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Engine options

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by Jeepster1970, Jun 6, 2006.

  1. Jun 6, 2006
    Jeepster1970

    Jeepster1970 Member

    Lincoln park, MI
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    I'm looking for a decent V8 to swao in my 70'. As far as I can tell with the help on here I have a t-14/dana 20. I hear the buick v8 is a good swap, what about the buick 455? Basicly I think I need a clutch assenby as I have nothing, what can I get the flywheel from?
     
    Jeepster1970, Jun 6, 2006
    #1
  2. Jun 6, 2006
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    The 455 is a 401 - http://www.buicks.net/shop/engine_ident.html - and is a nailhead engine AFAIK. I'd avoid the nailhead engines because they won't bolt to your stock bell, won't fit the existing engine mounts, and will be an old design (heavy and expensive parts). A better choice is the 300 cid or 340 cid engines, and I believe the Buick 350 too (not the Chevy 350!). I know that the 300 and 340 will drop right in, with no changes to the bellhousing, clutch or engine mounts (350 too AFAIK). The radiator must be moved forward. The 340 4V especially was a HOT engine, way more than your T-14 can handle. I'd only recommend this conversion for Jeepsters with the TH400; the T-14 isn't strong enough for a V8 IMO. I'd suggest a V6 (Buick 225 or 231, or maybe a Chevy 4.3L) if you keep the T-14. The Chevy would be more work, since you'll have to change the mounts, exhaust, etc. but the 225 or 231 would be easy.

    You'll need to get the flywheel with the engine.
     
    timgr, Jun 6, 2006
    #2
  3. Jun 6, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Tim, the 455 was not a nailhead. It's in the same family as the 300, 340, 350, and 400. The 445 OTOH.

    For a Jeep a 455 is a bit much IMO. A Buick 350 is a better swap for the drivetrain parts to withstand the abuse not to mention the frame. :D
     
    sparky, Jun 6, 2006
    #3
  4. Jun 6, 2006
    Jeepster1970

    Jeepster1970 Member

    Lincoln park, MI
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    I see more Buick 455's around then the 350's, I took my measurements from a Olds 455 and it will bolt up. Deffinity not going to be hotrodding it or anything, just looking for a swap in. I'll prolly just keep looking for a Buick 350 I guess, seems like the best swap in the V8 family.
     
    Jeepster1970, Jun 6, 2006
    #4
  5. Jun 6, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    With the right Buick V8 moving the radiator forward is the only modification that needs to be done in a CJ/Jeepster as I recall. The Olds is a different engine block all together. Had one of those, a Rocket 455, and several Pontiacs as well. Bellhousing bolt pattern is about all that they share other than CID.

    If you have the D44 rear you could prolly get a 455 and run it with the TH400 now that I think about it more. With the D44 rear if it's flanged you should be ok. If it's not just go easy on the skinny pedal. ;)
     
    sparky, Jun 6, 2006
    #5
  6. Jun 6, 2006
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Yes, I misread the web page. Oops. :oops:
     
    timgr, Jun 6, 2006
    #6
  7. Jun 7, 2006
    Jeepster1970

    Jeepster1970 Member

    Lincoln park, MI
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    Any parameters on the "right" buick 350? I'm not a big Buick guy to be honest so its greek to me. Btw, the measurements I took on the olds 455 sugest it would drop in, motor mounts and all.
     
    Jeepster1970, Jun 7, 2006
    #7
  8. Jun 7, 2006
    micifus

    micifus New Member

    Upstate, NY
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    micifus, Jun 7, 2006
    #8
  9. Jun 7, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    The "right" Buick V8 would be a 300/340/400/430/455 family as I indicated. The 225 is based on the same engine block, thus engine mounts are the same.

    Maybe I was mistaken, but some time ago the Rocket 455 I had was
    to replace a 430 in a Wildcat, the Olds wasn't a "drop in" as I recall. But it's been many years now, so I could be wrong.

    Best bet on the flywheel is gonna be tough to do, but I'd say one out of a Jeep truck with a Dauntless 350 if you can score it.

    micifus, the 226 was a Flat Head inline 6. The 225 was the :v6:. Besides, he's starting without an engine if I read the first post correctly, might as well go big if he can. ;)
     
    sparky, Jun 7, 2006
    #9
  10. Jun 8, 2006
    LWB

    LWB ..they call me "Cooter"

    Chicago
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    500 Caddy!

    Of course, the T14 will die a quick death, but it won't live long behind any V8...
     
    LWB, Jun 8, 2006
    #10
  11. Jun 8, 2006
    Jeepster1970

    Jeepster1970 Member

    Lincoln park, MI
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    I'm about done with a deal on a Dauntless 350/3speed manual/dana 20, just working on picking it up.
     
    Jeepster1970, Jun 8, 2006
    #11
  12. Jun 8, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    8)
     
    sparky, Jun 8, 2006
    #12
  13. Jun 8, 2006
    Jeepster1970

    Jeepster1970 Member

    Lincoln park, MI
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    I don't know much about the Dauntless line but a friend suggested it so i'm pulling the trigger on it.
     
    Jeepster1970, Jun 8, 2006
    #13
  14. Jun 8, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    The "Dauntless" line is just a Buick engine that Kaiser put a name on.

    I believe I suggested it too, at least the flywheel from one, a couple posts ago. ;)
     
    sparky, Jun 8, 2006
    #14
  15. Jun 8, 2006
    Jeepster1970

    Jeepster1970 Member

    Lincoln park, MI
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    Gotcha, see I really wasn't sure what the Dauntless thing was about, either way its a manual and it runs. I've been wire wheeling that dam Commando for a few days, its gotten to me brain.
     
    Jeepster1970, Jun 8, 2006
    #15
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