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Engine Swaps!

Posted September 1 2010 01:00 PM by Christian Hazel
Filed under: Jeep Tech, Jeep Enthusiast Culture, Christian Hazel

Okay, Cappa is always on about what's your favorite "whatever". What I want to know is, what is your favorite engine swap?

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It doesn't have to be a swap you've done. But if you ever think you may put a different engine in your XYZ-model Jeep, what would it be and why? Go with the Herd: a Hemi 'cause that's what everybody else seems to want to do? Traditional Standby: Small-block Chevy 'cause it's a slam-dunk easy upgrade. Fordtastic: 'cause sometimes being the minority is cool. AMCo'phile: 'causes even weirdos need lovin' too?

I'm honestly curious. And don't forget, your input may sway the course of future engine swap stories in Jp.

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Reader Comments:

1. I don't know that it is my favorite, but I've swapped in more Buick 231 V6s than any other engine (Vega wagon, CJ2a, M Farmall... http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LEQ79e8_9bQNGqF4nM0Q0w?feat=directlink ). I am in the process of putting a 4.3 Chevy in my CJ3a. I have always wanted to put a 455 Buick engine in something (similar weight to a SBC) and the FSJ in the Top Truck Challenge a few years back running one just cemented that desire. I love their exhaust note at an idle. I guess it stems from a different firing order than most v8s??

pbbelly - Posted September 1 2010 03:24 PM

2. I have a 92 YJ with the 4.0L, so the first thought has always been a GM 350 or ford 351, but I have also liked the ford 300 inline six ( in my opinon the best engine ford made.) The 300 with the four speed manual to me would be a great wheeling combo.

buckit - Posted September 1 2010 03:24 PM

3. Quad-Rotor Turbo Mazda into a CJ, any CJ. Yeah it would need a 6speed but you want different, then again finding one might be a bit of a challenge this side of the pacific.

mb823 - Posted September 1 2010 04:49 PM

4. For my '715 I'd choose a Rambler 327 with 4 barrel mated to the stock trans(the way it should've been from the factory), for my 06 Wrangler Unlimited, I'm thinking the 5.3 Vortec/4L60E combo would be perfect someday & the Cherokee *needs* some type of late model turbo diesel....
The old Odd-Fire 225 Buick V6(like Hazel's CJ-6 had) is a perfect engine for an old flat fender or early CJ. torquey, ample power with a 4 barrel & the exhaust sounds cool.

06unlimitedrubicon - Posted September 1 2010 05:33 PM

5. Or... How about an odd fire Buick V6 with a EFI setup on it in a flat fender?

06unlimitedrubicon - Posted September 1 2010 05:35 PM

6. For my TJ, I am still leaning towards the Hemi/5 sp auto. Its a Chrysler motor, adapts well and 400hp would be all kinds of fun. My next choice would be an LS3/4L60E but pissin matches with the smog referees are something I don't want to worry about. I had to deal with those guys in the past..I'd rather spend the day at the protologist.
How about a VW TDI diesel into a flattie? Adapt a manual tranny with an Atlas??? Its light, powerful and would get about 40 mpg depending on gearing.

sduncan86 - Posted September 1 2010 07:38 PM

7. I am a Cummins guy but I would absolutely love to see a VW TDI diesel in my 95 yj. The engine weighs less then my 4 banger and can make more power than the 6 cyl easy.

95redYJ - Posted September 2 2010 06:18 AM

8. Hmmm, I have a lot of favorite motors some that I have never used. So here is my list:

Mazda 13B Rotory: Never messed with one but I think it would be cool in a small lightweight Jeep like a flatfender or a stripped-simple TJ, backed with a manual tranny and ultra low axle gears.

GM Ram Jet 350 V-8: I loved this motor. It was an easy swap. It used mostly easy-to-get over the counter parts. The power on demand was awesome. Better for bigger Jeeps that can use the extra power.

Buick 225 Odd-Fire V-6: One of my favorite motors. I could lug that thing down to 300-500 rpm. Nice small compact package. Good for early Jeeps. Getting old and harder to find.

GM 4.3L V-6: I haven't used one yet but a fuel-njected version would work well in a light Jeep. Someday I'll slap one in a mildly-built Jeep.

AMC 304/360 V-8: Stock they are total turds. Add fuel injection and and DUI ignition and you've got something. These things are anvils that you can really lug in the low rpms while crawling.

VW TDI: I like the idea but have not been behind the wheel of one... yet (soon). I'd want it in front of a NV3550 five-speed manual tranny, or maybe even in front of a six-speed manual.

John Cappa - Posted September 2 2010 08:07 AM

9. I'd have to go with a 5.0 Ho outta a 90ish Stang into a Yj. I love FORD POWER! Plus this would let you use an NP435 tranny that has the granny low 1st gear! It also helps that i have a 93 5.0 Stang just waitin to donate an engine. LoL However i would alos like to see a Wrangler with one of the VW deisel engines installed. I just like the low end power of a biofuel wheeler! Just my luck that i sold my Yj:(

Erics98GreenTJ - Posted September 2 2010 03:07 PM

10. Jp Editor,

When you going to get behind the wheel of the YJ with the VW?

95redYJ - Posted September 3 2010 08:57 AM

11. I like my even fire buick V-6 for my flattie, but If I were to do it again I would go with a stock rebuilt Ford 289 from a older Ford car. Why, well, cause its small, light, will make more than enough power, different, and the distributor is up front.

Verne Simons - Posted September 3 2010 03:31 PM

12. The new VW TDI in a Tj would be really a cool. You guys really need to get on that.

crawlijuana - Posted September 9 2010 11:12 AM

13. Some one mentioned the Ford 300 in a YJ. That has my interest. Has this ever been done? Had one in my old '88 F150 not fast but lotsa pull.

bluegrasspicker - Posted August 22 2011 10:23 AM

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