1962 CJ5 guidance needed, new to old jeeps

What are you thinking? Jeeps and Land Rovers share nothing except 4WD. Why would you consider buying Land Rover parts?

What drivetrain do you have now? First things first.

 

Well, have to add my 2 cents. 350 overkill? Not really. However, that crate motor may leave something to be desired. As noted, you want the power at idle or certainly just off idle. That crate motor will not likely have the cam you want which will be one with a relatively short duration and high lift so you will be digging into it before you even get started. A high rpm motor will almost always be worthless in any Jeep that actually sees any real Jeep use-what you want is torque, low rpm torque.

Yes, a V6 is a slightly easier fit, but if the Jeep is now set up for a sbc, IMO, it's just silly not to put another one back in. It will not cost more than getting/building a 4.3 and the V8's are much better if you do get on the freeway with it.

And you hear a lot of the "light" stuff about CJ's but in reality, when set up with cage/winch/tire carrier/etc/etc and loaded for the trail, you will not find very many that weigh less than 3000 lbs and I'll guess most are pushing 3200-3300 lbs-not that much different than most intermediate sized cars.


As far as tearing up the rest of the drivetrain, the T18/D20 is more than up to the task. If you still have the 2 piece D44 in the rear, you may want to go full float or find a centered flanged D44. The keys in the hubs will likely be the first victims of a 350. A D30 up front would be good too but if you are a mature driver and leave them open, a D25/D27 can last-at least for awhile.

 

A run of the mill 350? Not really overkill.

A 350 dyno'd at

is not going to do much unless its all sand drags and mud bogs. The torque curve would be too high.

 

A brand new GM crate engine (Chevy 350) has 250 hp, 350 torque.

That is very close to what a Chevy 4.3 puts out with the torque being the factor.

Personally I would either rebuild the 283 or put in a crate engine and either detune it, or easier just not get on it. Many people forget about detuning an engine but doing so will make an engine last much longer. I would rebuild the 283 and lower the compression ratio so it would last a good 200K miles or so problem free.

You can have an engine that is capable of producing 250 hp get better gas mileage than an engine capable of producing 160 hp, same goes for damaging the vehicle. The most important factor is the guy pushing the gas pedal not the over all output of the engine.

Main reason I would rebuild the engine is because it is already there. No changes needed, just pull it and put it back on rebuilt. Any motor swap, even the most simple comes with added work. You could easily swap to another small block Chevy with not a lot of work but anything else could lead to head aches.

For the record I love a 4.3 V6 in a CJ5

"is not going to do much unless its all sand drags and mud bogs. The torque curve would be too high."

Top curve is irrelevant unless you wind the motor up to those RPM's. A stock 350 does not make 411 Hp, 444 tg - not even close.

http://www.gmpowertrainwarehouse.com/?gclid=CMShmob5u7cCFe3m7AodFUoAfg

 

There seems to be this idea that I'm talking stock 350s. I am referring to what the thread starter said. Nothing, more nothing less.

 

My 63 has 283 and I've always more power than I know what to do with and thats with a M21 trans with tall gears and 33s. I figure any more and I would've scattered my D27 by now. Still worried I will when I swap the trans.

 

Oops you are right he did indeed say that. That engine is certainly over kill but it would depend on what he wants to do with his Jeep, after all that engine is over kill for just about any application when you get right down to it

 

Going to be a lot cheaper to rebuild a 350 than it will the 283. I don't think there is an engine cheaper to rebuild than a 350, even with quality parts. If the OP did buy that crate engine, it would absolutely need "detuned" for decent trail rig power.

"or easier just not get on it"

bingo! That does work, at least to some point.

 

So I decided against the big dog 350, it is the Year One engine and someone local bought it and then never used it so I was thinking of saving some dough on it. If you guys ever want a great deal on some real power Year One seems to put out a strong engine for the $. BUT, you guys talked me out of my initial plan, which is a good thing. I am still doing a sbc, but keeping it cool. I do not want to get it moving and then start breaking stuff too quickly, so keeping it below 200 hp. Everyone's advice was heard and very insightful. Plus, I am shocked at all the responses. Either the topic of V8 or NOT is very debated with you guys or this is the most helpful forum in history Thanks again.

 

I have found it to be the most helpful forum in history.

 

I wouldn't write it off if the price is right. A cam change and lifters will be less than $200 and you may be able to Craigs list the removed pieces. The other item will be the induction. If it comes with a single plane manifold, that too should be swaped for a dual plane-something on the lines of an Edelbrock performer or a Weiand stealth-and topped with a Holley Truck Avenger no larger than 600 cfm or EFI (the best). If it has the late center bolt valve covers, a stock TBI or Vortec intake/injection would be the cat's meow.

 

I picked up a rebuilt 305, from a 1986 Z28. Just need to switch over the stubby water pump and get a non-electric q-jet for it and it should be good to go with some work on the exhaust.. It is sitting in the shop now. Also, more pics were requested so I shot a couple today while I was up at the shop. Taking care of the drivetrain before I tackle the body work, as you can see. Always interested in others opinions, thoughts or ideas. Just trying make a cool old cruiser that will be fun on trails and catch attention on the road. Thanks.

 

Your set up for a v8, go for it!!! I love the sound of a v8 in a jeep! Not overkill if you don't romp it to hard and lots of fun!


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Thanks for posting more pics. FYI, seats and grill are military. Not much else, it appears.

When you said it needs a windshield, it now seems you meant just the glass. That's easy. The frame looks good.

 

Don't be afraid to do whatever you want with your Jeep. Its not a rare model or complete. Sometimes aftermarket parts are easier to use than trying to be original