Dude, Its Got A Hemi??

Back in the day, a buddy of my Dad's had a 76 CJ5 with a 440 and push button 727 auto transmission in it. It was a tight fit but worked very well.

 

I checked Novak but no info on Mopar swaps.

You didnt ask opinions on whether you should want to do it. The heart wants what the heart wants. Although its an engine you already have does it result in the vehicle you are wanting? If so, and if the challenge of pursuing the path not often explored then could be fun. Do you enjoy the challenge of the build, or do you want to drive your Jeep and the build is simply a means to an end?

If you want an EFI engine with respectable torque then would an XJ engine and driveline with upgraded rear axle satisfy your itch? Gives you a choice of full time or part time transfer cases. Would be more popular except the tranny doesnt fit in short Jeeps. Less exotic than the hemi.

While you already have the hemi, could its sale fund other options? Not meaning to harsh your buzz but proven build plans, while less interesting, are a slam-dunk with lots of experienced assistance available.

 

I say it's worth a try. Especially with the added wheelbase of a 6. Sounds fun!

If you plan on using different axles, it opens a whole world of possibilities of drivetrain options. Drivers side drop with Bronco axles?

If I took to heart all the times I heard "why" when I tell people I'm putting a Volvo engine in a jeep, I'd have given up long ago.

 

Might be easier to use an nv4500 from an 04 or 05 2500.

 

And by easier, he means expensive.

 

The biggest hurdle with swapping any newer Mopar is the electronics... It doesn't seem like the aftermarket has embraced Mopar like Chevy and Ferd

 

If I were doing the swap I would find an 04-05 2500 wreck and swap everything over. Sure the cost is there but you will have just about everything you need for the swap.

 

The new hemi shares the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the magnum motors and other small blocks minus the center bolt of the hemi block.
Mopar makes a stand alone controller for swaps into older cars, (PN P5153339, EFI).

I have thought about this same swap into my Dakota since the 318 has 330,000 miles on it.

Go to this page and it will cover the trans stickout, its only like an 1/8" or less but can be fixed easily. Motor mounts are totally different than there other small blocks.

Mopar 5.7L Hemi Swap - Hod Rod Magazine

Good luck!!

 

I have a 5.7 Hemi in my 03 Ram 1500 It's a nice engine it tows really nice . It would probably be super neat in a CJ but for my liking way to complicated , I work on complicated stuff all day long at work , for me part of the charm of my Dad's old CJ now mine is that it's so simple , besides I don't get to use my timing light much any more and I paid way to much to Snap On for that darn thing !

 

Since you are thinking about different engines, a bolt in swap would be a 401 or a 360. 360 easier to find. Both can be built to make lots of power. Another easy would be a stroker inline 6. Power to weight would be very impressive. Go here I6 4.7 Stroker VS 360? - International Full Size Jeep Association to read a discussion I6 stroker v a 360. Both would be bolt in and easy to do.

 

Since he's talking Buick and 5.38 axles, I suspect this is an early CJ-6. Swapping the AMC engines is a breeze in an intermediate or late chassis, but the early engine compartment is too short for an inline 6, and there's no real advantage to the AMC V8 over any of their same-age peers.

If I wanted to go modern power with an early CJ, I'd look into either the Ford EcoBoost or GM EcoTech. You could not match the $225 Buick, but you'd end up with something different, and economy similar to one of the small diesel swaps.