64 CJ5 - V8 conversion

I recently purchased a 64 CJ5. The engine was pulled in 1999 and it has been parked ever since. It had a 302 V8 in it and when I bought it the guy included all of the engine parts excluding the block. Because of this I think it makes sense to try to find another 302 to put in it. I haven't been able to find many postings anywhere dealing with this sort of conversion. Wondering if anyone else has any experience with a 302 conversion?

I plan on pulling the transmission and transfer case this weekend to try to determine if they are in good enough shape to use. The input shaft on the transmission has some heavy rust but the inner workings may be fine. What sort of things should I be looking for when trying to determine the condition of the transmission and transfer case? Anything in particular I should watch out for?

 

pretty good starting place
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/ford_small_block_v8.htm

 

To me, your main concern should be what you want to have when you finish, and how much time and money you want to spend. Have you owned a Jeep before this?

Rather than reading the Novak page specific to the Ford V8, I'd suggest you start with the Novak page about engines in Jeeps in general: http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/engines_general.htm

V8 conversions were much more popular, say, 20-30 years ago than they are today. More popular today are the GM V6s (Chevy and Buick) which are widely available and cheap, and fit the engine compartment of a pre-72 CJ very well. With today's use of technologically-advanced large and sticky tires, a V8 with the stock drivetrain may cause more breakage than you find acceptable. A lot will depend on your driving habits. The original transmission (the T-90) was only marginally strong enough to match with a SB V8 in the past, and isn't any stronger today. IMO the T-90 is only really suitable for engines in the 150-200cid range; others may disagree.

What's your budget, and what do you want?

Welcome from Boston!

 

if the Jeep had been left outdoors during this time, water could be in the gearboxes.
Simply draining the oil will tell the story.
Removing the top shift tower from the trans and the pan from the transfer case will allow good views of the gears on both units.
if water is/was present, then tear down and replacement of bearings will most likely be needed; the intermediate shaft, bearings, and gear should be inspected as well, and can be done without major disassembly.
The T90 has a good track record with Jeepers who know what the limits of the trans are and drive accordingly, regardless of engine size and HP.

 

Good call, Jim. I never had a problem with the T90/350 combo. I knew how to use it. Don't forget, speedy was built to work

 

Where have i seen that jeep............ OH OH i know....R)

 

I kinda miss ol' Speedy

 

Her new home is almost done,visiting hours are 365 days a year 24/7..R)

 

R) R) We'll schedule another trip out there for next year

 

Thanks guys for all of the feedback.

I drove a 75 CJ5 all through high school but it wasn't really mine. My dad still owns it and it's been parked in his back yard since I moved out. The plan is, we're both going to get our jeeps fixed up and running so we can have something to do together on weekends.

I don't plan on doing anything too crazy, basically drive it back and forth to work every day, 10 miles round trip with no highway travel and take it out exploring in the AZ desert on the weekends.

I'm definately not stuck on a V8 but since it has a 302 in it before and I already have all of the wiring, motor mounts and a ton of spare engine parts it kind of made sense to go that way.

I'm trying to keep everything under 6k from start to finish. I'm in it about 1200 at the moment and that's basically just the cost of the jeep. I plan on getting the frame cleaned up and painted to keep the rust away. Some minor body work and paint. Upgrade the suspension and add a few inches of lift to allow for some 33-34 inch tires. Most important though is making sure it runs strong and reliable and that there is no rust.

64xCJ5
Mesa, AZ

 

If it had a sbf in it before and is already setup that way(mounts, adapters,radiator,etc)it only seems logical to go back with that same setup. Start changing and it'll cost you. Of course that's pretty easy for me to say from I'm sitting. I'm not turning the wrenches or paying the bills.