New guy with some questions

I just finished a 1985 CJ7 rebuild with a 4.0 and decided to sell. I now lie awake at nite wondering how I'm going to get through the day without my Jeep! I've decided to start a new CJ but this time a CJ5. I'm thinking about something like a 1960 or 70's but don't know much about them. What engine should I put in there? What engine CAN I put in there? WHat about suspension, seats, roll cages, body tubs so on and so forth. Any help would be appreciated. I'm really wanting to slap an LS1 motor in it but think it may be a bit excessive.

 

Welcome from Norwalk!

Just my opinion, but if I were starting over, I'd get a 68 or 69 - 71 with a dauntless v-6. More than enough power for the jeeps and very capable off road.

This isn't to say that you couldn't put an LS1 engine in it... I have a 350 in my JEEP. You can do whatever you like (and you can afford) and we'll help you anyway we can

 

The stock motors are just fine. From the sounds of it you would like the V-6. The LS1 I think would be very excessive, really when does anyone need that much power in a Jeep?
Edit: oh yeh forgot Dennis has a 350 in his.

Oh yeh Welcome from central Va.

 

Thanks for those bits of information. The one I'm looking at doesn't have a good motor so I'd have to put something new into it. I'm looking for something with alot of get up and go as well as a good sound. Do they make mounts for putting a 350 into a CJ5 of this year (like they do for the CJ7's) or do I have to make it myself?

 

good questions. the members list shows that as of today there are 3,102 members of this group. so i would say that there are probably 6,204 answers to your question...

i would suggest hanging out here a while and cruising the tech sections about engine transplants, tranny, and xfer transplants, axles, etc. and findout what people are stuffing in their cj's by the questions they are asking.

that's how i started.

there are cjers here who insist on keeping to "stock" oem engines. and those who have chevy shortblock, ford, buick 350s, diesel, etc. didn't someone even mention a jet turbine once? ( might have dreamt that one... which probably means i've should get a life outside of cj's..:driving:

i for instance am doing a resto mod but i really like the original dauntless v6 oddfire. and undid some of the inggs that the previous owner did.

i would say that three ways to approach this would be to either plan out the rig you would like to end up with (uses, specs and all) and find the cj/parts that would help you do that.

2 decide on a specific year or range of years, then base it on that and see what you have to do.

3 wait for the cj that you "bond with" get to know it and build from there.

oh and then there's always finding it piece by piece. e.g. found a rolling chassis in someone's yard for $50 and begin to assemble.

in any case there will be no shortage of suggestions here.


i would start by just cruising the tech sections as i sais above

edit: i agree with the 69-71 (course i have a 69 but i like em all) and had a 47 2a. remember though that the cj5 is only about 2400 to 2700 lbs with awesome torque, and a short wheel base about 81". that's why i like the v6.
enjoy it here. and welcome from IA.

 

good question mike! even better .... why not one of each! (my wife is across the room rolling her eyes and shaking her head... i guess THAT's why not..R) )

 

Welcome from Boston!

I've owned both a CJ-5 and a CJ-6, with both the 258 inline six and the 304 V8. I bought the CJ-6 becasue I thought it would be the answer to all my dreams... today I would like to have either of them.

The 225 V6 is an excellent, torquey engine, and more than adequate power for that chassis IMO. The earlier F-head 134 also has its fans, and is a fine choice for the right owner.

IMO the main question is - what do you want to do with the Jeep? I have my own ideas about what I'd want, but what did you learn from the CJ-7 that makes you want a CJ-5?

<edit> If you haven't been there, the Novak site has a lot of good info about different engines and transmissions for Jeeps. http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/engines_general.htm Of course, they have their opinions, and they want to sell their products, but I don't think they will steer you wrong to make a sale. Members here will be happy to comment on specifics from their site, and you may or may not find agreement.

 

:iagree: motor/trans depends on what you want/like to do.

 

The best sounding engine (IMHO) is a Ford flathead V8 running through a set of Smitty glasspacks. But then, maybe that's because one of the first cars I drove was a 1951 Ford Victoria that my uncle owned. Say, I've got an extra flathead engine. I wonder what it would take to adapt it to Shaggy's T 90. Wow! I'll have to think about that one for a while.

tommy b

 

I don't think that you could go wrong with a cj5/6 with what ever engine,tranny,axles, body mods it has. It is the the fun that you have making it yours( [Just Empty Ever Pocket) you will know the UPS/FEDEX driver by name and read as many posts in the forum as you can and enjoy

 

Thanks for all of the information everyone. I'm thinking that this is going to be very much like the CJ7 project I did where it's pretty much anything goes. I've heard of Porsche engines in CJ7's! Yeah, sounds odd to me as well.

So now that I know that pretty much anything will fit, I can start the research process and such. Thanks again!

 

Well, sort of. Remember that the dividing line is 1972 for engines. Prior to '72, the engine compartment was 5" shorter than after. Jeep chose the Buick V6 for the CJ because it easily fit in the engine compartment. The front end sheet metal was lengthened 5" in 1972 to accomodate the AMC engines, particularly the inline 6s. If you like Chevys, and you buy a pre-72 CJ, the 4.3L is the obvious and popular choice (popular for good reason). A V8 will fit with some sheet metal cutting, but the V6s are easier and neater.