Is an engine swap really that hard?

so i decided i want the chevy v6, mounted to a sm420/dana18 and i was wondering if that swap is really that hard. the local shop told me to plan on 1500 - 2000 dollars to do it, and thats just getting it in, i would hook up all wiring, accesories, fluid lines, radiator, etc., and have to get new drive shafts. to me that sounds like a lot. in reality what does it take to mount the motor? isnt the goal to be as far back and as low as possable while leaving enough room for driveline clearance and off centering it just a little? i read the guide on Novaks website as well as some others, and it doesnt sound that hard. maybe i am overlooking somehting or just making it sound really simple when i have no idea what i am talking about. input? :? :?

 

Re: Is an engine sawp really that hard?

Mounts and adapters will run you a nice coin, the rest I'd guess is labor cost.

 

Re: Is an engine sawp really that hard?

It took lot's of labor. My cost after doing all the work myself was right in the ballpark of $1,500 to $2,000. That's including motor and all the details. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2174452

 

Re: Is an engine sawp really that hard?

I can believe it. With the work and stuff needed $2K sounds about right.

 

Re: Is an engine sawp really that hard?

when i checked i told them i would have everythig, motor, trans, adapters, motormounts. all i wanted si for them to weld it in basically, i can do the rest. sounds like they might not be for off then.

 

Re: Is an engine sawp really that hard?

to someone who has the time and money....
to someone who can plan ahead and visualize a situation....
to someone who can forsee a problem before it arises...
to someone who can figure out the problems that do arise......
to someone who can weld and fabricate....
to someone who's mechanically inclined......
to someone who's competent with wiring.......

naw, it's not hard......

 

Re: Is an engine sawp really that hard?

but..it's well worth the effort

 

Re: Is an engine sawp really that hard?

They say figure your cost then double it.
Allways something to go wrong, so, a shop knows this and will qoute it accordingly.

I am doing my own but have done similer ones before..
That said. I have run across a couple little probs. along the way but, it will be worth it when done.
You have picked a good combo and I know from experience there is nothing like the feeling you get when you drive your own built jeep.

Like they say you dont buy a jeep you build it...

 

Re: Is an engine sawp really that hard?

Its real easy to just throw it in and weld it up, but also think about where your steering and brakes are all going to run, On the driver side the 4.3 manifold dumps right where all that stuff is Also got to move Xmemeber back, cut the floor pan, make a new tranny tunnel cover...Im sure there is other stuff I just cant think of..

 

been there, done that, paid for it

Check out my site. I started with an 63 CJ and added a 350 chevy crate motor with an SM465 and 18 transfer case. You are looking at motor mounts, modifying drive shafts, new radiator to accomodate bigger motor, electric fans because the clutch fan will not fit, added electric fuel pump, new batteries, blah blah blah.. Was it worth it, yeah, check out my site. :driving: http://d3nme.spaces.live.com

Dana

 

Re: Is an engine sawp really that hard?

You could pay somebody to do it. Or, you could spend money on a welder, sawzall, angle grinder, etc. and do it yourself. Of course you do need a garage! In the end people are usually happier with the result, and then you have tools for other projects!

 

Re: Is an engine sawp really that hard?

the tools are not a problem, i have them. the welder however, and the know how of welding, i do not. there-in lies my problem.

 

Re: Is an engine sawp really that hard?

I knew next to nothing when I first got my CJ. I have basically rebuilt the entire Jeep since then. Take your time and find some good friends that will work for beer to help with the stuff you are not sure of.

 

Mig welding is rather easy. Much more forgiving than arc welding. An instruction book will have you welding in a few hours, but a knowledgeable friend will have you welding in a few minutes. You will quickly be able to make simple welds that are fine for a lot of fabrication, and you can improve your skills as needed from there. If you have the funds, buy a mig.

 

Have some one elts work on your Jeep? what fun would that be!R) Do 95% of the work yourself, and then get someone to do the finish welding. Have fun its worth it!

 

so from what i gather, i think i wil go for it. if i mess it up, i can always start over or take it in. my brother just bought a mig welder so maybe when the weathewr warms up i will start the project. thanks for all your input guys!

 

Are you going to go fuel injected with your V6 swap? Something else to consider while you're swapping. And might as well do that P/S swap while you're at it too! Good luck! Take lots of progress pictures as you go and keep us posted.

 

well FI is one of the reasons i am swaping in the chevy v6, i can get the harness from painless so that end should be easy. as far as the P/S swap, i am planning on that too.