Engine advice/Swap question(s)
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Teching In
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 33
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Engine advice/Swap question(s) Hey folks,
Got my tow rig set up now. `02 2500HD Cognito lift with twin Bilstiens up front and back, Tru-Flo intake, Super chip etc etc.
Need some help on choosing an engine for a Jeep Wrangler (YJ) swap. Not looking for a mega HP motor. Just a good runner with bottom end torque. Aluminum heads/block a plus. Roller cams are a benifet. Just have not kept up with the offerings for a while.
The Jeep is set up with the NV4500 trans, Atlas II 3.0 transfer case. Dana 60 frt/rear with 5.13 gears and lockers. 33 x 13.50 Nitto Mud Grapplers.
4.3 maybe. With or without a balance shaft ? What year did they go to the Vortec design ? Inject it or carb it ? Any with Alum. heads ? I have heard that the 4.3 runs a bit rough and the balance shafts really didnt do much ??
4.8 V8 ? Dont know anything about this motor. Aluminum heads ? Aftermarket parts aval.?
5.3 is this the old 305 ? Perhaps a good choice for a modest motor. Can it be carbed and HEI ed ? Any alum. or rollers ?
How about the 5.7 ? This is the 350 isnt it ? Did it ever get the Vortec treatment ? If so when ?
Course the 6.0 which is what I have in my HD. Be nice but perhaps a bit too much power. Dont want to start breaking things.
I have a late 60`s 2 bolt 350 long block. It would need to be freshened up but could be used. But by the time I did the machine work and parts I could get a low mileage, late year FI motor from the boneyard and take advantage of the Vortec design, alum. and FI
What do you folks think would be the best way to go ?
Thanks !!
Got my tow rig set up now. `02 2500HD Cognito lift with twin Bilstiens up front and back, Tru-Flo intake, Super chip etc etc.
Need some help on choosing an engine for a Jeep Wrangler (YJ) swap. Not looking for a mega HP motor. Just a good runner with bottom end torque. Aluminum heads/block a plus. Roller cams are a benifet. Just have not kept up with the offerings for a while.
The Jeep is set up with the NV4500 trans, Atlas II 3.0 transfer case. Dana 60 frt/rear with 5.13 gears and lockers. 33 x 13.50 Nitto Mud Grapplers.
4.3 maybe. With or without a balance shaft ? What year did they go to the Vortec design ? Inject it or carb it ? Any with Alum. heads ? I have heard that the 4.3 runs a bit rough and the balance shafts really didnt do much ??
4.8 V8 ? Dont know anything about this motor. Aluminum heads ? Aftermarket parts aval.?
5.3 is this the old 305 ? Perhaps a good choice for a modest motor. Can it be carbed and HEI ed ? Any alum. or rollers ?
How about the 5.7 ? This is the 350 isnt it ? Did it ever get the Vortec treatment ? If so when ?
Course the 6.0 which is what I have in my HD. Be nice but perhaps a bit too much power. Dont want to start breaking things.
I have a late 60`s 2 bolt 350 long block. It would need to be freshened up but could be used. But by the time I did the machine work and parts I could get a low mileage, late year FI motor from the boneyard and take advantage of the Vortec design, alum. and FI
What do you folks think would be the best way to go ?
Thanks !!
I think a ls1 5.7 would be the cheapest all alluminum setup. The 6.0 ls2 is a nice option if you want a little more grunt. The 5.3L 2000+ came with alluminum heads. They can be bought complete for really cheap. Definitely do fuel injection. It is much safer for steep climbs and decents where the carbs can have problems. Give john a speartech a buzz to build you a custom wiring harness. He can make one specific to your application.
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Quakertown, PA
I put a 5.3 in my old Jeep Cherokee. If you use the underhood fuse block, this is a really simple swap wiring wise. In other words, six or so wires to hook up and it is running. 285hp for the early years, up to 300+ later years. Iron block, aluminum heads, plentiful and cheap. 4.8l would work just as well, a little less torque and hp, but plenty for a little Jeep. Probably get one of those even cheaper since there is little demand. You should be able to pick up a 5.3 for less than $1k with accessories, harness and pcm.
yeah dont be afraid of breaking things. the 4500, atlas and 60's have been proven stout in big block powered fullsize rigs. so as far as power goes, lookin at where you stand right now i would build perhaps a little bigger than i would think i need. a 6.0 iron block truck motor with all the accessories would be awesome for that CJ. lots of torque and you could always go bigger with power parts later down the road. i.e. heads, cam etc...
btw i'm about to go big on my jeep
real heathy ls1
nv4500
STaK 3spd
60's w/5.13's and detroits
42inch iroks
stretched to ~114' wb
also i would stay away from that old motor you mentioned
btw i'm about to go big on my jeep
real heathy ls1
nv4500
STaK 3spd
60's w/5.13's and detroits
42inch iroks
stretched to ~114' wb
also i would stay away from that old motor you mentioned
