60 CJ5 215 aluminum V8 swap

Hi. New to the Forum. I have a 1960 CJ5 with the stock F head 4 cyl / T90 trans and Dana 18 transfer case. I just picked up a running all aluminum 215 v8 with 50k miles on it out of a 62 Olds cutlass . I also have a 65 SM420 I've been sitting on waiting for the right mate. The 215 has the 4 speed bell housing and it looks like it will bolt up to the transmission and I've been looking at Novak adaptors to mate the SM420 to the transfer case. Has anyone done a 215 / SM420 swap? What other issues might I run into? Clutch linkage, Radiator, motor mounts? Will I run into any clearence issues with the steering or suspension? I'd like to chat with someone who's done it before I jump in with both feet.
Thanks
Joe

 

make cooling a high priority, if they overheat it will warp the block, the olds head is different from the buick.
and make sure it is within budget, a rebuild for those engines is costly.

Big question is how are you going to use this jeep?
if it is a light weight rig and faster trails with no water crossings it will be ok
personally i would put it in a flatty dj where there is minimal weight

 

Joe, welcome from CA

 

I’m not familiar with the 215 engine but that sounds like a cool, unique swap.
As far as clutch goes, AA has a chain linkage kit that several here have used:

http://www.advanceadapters.com/products/jeep-1941-71-chain-clutch-control-assembly/

And Novak has a couple of hydro options, which is the direction I’m thinking of going to get rid of my mechanical linkage all together:

http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/kit_hcr3.htm

Good luck and keep us updated.

 

I've crunched the numbers on that engine once or twice.
To help you understand it's potential we need to compare it to a somewhat similar engine like the D-225.

From what I can see the V-8 215 obviously weighs less than a V-6 225. (318 lbs vs ???)
Compression ratio is 8.8 std. for 215 vs 9.0 std. for 225.
The V-8 produces 220 ft lbs torque while the V-6 produces 235 ft lbs.torque in stock form.
The 215 will nearly equal the 225 for HP. (155 vs 160 HP)
But the RPM range is a tad higher at (4600 vs. 4200)
This implies that it could be an exceptional engine for sand hill drags but not so good as a D-225 for low torque crawling.
In other words its got better potential for racing than for typical jeeping useage.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.....

 

Well, here is the exact opposite opinion: the lighter you can build them, the better they work in 99.9% of your wheeling/driving, not to mention fewer busted parts and better mileage.

That said, I am not sure I would use that particular engine to save 50 lbs or so over the 225 and have less torque to boot, especially on the bottom end where you want it most. Parts are expensive. Seems like the 215 would bring a good price from the restoration guys. Better to sell it and get a 225/231/4.3, or my first choice, just about any small block Chevy.

 

Thanks for the replies. The ol Jeep is pretty much a toy. It spent most it's life as a plow jeep at a local Marina - probably got as many miles in reverse as forward. I live in NE Wisconsin and most of the fun is running around private land and trails in northern WI. It's really not too terribly rusty for a WI Jeep - has alot of patina. Not allot of deep water crossings where I go. Can you recommend a V8 compatible Radiator that will fit w/o major mods? I have the original Olds radiator but it's too wide/ short. I'd love a Flat fender but at 6'2" and 350 lbs I can't fit behind the wheel of one.
The 215 I picked up (for a song) is the high compression 4 barrel version. 10.25 :1 compression, 185 HP @ 4800 RPM and 230 ft lbs torque at 3200 RPM. It weighs 320 lbs fully dressed. I was reading the stock F head goes 470 lbs. I believe Crower makes a cam to improve the low end. I had it running briefly on the stand this weekend.
If I can figure it out I'll try and post some pictures.
Thanks
Joe

 

Go for it-but you HAVE to report the results. Would love an aluminum block in my 3B and it is on the bucket list-but right at twice the cubes of a 215R). That engine would likely weigh someplace 365-375 lbs.

 

IIRC an early Mustang or a Fiero radiator are popular. Search for those and you'll find some old threads.

The 215 has a lot in common with the 198, including the bell pattern and high parts prices. But it's a cool and interesting engine... Buick sold the tooling to Land Rover, and they have used it in their cars for many years (and are still using it?)

 

The aluminum V8 might not be as good as the 225,but would still be better than the same jeep with a 4 banger.

 

man you could drop it in an MGB really easy an have a cool lilttle ride

 

Can't get by big frame into one of them either Here's a go at some pictures.
not having much luck - any tips?

 

Get rid of all that extra junk around your Photobucket link and it will work ...




Looks like fun! Keep after the rust as it crops up, and it'll last a long time. Is that the original color?

We have a forum for introductions - readers there would be happy to see your Jeep, and you'd get a lot of good comments.

 

Thanks

 

Yes - it is original Red w/Black windshield - pretty faded but I'm kinda fond of the look.

 

That'll look great in your Jeep's engine compartment. I'd definitely do it, if it's a good runner. Not sure about which adapter to use - is the 198/215 bell the same depth as the regular GM bell? If so, you can use a generic GM-to-T-90 engine adapter to your T-90. They come up pretty often used. Look on eBay, Willystech, or ask Herm or R&P. Or try the WTB forums on this and other Jeep sites.

 

I dig your pickup too. Is it a GMC V6?

 

I've got an SM420 that will bolt up to the 4 speed bellhousing I got with the motor. Looking at a Novak adaptor from that to the transfer case

 

It's a 65 GMC - originally had the Chebby 235 straight 6 in it but I put a 396 big block in it after the 6 gave up the ghost.

 

Being the proud owner and driver of a JEEP with the F-Head 4 banger, I beg to differ!