshield first, and then use the resources you provided as a back-up for repop's. Here are some pics, not great pics but hopefully give you an idea of how it sits.


One last question. You can see the old school seats still in it, is there are market for these? I already got nice Best Top front and rear seats for it, but don't want these to go to waste if people are searching for concourse type seats for their old CJ's. Thanks again for all your help.

Here are a few pics of my other project, the jeep is just an easy break from the crazy detail that is going into the Mustang, 1965 convertible.

 

What ever you do, don't throw anything away from your jeep redo. We have a classified section that is used a lot. You will probably be getting PM's for that seat before long. Love the stang.

 

350 would be stupid power... completely unnecessary unless you're going to drag race it.

 

"That appear to be an early model ('52) military M38A1 tub from the dash, back panel & grill. The seats are military."

Agree. But I see an open tailgate, and the gas tank fill neck seems too small for military. Can't see military parking brake or rear seat mounts. Spring shackles are later civilian style, at front.

Does the frame have the machine gun mount under the rear floor?

 

Matt,
So, lots of guys are telling you that the 350 is overkill. I agree.
On the theory of keep it simple, I'd suggest something like a 307 sbc. You should be able to find one pretty cheap, maybe even a rebuilt long block for a reasonable price.
The 307 will have loads of torque, and the stock cam for these will produce that torque at low rpm, just what you want. If you want an aftermarket cam, use one of the so-called RV grinds. Reasonable lift, and short duration. Not a hot rod cam, but a torque builder. Best of all, it should bolt right in where your 283 is now.

Don

 

One more question. I can pick up a np225 t-case for like $50. Should I get it as a back up? I tried googling info on it and it looks like a range rover unit, but maybe too bulky for my 5. Thoughts?