The tear down begins

Hey guys,
I posted a while back about a leaking head gasket and you guys helped me out. Was able to get the head gasket replaced, water was gone but now big trouble. We were riding nearly all day saturday and a rod started knocking terribly 2 miles from home. Oil was still clean. Took the oil pan off and found lots of metal. Never showed on the dip stick. Pretty sad about the F-head being down, otherwise its in great shape.

Well anyways I was very excited to find that the 4.3 Vortec works well on the CJ's. I am very familiar with these motors. I am going to look at a TBI one that has 40k miles on it tomorrow for 500 bucks. Been researching on Novaks site and of coarse on here.

So it begans. I know there are going to be many surprises. I will keep you guys posted.

 

Re: The tear down begans

Should also mention that the reason I am not fixing the F-head is because of cost in the long run. I think it makes more sense to convert it to a newer, cheaper, more efficient engine. Parts for the F-head seem to be very high.

 

Re: The tear down begans

You don't need an excuse to go from 72hp to 225hp, but you may want a different set of gears.

 

Re: The tear down begans

good luck and keep the pictures coming As much as I love my F-head, I also love keeping up with traffic!

 

Re: The tear down begans

My future plans also include a Vortec, I'll be interested in following along-
Brian

 

Re: The tear down begans

I'm in a similar position. If it helps, I just purchased a recently rebuilt 1991 4.3 Chevy TBI V6 for $500. I'm working on pulling it now. My JEEP already had the F-head removed, but instead of a V6 or V8, they put an L-head into it. I like that old motor, but 61hp is really not much. I've driven it for about seven years now, but would really like to be able to use it more than I do. Good luck on your swap; I'll keep an eye on your thread to watch your progress.

Your T90 will be an asset for you if you decide to keep it, as I think the T98 adaptors are more expensive. A lot of guys use one of the SM-type 4-speeds for this swap too. I've heard good things about that choice also.

 

Re: The tear down begans

That works BKD, no worries from me.

A friend of mine has a 1992 Chevy G20 Van that has the TBI 350 in it with 104k miles. He is willing to sell it to me for 800 for the entire van. He had a tire and wheel business, so then van is gutted and not worth much otherwise.

The main parts I would need would be a new Bell housing, Clutch, throw out bearing, mounting kit from Novak for transmission and engine, and electric cooling fan. I will make the wiring harness work from the van. Not spending 500+ from painless. I think I can make a little money parting out the F-head and some of the van. Scrap whats left over when I am done with it.

From what I can find a 350 fits in the 71 CJ fine, just no room to spare. I don't have power steering or brakes, so not worried to much about them. I know I may have to move the pitman arm one notch, or shave a little off to clear the larger engine block. Clutch pedal linkage wont be to big of a deal.

What other surprises will I be running into? The jeep needs a new exhaust and radiator with what ever engine I go will, so not including that with the conversion cost.

 

Re: The tear down begans

I'm trying to score an all aluminum 2.8 or 2.9 (vortec 2900) 4 popper from a canyon/colorado......almost ~ 200Hp and ~200 lb.ft.

 

Just got the Vortec home. I went with a 4.3. It came with all accessories, wiring, air box, clutch, etc. 93k miles. Paid 600. Will post pics tomorrow.

 

Let me know if you have any electrical questions on conversion. I can bury you under files.. I use the 4.3L TBI systems on my custom YJ's.. i am thinking about making one up from a chevy 2 litre once for my f-head. Good luck very basic system...

 

I'm really looking forward to this, I keep going back and forth between a Ford 2.3 turbo or the 4.3.

 

So one at the Iola Wi car show last year in a CJ2. He had to put bigger tires on it because spun in every gear. It was one of a few regular guy build ups that impressed me completely. I'm hoping to stuff a 258 in my 57.