V8 Cj5 How Bad.

Hi everyone

I just picked up a 65 cj5 with a small block Chevy 327 or 283 owner can’t remember for sure, and a side load 4speed of some kind. I know y’all say a v6 is enough and I agree but I just couldn’t pass up the deal I got.
How bad are the v8 powered cj5?
It seems decent. Is it worth running as a v8 or should I focus on a swap right away?
Thoughts?, advice, comments all welcome and appreciated.
Educate me.... thanks in advance

 

If I had a V8 with a transmission that can actually handle it, I wouldn’t change either.

 

I have a 304. Nothing bad about it unless you are 16 and drunk.

 

I'd keep it. Lots of CJs were converted to Chevy V8 back in the 60s and 70s, before V6s were widely available. A V8 can be pushing the limits with the original T-90 3-speed, but with a 4-speed swap that problem is eliminated. I'd focus on making sure it all works well together, but I don't see much reason to swap out the V8.

 

Coming from a guy with an F134 4 cyl I say RUN IT! Like Chilly said, don’t be an idiot and you’ll be just fine it isn’t a sports car and I’m sure you understand that I can’t see the pic??

 

small block chevrolet or small block ford . run what ya got

 

Imgur try this link.

I kinda wanna just leave since it’s that way already. Not sure I’d swap a v8 if I were Building it but if it ain’t broke why fix it.

It’s been this way for years the PO said it all runs real well together.

 

This is the first time iv ever heard anyone ask if they should get rid of a v8 lol love this site. On the facebook groups people ask constantly about swapping a v8 in their "all original" jeeps. Its sad! But id keep the v8 if its not a total disaster area. Most likely a saginaw 4 speed the muncie's are aluminum.

 

That looks great. I would keep the engine setup you have. Parts are probably cheaper and more readily available.

 

Is a Saginaw a bad trans?
It actually looks to be quite well done.
I Also I had very bad luck v8 flatly when I was younger So I have been leery of V-8 swap’s ever since.
Can refer the good jeep Facebook groups, all I ever seem to find are JK groups.

 

That’s a fact it seems like small black stuff almost grows on trees.

 

Nope. Just don't beat on it too badly.
The lower-geared versions are more desirable for jeeps, but the higher-geared versions can put up with higher HP.

 

They are bad. Bad in a good way. Like bad a$$.

Are you sure it's a Saginaw and not a Muncie?

Nice looking JEEP, BTW.

 

Thanks I like it I found it by accident. Thanks for the good news. Haha. It’s cast and another person said most Muncies were aluminum

 

As long as it runs well honestly I'd leave it and enjoy it. It looks like you found a nice one. The body seems good, and from what's visible the front floors are good. It appears to have an aluminum radiator which is good for the V8. The cage appears nicely done. Manual saginaw conversion is an improvement over the Ross. Big bad Koenig winch up front. While I've never been a fan of the car 4 speeds in Jeeps ( I'm a granny box guy) they were the hot swap for the old school guys back in the day, especially for the guys who went to the dunes. Those close ratio 4 speeds were the ticket for replacing the 3 speeds back then.

Congrats on a nice find.

Mike

 

I agree on the 4 speed I’d rather have a sm420
But if it’s too bad I could add terra low.

Ya I was happy to see that it already Saginaw steering, I think I read it’s not much to do power Saginaw from non power.

Th cage does seem nice. Wonder if I can still run a top?

Thanks I’m lucky to have stumbled across it

 

Yes you should be able to run a soft top. It has had one on it at one time. The snaps around the tub are visible, as well as the door channel on the windshield frame.

Mike

 

I saw the snaps too, and wondered if that top was there before the cage

 

Glad to see other cj owners here in AZ.

 

A CJ5 with a SBC was a very common swap and works quite well. There are several passinger car 4 speeds that were used; T10, Muncie, or Saginaw. All are much more capable than the T90. Is the transmission case aluminum or cast iron? Early T10 and Saginaw are iron. The biggest complaint is the shifter location, to the left and rearward of the stock location. I have a Muncie in my CJ5/Dauntless and have no issues with it. With a good Competition Plus shifter, its acually pretty sweet to run through the gears, but the 1st gear ratio can't compare with the truck 4 speeds with compound first gears.
Enjoy what you have as there are very few downsides to your combination.
-Donny