Newbie - Many Questions.

[JFAV]

The questions I have are about the challenges of installing a newer (2007- 2013) Vortec V6 into my CJ2a. Ive done a lot of reading on the site. There is a ton of information on a ton of stuff from well informed members. Unfortunately there in nothing on the more current versions of the Vortec. I have a feeling there is a reason but thus far Im not seeing it. Cost is probably a factor but other then that maybe Im just ahead of the curve. I know some things but dont know what I dont know.

The Jeep I have is a long way from origrinal so there is no turning back. I figured if I was going to look for a 4.6 I may as well think big. The questions I have are a related to the running of the V6 not instalation, tranny adaptors and such. Without going into the boring details of why I started down this path heres what I know.

From the reading I done using the TBI or MPI its "just" a matter of getting a stripped down 4 wire harness and reprogrammed ECM. I will need a VSS output from the tranny, O2 sensor (installed it the exhaust?), drive by wire gas pedel setup and high pressure fuel pump. What am I missing? What other sensors are requireed to have the engine run well? Is the block too wide with coil packs?

Any wisdom on how to make this happen would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Jfav

 

[Oldpappy]

I don't have answers to those questions, but welcome aboard the forum. There are folks here who have done this sort of thing, also might be worthwhile to join the CJ2A Page Forum to ask around over there.

 

[PeteL]

Welcome.

Have you checked websites of companies that make adaptors and kits for engine swaps?

 

[Jeepenstein]

Welcome, I'm sure lots of people here would love to follow this.

 

[jpflat2a]

Welcome.

Have you checked websites of companies that make adaptors and kits for engine swaps?

He's asking for run information not installation information.
Way past my pay grade.

 

[PeteL]

He's asking for run information not installation information.

Some sites have useful general background information, comparisons, and recommendations.

 

[timgr]

There is some basic information on the Novak site https://novak-adapt.com/knowledge/e...y-buick-gm/early-cj-gm-engine-conversion.html

My knowledge of this area is very limited, especially when it comes to the more modern engines themselves.

You say you want some comparison of the various engines, then ask for specifics of wiring etc. IME you'll be more likely to get an answer if you post a more focused question.

What I get - you first ask "is there anything that disqualifies swapping a newer engine into my CJ-2A?" How new? WHich engines exactly?

Maybe you want a recommendation for a specific newer engine?

Taking you post in total, I'm not sure that your questions are all answered in one place or with one person. Background research (something I understand well) generally requires gathering information from many sources (reading) and putting it together to cover the topic you are interested in. Kinda think learning more background about the domain will help you to focus your questions. Once you do that, you can either pick your keywords more precisely and search for the remaining unknowns, or maybe you can find an indiviual with the relevant knowledge that's willing to discuss the question.

If you can't ask an expert, you'll have to become the expert.
Hopefully someone here will prove me wrong and post exactly what you want!

First post! Welcome from Boston.

 

[45es]

The questions I have are about the challenges of installing a newer (2007- 2013) Vortec V6 into my CJ2a. Ive done a lot of reading on the site. There is a ton of information on a ton of stuff from well informed members. Unfortunately there in nothing on the more current versions of the Vortec. I have a feeling there is a reason but thus far Im not seeing it. Cost is probably a factor but other then that maybe Im just ahead of the curve. I know some things but dont know what I dont know.

The Jeep I have is a long way from origrinal so there is no turning back. I figured if I was going to look for a 4.6 I may as well think big. The questions I have are a related to the running of the V6 not instalation, tranny adaptors and such. Without going into the boring details of why I started down this path heres what I know.

From the reading I done using the TBI or MPI its "just" a matter of getting a stripped down 4 wire harness and reprogrammed ECM. I will need a VSS output from the tranny, O2 sensor (installed it the exhaust?), drive by wire gas pedel setup and high pressure fuel pump. What am I missing? What other sensors are requireed to have the engine run well? Is the block too wide with coil packs?

Any wisdom on how to make this happen would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Jfav

You ask alot of questions and this should be a fun project. I myself built a '45 flat fender with a MPFI Chevy v6 engine several years ago. First, you need to provide us with more specific information which will help us answer your questions. I agree with Tim whereas you need to decide what engine/fuel system you desire.

You say things for example, you only need a 4-wire harness and a reprogram of the ECM. What are the 4 wires? I can think of more. Which ECM will you use to control the engine? All of the ECM's need the same type of information but how that data is gathered and provided to the computer can vary. For example, will the fueling system be based on speed density or mass air flow.? Both tell the engine the volume of inlet air, but the process is slightly different with different components/sensors. Typically, the systems will need a: o2 (oxygen sensor), MAP (manifold absolute air pressure sensor), CPS (crank position sensor), TPS (throttle position sensor), IAT (inlet air temperature) and VSS (vehicle speed sensor).

Considering the limited space available under the hood of a flat fender jeep, think the process through thoroughly. It can get really busy under there real fast but, it is very doable and again, should be a fun project.

 

[PeteL]

There is some basic information on the Novak site

Thanks timgr, exactly the place I wanted to send the OP.

 

[timgr]

Thanks timgr, exactly the place I wanted to send the OP.

NP!

To the OP - the Novak article says the Chevy 4.3 (any 4.3 presumably) won't fit a low hood without a body lift. A Vortec V8 will fit if you swap to the LS intake. If I wanted a V6, I'd look at the Buicks. Other V6s could work too (Ford, Dodge, even Toyota?) but there are a lot of owners with Buick V6 experience. You want something with a rear sump.

If you have questions related to their page's content, suggest you call them. The site is there to promote their products; I'd expect them to be happy to assist.

Also - kinda looks like "modern" V6s are taller than legacy V6s and some V8s, because of the added balance shafts and OHCs. If you didn't want the Buick V6, you may be limited to another legacy pushrod V6 like the Dodge 3.9 or Ford Essex 3.8. Not very exciting options.

Owners have been putting the SBC in Jeeps since the '50s ... can be done without heroic measures, and there's lots of experience out there to draw from. Seems like a Vortec V8 with the LS intake might be your best option if you want a relatively modern multiport engine.