304 Engine Swap

How hard would it be to adapt a 308(304, my bad!) to my t90 that I currently have attached to a f134? Depending on the amount of work involved I would sell it instead of mounting it. Thanks.

 

308...I suddenly want to shoot something at long range!

AMC 304 maybe?

 

Maybe I was thinking about eliminating someone! Take 4 out then!

 

I would put a V6 225 in before the 304 V8.

 

The thing is I just got a cj5 donor car that has one. Either that one works or I'll keep the 134 and sell the 304.

 

Bigger is always better. Sometimes.

 

Is the donor car an auto tranny? Most of the time I'm 100% certain it'll need a flywheel if converting to a manual, and for sure those are expensive, I think.

I'm not a big fan of conversions. The adaptors are always expensive, and thats half of the expense and trouble you end up dealing with. So many threads on making clutches function, fabbing cross members, rerouting exhausts, interference with steering and linkages... sometimes its just OK to run it the way Toledo made it. My opinion, which has evolved.

 

It is a manual 3 speed (don't have the specs at hand right now). I will be most likely, selling the complete power train, altogether or in pieces. For now, I will stick to my four banger.

 

What's the year of the donor? I would use a T-15 3-speed, not the T-90. The T-15 will connect to a big hole Dana 18 as I recall, and will bolt up to the 304. '72-75 CJs with the 304 got the T-15, as did the Commandos. A T-15 is up to V8 power, and there's no easy way to adapt a 304 to a T-90. A Chevy yes, AMC no.

There's enough room for a V8. Lots of Chevys have gone in to these Jeeps. A V6 is easier, but a V8 will fit. The AMC V8s aren't particularly big, about like a Chevy or Ford small block, as I recall.

'76-79 CJs got a Tremec T-150, which is a different story.

 

I don't see why this would be too diff than a SBF(ord).

Prolly have all the usual stuff regardless of direction: Radiator change, prolly best to swap the grill as well. Mounts. Maybe adjustable pivot and throw-out, for clutch stuff. Exhaust work.

I looked into this one, talked to a guy with a 360 in a 3B, but have not done one. Seems like a 3spd swap on paper is:

T90: T90 to Small Block Ford. AMC bell.
T15: T15 to big hole Spicer18 (this is the route I'd go)
T15: Use the D20. Centered D44 from 72-75 swap

I know Novak doesn't 'like' the AMC V8s but they also hate the AW4 (and love the 700R4), so IMO they aren't always right. lol

 

My $.02: If the early CJ5 is an original survivor, leave it alone. If it's a mutt or not very restoreable, do whatever will yield the most usable rig.

 

The Ford adapter and T-150 bell should work. Ford-to-T90 adapters are not plentiful on the used market, it seems. If the donor is a '76 or newer, that might be the best route.

 

Consider using the whole donor drivetrain; 304/T15/D20, and the axles too. The front axle should be a Dana 30, maybe even with disc brakes. Since you have all these pieces from the donor, they already are designer to work together. Driveshaft lengths would need to be modified, but not too much else. The donor would also have swinging pedals, so even the clutch linkage could be swapped.
-Donny

 

What would need to be changed to keep my current drivetrain but add the dana 30?

 

I have a Ford T90 adapter if you go that route.

 

Match the gear ratio to match the rear. I've never seen a D30 steered by the original bellcrank setup, but it likely would be fairly easy to adapt. Usually, a Saginaw conversion goes along with a D30 axle swap.
Alex, I may be interested in some pieces of your "new" donor vehicle, once you figure out what you need.
-Donny

 

PM sent

 

D30 should have a two hole passenger knuckle, so rigging up the bellcrank should only involve a custom drag link.