Modifying CJ-6?

New guy here. I have a moderately modified '74 CJ-5: Chev. 350, T-18, stock axles locked, 33" tires. I love my Jeep, which I use exclusively for four-wheeling, except that it's too small. I'm 6'4", and there's just not enough room for me. Furthermore, there's not room for my 4-wheeling gear and a back seat, so I can only bring one passenger. I now have a line on a '57 CJ-6. I'm considering buying it and essentially replacing the entire drive train from engine to axles, with what's on my CJ-5 now. So first question: will it fit? I'd think the axles would be direct swap-ins, except that I might have to move my D-20 transfer case over in order to get the centered output. What about the engine? Would the engine bay hold a V-8? Any major issues anybody can think of ? Second major question: is what I'm contemplating a sin? Seriously, this is a 50+ year old jeep that seems to be in decent, relatively stock condition. Would it be better to let someone have it who will restore it, rather than modify it? Note: I realize that the driver's seat will still be too close, but I figure that I will have room to relocate the seat back in the '6.

 

It will fit. People have been putting SBCs in early CJ-5s for 50 years. You may have to notch the firewall a little to clear the distributor, depending on where you locate the engine. Novak has a lot of discussion about this. www.novak-adapt.com

Re modifying the CJ-6, well, I wouldn't... I'd look for one that had already been modified. A '72-75 would be an easier swap than an earlier CJ-6. But if you buy it, it's yours to do with as you please. These Jeeps are scarce but not rare... look around and you can find CJ-6s pretty easily.

 

Depends on the shape if it's unmolested and in good shape I'd steer towards keeping it stock, if it's already modified go for it. I got a 57 cj6 that I'm building with a :v6: t-18 set up but it was in bad shape when I got it and wasn't worried about trying to keep it original. I agree with Tim the later cj6's have more room so you don't have to hack the firewall.

 

Any thoughts on just stretching your 5? Add 20 inches to the frame and panels to the tub. I am kicking that idea around in my head for my 5.