Hi all, I've been using this site for a lot of information gathering as I work through my project and thought I'd share the progress to date.

I'm doing a full rebuild to a 1965 CJ5. New custom frame, rebuilt axles, new body, and of course an LS motor. Engine is a 2007 LY5 5.3l. Bottom end is stock with less then 50k miles. Cam is a GM LS9 cam with rebuilt 799 heads and Trailblazer SS intake. We used a Corvette crank pulley, water pump, and all accessories to keep it as short as possible.. Should be an honest 400 hp engine with no drivability issues. Transmission is an SM465 with a Dana 18 transfer case and Jeep Dana 44 front and rear axles with 3.55 gears and Chevy truck disc brakes. The pre-72 CJ5s have a shorter front end so it's a very tight fit, but it does fit.

1965 CJ5A Tuxedo Park Mark IV full restomod rebuild
- 2007 Silverado 5.3l LY5 short block
- DOD delete
- LS9 Camshaft
- 799 Heads w/ uprated springs
- TBSS Intake
- F-Body Oil Pan
- FiTech Standalone LS wiring harness and ECM
- FiTech 92mm Throttle Body (DBC)
- Corvette Damper and accessories to minimize overall engine length
- Advance Adapters in-frame headers (shortys)
- Dual Exhuast with Flowmaster 10 mufflers
- Throttle Down Kustoms early CJ5 frame
- MD Juan new tub, fenders, and windshield frame
- Dana 44 front and rear axles from a J-Truck with Quadratrac
- YJ leaf springs with a front shackle reversal (OME 2.5 inch lift springs)
- 4 wheel disc brake conversion
- New in frame 15 gal fuel tank w/ Walbro 255lph in tank fuel pump and Corvette style regulator/filter
- Western Turbine wheels powder coated black
- New Bestop soft top and bikini top
- Original Tux Park front Bench seat and bestop rear seat
- Ron Francis full wiring kit
- Warn 8274 winch



Still need to change the water pump.


Had to do a 1 inch body lift to clear the SM465 and Dana 18.


Mike

 

Here's an update with some new pictures. We finished the body work, got the motor all welded in and then I had to move across the country. I'm just now getting back into it. Hoping to have it on the road within the next couple of months.

Mike

 

Here's a link to a walk around video on her current status.

 

Finally wrapped this project up about 2 months ago. The wife is now using it as her daily driver. The LS9 cam doesn't overpower the Jeep on the low end, but builds power quickly if you let the revs run up.







Mike

 

Couple more pictures. I swapped the stubby air filter for a standard style intake and cone filter.






Mike

 

Very nice.

 

What are you using for the 90* coming off the throttle body? It looks nice and compact.

 

Looks like a nice build. This looks a little smaller than the newer green Jeep. It looks like the green JEEPs son. LOL.

 

Cool build.