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1959 Corvette 283 FI

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Pappabear1973, Apr 9, 2018.

  1. Apr 11, 2018
    Willy

    Willy New Member

    West TN
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    Dec 11, 2017
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    The truck top shifter version is the Ford RTS, T170FT-RTS or "TOD" and came in early 80s F-150s and full size Broncos, usually behind a 300 I-6. I've seen mentioned in a couple of places where it was also in E-150 vans. And if I was going to replace the stock manual transmission in a CJ, this would be the direction I'd go. The fly in the ointment would be finding one as they are a bit scarce.

    And from personal experience, 70+mph in a CJ5 is something I did once and quickly decided was not conducive to a long life.
     
    Alan28 and dozerjim like this.
  2. Apr 11, 2018
    Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chico CA
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    Interesting. We had the late 80’s full size bronco withthe 300 i6. Never stopped to think what was in it until now.
     
  3. Apr 11, 2018
    Willy

    Willy New Member

    West TN
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    Dec 11, 2017
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    Back in the mid 70s, I was running a 283 4bl out of a totaled 60 Corvette in a 71 Nova. Strong running engine, but not what I'd consider for offroading. If I was bound and determined to run a SBC in an early CJ, I'd be looking at a 305 which one of the better small blocks at making torque. Same stroke as a 350 and a smaller bore.
     
  4. Apr 11, 2018
    Willy

    Willy New Member

    West TN
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    Dec 11, 2017
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    When my old 80 CJ5 had a bad under hood fire, my Dad who was a professional mechanic (Chevy guy from the word go), suggested I replace the 2.5 GM 4 banger and the SR4 tranny with a Chevy 292 I-6 and the RTS tranny and keep the Dana 300. Or go Ford 300. Due to a flat wallet, I ended up just getting it going again with the 2.5 replacing all the unusable parts and keeping what still worked.
     
  5. Apr 11, 2018
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Yep. One in decent working order is $10k or better. My wheeling buddy (Willys wagon) has a set of that sitting on a 327 in his 49 Chevy woody wagon. In that application, where appearance actually may be worth something, it may be applicable. But if performance is key, there are several modern sequential injection systems available for a 1/3 of that price that make the Rochester system look absolutely primitive-which it is. I don't see any mystic in using a supposedly Corvette 283 block, period. If sticking with the T90, either a 307 or 305 will work fine. The 305 may have the edge because it was available with factory efi.

    I used a T90 behind an extremely healthy 327 for a couple of years without an issue. Arguably, T10's, Muncie M20, 21, 22's, and even Saginaw's are a lot stronger and if one doesn't care about using the Jeep off-road, the somewhat dismal low gear ratios don't really matter-not that they are significantly different than the T90A. You can use those transmissions off road but the caveat is you have to have an engine with a large heap of low end torque (which a 283 will not have-especially one built for horsepower rather than torque) and make up some of that deficient gearing elsewhere. Usually a far more expensive proposition than using a granny gear transmission.

    Bottom line is I think this is a bad idea from several different directions. If you want Corvette mystic, just use a set of those nice 1970 finned aluminum LT1 valve covers but be aware that even those will not fit heads manufactured someplace before mid-year 59 that had the staggered bolt holes. Those aren't cheap either.
     
    dozerjim likes this.
  6. Apr 11, 2018
    wasillashack

    wasillashack Member

    Wasilla, Alaska
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    Mar 17, 2008
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    268
    I can only think of two reasons to use a Rochester Fuel Injection unit, 1. correct restoration 2. no external electrical support
    required. Rochesters are very simple once you understand how they work. Parts and initial purchase cost can be very expensive. Jack Podell used to be the go to guy for Rochester stuff.
     
    cookieman likes this.
  7. Apr 11, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    If you want Rochester fuel injection, the GM TBI throttle bodies are plainly marked "Rochester."

    Mechanical fuel injection seems like trading one unweildy power source (vacuum) for another.
     
    dozerjim likes this.
  8. Apr 12, 2018
    tom h

    tom h New Member 2022 Sponsor

    Buffalo NY
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    Dec 3, 2006
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    Have fun with your jeep , there are many smart people on this site. Take a step back and figure out exactly what you want your jeep to be and do. Then and only then, you can plan on what part s to use, by asking questions about an end result. If that 283 is truly a fi block , and can be had for cheap, reselling it my help finance your build. Slow down , enjoy the build . Best of luck Tom H.
     
  9. Apr 12, 2018
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    I understand all the OP is getting is a bare block only
    with the stock internals . crank/pistons/cam
    that he thinks it was a FI corvette engine
    so it's only a block or core that need rebuilding

    I wouldn't waste money on a engine that you still have to source the rest of parts
    just to complete engine

    buy a complete engine and start from there
     
    cookieman and dozerjim like this.
  10. Apr 20, 2018
    windyhill

    windyhill Sponsor

    PA
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    1,502
    On transmissions. Between a SM465, SM420 and a Ford T18, Hands down I'd go T18. I've done all three. T18 can be adapted to a GM bell housing verily easily.
     
    fhoehle and Bowbender like this.
  11. May 5, 2018
    whateverpratt

    whateverpratt New Member

    Deltona, FL
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    Oct 4, 2017
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    If my 225 ever dies, I'm planning on a tbi 4.3 (or the new direct injection 4.3's) mated to the sm465 d18 and overdrive.
    4.3 will be small, lightweight, cheap, and have plenty of power as well as parts availability
    the sm465 will give me a granny gear and a short adapter to the transfercase
    the d18 will give me the overdrive option
    and the overdrive completes the package
    crawl to freeway
     
  12. May 8, 2018
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    Apr 11, 2012
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    I have the SM465 and I have owned T18s in all kinds of trucks/Jeeps/Industrial stuff. The T-18 is really a great transmission, although the SM465 is a bolt up and incredibly strong. The T-18 is more compact and easy to fit around, as the SM465 is pretty obese. The 465 shifts harder but is pretty near indestructible. It's a toss-up but I would go with a T-18. I have also owned those Rockwell cases you are looking at. They are good if they are already installed and not in any kind of bad shape. They are not as strong as an NP205 and parts are kind of rare nowadays. They are large and heavy as well. I agree with the others who've discussed project creep. I think a 4.3 is a really good choice (I love my Buick 225 but 4.3s are everywhere and cheap for parts). You could back this with a T-18 or SM465 and then use your Dana 18 case. I recommend a 4 speed because once you drive a 4 speed, you will want one. The 1st gear is just so handy, even if you use it on the road most of the time. It's just good to have in my opinion. Whatever option you go with, plan your path and gather your parts first, then cut it up to work on it. Keep working on it until it is complete. It is hard to not jump to something else, but resist! The grass can get mowed later, and the wood can be chopped a bit later, just keep on keeping on until you get things together. Good luck!
     
    tarry99 likes this.
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