Need some help from the experts!!

Recently bought a 59 CJ-5 all original except for a small block 283....

After getting the "piece" home found all kinds of problems.....

I've got it all torn down and the body is coming off over the weekend....

I'd like to keep the transmission and tranfer case if practical, what is the best motor to go with?????

I had planned on going with an 80-83 151 4cly, but don't know it that has enough power.......

Is a V-8 too much for the original equipment?????

Any ideas....suggestions??????

Thanks
Jim

 

If the engine is toast then I'd put in a Buick V-6 or a 4.3 V-6. The Chev 4.3 V-6 would bolt up to your existing bellhousing and you could re-use your existing accessories and what not. May have to move the mounts depending on mounting system of the 283. I know some early ones had front plate type mounts. I prefer the V-6's due to clearance, power is plenty without overstressing stock running gear, availability, and good balance of the vehicle for off road use. Nickmil.

 

Dennis has a V8 (350?) in Speedbuggy.

 

Thanks for the inputs......never heard the motor run because of all the problems that I found......gonna put it on a stand and try to get it running.....like I said I've torn it all apart and the body is coming off over the weekend......found a lot of rust and rot....surprise, surprise....
Anyway all in all shouldn't be too bad if the motor turns out to be ok???
It has like a cradle engine mount in the front, never seen that before.
Now I'll be looking for a better radiator, the Jeep still had the small 4 cly radiator.
I guess this will be a frame off build, but not a restoration...
Hope to meet some of you over the coming warmer weather and go wheeling.....
Thanks again for the inputs.....
Jim

 

I like the 283 idea just because it's a 283 and thats the first V8 I ever owned. But I like the 2.5 idea, I own a one that I've been saving for just the right project. It's a good engine for a Jeep, makes good power theres hop up equipment from the Fiero era if you choose to do so. Pretty easy to get 100 hp out of it.

 

My YJ has the later FI 2.5 and it makes good power.

Your engine mount sounds like a Vega V8 type.

 

I have a 350 in mine and love it. I run the original T90 and D18 combo from '56. You'll want a radiator from a vega or monza to keep enough coolant in there.

 

283, yeah I'd keep it in there

 

A friend of mine has a 283 in his early 5. Good power. I think he has a t-14, to d 18. The only problem he has is the radiator is too small/old and it gets warm out in the so cal deserts. I'd sat keep the 283...

 

Yep. 283. If for no other reason, that's what you have now. And heck, if you're going to take it all appart anyway, why not do the same to the motor and get her in tip-top shape?

Btw, Welcome from a fellow North Carolinian.

 

I am ditching the 283 in my 3b and going with the 4.3 V6 just because the V8 takes up alot of room.

 

A Vega radiator is to small. Need one from a V-8 Monza. I have a three row out of a 1978 Monza.


http://groups.msn.com/ScottMilliner/scottsjeeppictures.msnw?Page=1

 

if you want a 4 cylinder, use the gm181 mercruiser engine. I have one in my 60 cj5 and it is a powerhouse as far as 4 bangers go. The only difficulty is the lack of automotive manifolds. I made both the intake and exhaust on mine and it works perfect. 140 hp and about 185lb-ft of torque. Very smooth running and that marine cam works great down low.I couldn't be happier with mine. Lots of room under the hood. I used the stock radiator and shroud, just lowered it 2 " and reversed the bottom tank.

JB

 

I'm running a 60 Ford crossflow in my 283 powered CJ5. Ran it for over 10 years with no overheating problems. And that's up to 11,000 ft. altitude where the air's awful thin. I've got a front cradle mount that the PO put in and I'd like to replace it with a stock cradle mount. Do I understand correctly that this was a comon Chevy mount for smallblocks up to 1964? I'm going to a junkyard tomorrow that has a lot of old stuff (no CJ's though) in the 60's and 70's and if I can find a stock cradle mount, I'll score it. The one I have now shows the quality, or lack thereof, of the PO. To give you an example of his work, he installed a 6x9 speaker in the dash. to cut the hole in the dash, he used a 1/2" drill and a cold chisel.