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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:41:22 AM EDT
I've got a pretty serious coolant and oil leak in the front of my 71' CJ5s' Buick V-6. My first thought was a cracked block because of the cold weather, I'm going to pull everything off the front of the engine ,clean and inspect the block and water pump and replace the gaskets to see if the block is cracked.
However it is more fun for now to ask you nuts what cool, practical, and relatively cheap power plants I can swap into this thing. So, what are the options? Small turbo diesel? Buick 225(current) The 440 with a solid lifter MOPAR purple cam sitting in my storage unit 
And because we have rules 
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:43:45 AM EDT
[#1]
304 V8....?
What they ran when they weren't V6s.... ETA: If you have the coinage...a 4BT would be my choice Get the cummins turbo diesel in there |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:45:24 AM EDT
[#2]
My 74 came with the 304.....but if I had to swap something in, it would be a 350.....better motor, cheap, and you can get all brackets,etc to do the job since its a common swap now.
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:45:31 AM EDT
[#3]
5.7 TBI
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:46:01 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
304 V8....? What they ran when they weren't V6s.... I thought about that, simple and plenty of power, probably easy to fuel inject to |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:48:17 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My 74 came with the 304.....but if I had to swap something in, it would be a 350.....better motor, cheap, and you can get all brackets,etc to do the job since its a common swap now. My only worry is that the 71' was the last of the short CJs they stretched them about 5". I don't know if that will affect the swap or not, there is plenty of room to the front, but it gets tight on the sides |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:51:57 AM EDT
[#6]
Diesel!!
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:53:02 AM EDT
[#7]
The 55-71 "universal" CJ's were some of the first to get the swaps years ago since there were so many of them for cheap and than 72+ were available from the factory with V8s. Give Novak a call....they use to have a guide online.
Nevermind Novak Swap Parts |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:55:26 AM EDT
[#8]
I really like the Buick V6. Or an inline 6. You really can't go wrong with either. First things first, find out what's wrong with the Buick motor you have.
Personally, I'd go for a small block Chevy with fairly mild performance mods. Durability over performance would be my thinking. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:56:05 AM EDT
[#9]
My default answer is always going to be 350.
Depending on how hard you wheel it or beat it, a 4.3 might be a good option, as well, as you could thrash those axles with a well built 350. All according to use. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:56:41 AM EDT
[#10]
Most 231 Buick's will bolt right in, same mounts and bell-housing bolt pattern. Personally Id change out the bellhousing/tranny and put in a 4.3L Chevy or a SBC with TBI.
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:59:10 AM EDT
[#11]
350 small block
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Posted: 2/7/2014 5:59:51 AM EDT
[#12]
4.3 would work great. 200 HP in a light weight, fuel efficient package with good bottom end torque.
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:02:22 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
350 small block I say 5.3l ls engine. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:03:19 AM EDT
[#14]
Friend of mine swapped a 4.3 into his CJ; it was easy to do with the current adapters and he's very happy with the hp and torque gains, better fuel economy and no cooling issues since it's smaller and doesn't produce as much heat as a V8.
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:04:13 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
304 V8....? What they ran when they weren't V6s.... ETA: If you have the coinage...a 4BT would be my choice Get the cummins turbo diesel in there
Amen. this would be damn near the ultimate jeep. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:04:33 AM EDT
[#16]
350 crate motor....or 383 if you got the $. My dad is running a crate motor 383 (the one with vortec heads) with a TPI from the Ramjet 350 that is tuned for the 383 in his suburban and that set up would rock in a Jeep. But if the Buick V6 isn't trashed too bad look into rebuilding it.
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:05:03 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I really like the Buick V6. Or an inline 6. You really can't go wrong with either. First things first, find out what's wrong with the Buick motor you have. Personally, I'd go for a small block Chevy with fairly mild performance mods. Durability over performance would be my thinking. Without a doubt, I've really fallen in love with the little Buick. It's the first motor I've really dug into, replaced the electrics, rebuilt the carb, and she runs like a stabbed rat, all the power I need in that little bastard. This thread is more for fun than anything else, but it's always good to see what else is out there. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:05:21 AM EDT
[#18]
LS2
no but seriously, how hard would a Cummins swap be on one of those? I've always lusted after a Cummins powered CJ |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:06:28 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I say 5.3l ls engine. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
350 small block I say 5.3l ls engine. This, rock solid, good low end torque, great drivability, lots of parts, low cost, decent fuel usage. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:06:50 AM EDT
[#20]
i had the AMC 304 in my79 CJ7 and a 350 TBI in my 51 Willys.
both ran well |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:08:02 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
350 crate motor....or 383 if you got the $. My dad is running a crate motor 383 (the one with vortec heads) with a TPI from the Ramjet 350 that is tuned for the 383 in his suburban and that set up would rock in a Jeep. But if the Buick V6 isn't trashed too bad look into rebuilding it. I know a 350 would be a dead nuts simple and reliable motor, but damn it seems awful big for the CJ. I feel like a V6 or I6 is a better use of space/weight v. Power. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:11:03 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I know a 350 would be a dead nuts simple and reliable motor, but damn it seems awful big for the CJ. I feel like a V6 or I6 is a better use of space/weight v. Power. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
350 crate motor....or 383 if you got the $. My dad is running a crate motor 383 (the one with vortec heads) with a TPI from the Ramjet 350 that is tuned for the 383 in his suburban and that set up would rock in a Jeep. But if the Buick V6 isn't trashed too bad look into rebuilding it. I know a 350 would be a dead nuts simple and reliable motor, but damn it seems awful big for the CJ. I feel like a V6 or I6 is a better use of space/weight v. Power. I agree..I actually like the 4.3 idea. Or what about a smaller v8 like a Police Interceptor? Never thought of that before...thoughts folks? |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:12:57 AM EDT
[#23]
Honestly? A jeep 4.0 from the old cherokee would be a sweet setup.
Cool factor? An LS1 |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:15:34 AM EDT
[#24]
I saw one recently that a guy swapped in a amc 360. It was off road only and he had cherry bombs off the headers.
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:18:14 AM EDT
[#25]
AMC straight six for sheer toughness and longevity. The old 360s are a direct swap for the old 304. If you want something really different dig up and old caddy 500 and drop it in. You have you room for it and the torque is ungodly...
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:19:26 AM EDT
[#26]
I just realized I have a 72' MOPAR 318 sitting in my satellite that needs to come out, as long as it isn't seized up.
What's the consensus on that, even though I've just tried shot down the 350 ideas
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:21:35 AM EDT
[#27]
Every time I see one of these old jeeps, I want to get one to shoehorn in a straight-6 turbo diesel, and run the ever living hell out of it.
So yeah, my vote is a small(ish) turbo diesel. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:21:43 AM EDT
[#28]
Alright, here's the plan....
You buy a Veyron SS, then you get this ultimate set of tools......... |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:21:44 AM EDT
[#29]
318 would be a good fit too
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:22:59 AM EDT
[#30]
Gallo 24
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:24:06 AM EDT
[#31]
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:25:15 AM EDT
[#32]
5.3L chevy.
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:25:21 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I agree..I actually like the 4.3 idea. Or what about a smaller v8 like a Police Interceptor? Never thought of that before...thoughts folks? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
350 crate motor....or 383 if you got the $. My dad is running a crate motor 383 (the one with vortec heads) with a TPI from the Ramjet 350 that is tuned for the 383 in his suburban and that set up would rock in a Jeep. But if the Buick V6 isn't trashed too bad look into rebuilding it. I know a 350 would be a dead nuts simple and reliable motor, but damn it seems awful big for the CJ. I feel like a V6 or I6 is a better use of space/weight v. Power. I agree..I actually like the 4.3 idea. Or what about a smaller v8 like a Police Interceptor? Never thought of that before...thoughts folks? I think that the weight of a 350 and the 4.2 I 6 is about the same.....then again there is always the aluminum LS engines....newer 350....
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:26:58 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Every time I see one of these old jeeps, I want to get one to shoehorn in a straight-6 turbo diesel, and run the ever living hell out of it. So yeah, my vote is a small(ish) turbo diesel. 
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:27:30 AM EDT
[#35]
Just rebuild the Buick V6 and set it up with a turbo....
or a 4cyl. turbo cummins?
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:27:40 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryRedonkulous. Titty sprinkles. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:28:29 AM EDT
[#37]
I had an '80 CJ5 a long time ago. It had an AMC 151 engine in it.
Ran forever on the 14 gallon fuel tank.
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:29:11 AM EDT
[#38]
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:29:37 AM EDT
[#39]
Did I make it in before the LS1 crowd?
EDT:  Nope
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:30:35 AM EDT
[#40]
The 151 engine was a tough little motor.
I have built many many CJ's in the past. Most ran AMC 360 engines. But, if doing it again I would for sure run the 5.3L Chevy. Tons of power and very cheap. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:31:43 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Just rebuild the Buick V6 and set it up with a turbo.... or a 4cyl. turbo cummins?I thought about that, I wanted to EFI it as well but the 225s have some kind of tarded firing order/timing that makes them more or less useless for EFI |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:32:56 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The 151 engine was a tough little motor. I have built many many CJ's in the past. Most ran AMC 360 engines. But, if doing it again I would for sure run the 5.3L Chevy. Tons of power and very cheap. What's your take on chryslers 318, I've got one in a Plymouth that needs to come out? |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:34:09 AM EDT
[#43]
Stay with the 225.
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:36:56 AM EDT
[#44]
The 318 is a damn good motor. The only problem I would have with going that route would be finding the adapters and the cost of replacement parts.
The is the beauti of the 5.3L Chevy, adapters are easy to come by, the motors are cheap (complete), lots of power, good on fuel, and easy to find parts for next to nothing. The added benefit is you can upgrade that 5.3L into one mean ass motor if you ever wanted to with little mods. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:37:29 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What's your take on chryslers 318, I've got one in a Plymouth that needs to come out? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
The 151 engine was a tough little motor. I have built many many CJ's in the past. Most ran AMC 360 engines. But, if doing it again I would for sure run the 5.3L Chevy. Tons of power and very cheap. What's your take on chryslers 318, I've got one in a Plymouth that needs to come out? 318's are almost indestructible. Easy to do any thing to. The voltage regulator on the firewall is a little brittle sometimes. I replaced 2 or 3 in my '73 Road Runner before I got one that lasted. |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:38:33 AM EDT
[#46]
I have the 304 in mine but the chevy swap is pretty standard.
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:38:58 AM EDT
[#47]
While I would go with a 5.3 if it is an option, the 318 is not a bad plan since you already have one. Plenty of torque for the weight you are moving and the dang things last forever if you change the oil regularly. The purple stripe 440 would be plenty of fun too though. Dropping the clutch in 4wd would result in some impressive smoke clouds (until the clutch grenade and amputated your feet).
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:40:57 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What's your take on chryslers 318, I've got one in a Plymouth that needs to come out? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
The 151 engine was a tough little motor. I have built many many CJ's in the past. Most ran AMC 360 engines. But, if doing it again I would for sure run the 5.3L Chevy. Tons of power and very cheap. What's your take on chryslers 318, I've got one in a Plymouth that needs to come out? Reliable as your driveway. Can make 325-350hp really cheap and simple. Parts availability for days. Cheap. There is a TON of knowlage and good parts out there for the "A" engine and folks are finding they can toyed with quite well when an "LA" engine is not available. Eagle and Scat even have stroker kits for the 318. 400hp/400tq for $1500 |
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:41:49 AM EDT
[#49]
Another option is the GM 4.3 V6 (basically a 350 V8 with 2 cylinders cut off). Lighter than 350, fuel injection available, turbo, etc.
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Posted: 2/7/2014 6:45:18 AM EDT
[#50]
350 or 4.3L.
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