CJ3A Buick V6 Swap

[Macgyver]

I'm new to board and I'm going to ask a question thay has been asked many times I'm sure, so sorry in advance. I need to know how far forward to move package forward. Also, how far to the one side do I move it as well. It will be Stock T90 tranny and Dana transfere case, with an Adapter and 231 Buick even fire. I'm getting close on the frame, with the steering getting finished this week. Pretty much ready to go. Any good links?

Thanks, Cole

[WTB853]

The Novak Adaptors webpage looks like a great resource for the buick 225 swap.

[Macgyver]

Thanks, I checked it out and it answered a few questions. I guess I am a little Parinoid about it. I haven't done an engine swap in 20 years. When I was in my 20's I would just jump in and go for it. I made a lot of mistakes back then and had to redo many things. Anyway, I'll figure it out.

Thanks, Cole

[Carls_jeep]

I'm not real wild about a more powerful engine in these Jeeps. The drive train is good for the L134 but when you start adding HP your asking for trouble. You still shouldn't drive them over 45-50 mph so why add an engine that could drive it to 80 mph or more and the added HP will only cause stress and damage to the drive line.

If you need an L134 engine they can be bought. In fact, I have one I would sell you.

[Carls_jeep]

I'm not real wild about a more powerful engine in these Jeeps. The drive train is good for the L134 but when you start adding HP your asking for trouble. You still shouldn't drive them over 45-50 mph so why add an engine that could drive it to 80 mph or more and the added HP will only cause stress and damage to the drive line.

If you need an L134 engine they can be bought. In fact, I have one I would sell you. I see your in Arizona and I plan to be in Blanding Utah in Sept. Perhaps I could haul it there and you could come and get it.

[Macgyver]

Carl, Thanks for the offer. I think a V8 would be nuts, but a V6 is a pretty good upgrade. I upgraded the streering and brakes and I think it's going to be safe. Again, thanks for your comments, I'm a little too far along to turn back.

Take care, Cole

[Gunslinger]

I would think that the larger engine would be ok if you can change the gear ratio in the pumpkins or add an overdrive or a trannynwith a fourth gear.  It seems to me if the 134 is running at 3000rpm at 45/50 mph, a bigger motor will do the same. Just seems to me that for the conversion to be the most effective use of horse power it makes sense to lower the gear ratios in the final drives.  Is that part of the plan or do you have something else in mind?

[Macgyver]

I thought about a better tranny, but the overall lengths would destroy the rear drive shaft angle. I decided on a Warn in the future. I'll probably get the jeep going, then add one later from Herm. I'm rebuilding the T90 and it seems rather stout. �I bought a Warn OD brand new in 1978 for $300.00 and I wish I still had it. �The 4:38's should be low enough I think. Thanks for comments, they keep me thinking.

Cole

[garage gnome]

Make sure you put the engine in low enough to clear the hood. The PO put my v6 in too high and I had to run a tiny little air cleaner. It sucked. I'm running a  225, T18 4spd and 5.38s. You don't get much more speed over the Lhead, just more power. The most common gear ratio for the v6 are 4.27s or 4.88s. Check out the early CJ5 page. They have all the info you could ever want.

[Macgyver]

Thanks, for the info. Every little bit of advice helps prevent mistakes. I did my steering and brakes from guys posts on the old cj3a board and I think they turned out real well. The engine height has given me something to think about. Any other gotcha's are appreciated. I'll check out the CJ5 board.


Thanks again, Cole

[WTB853]

I am collecting parts here and there for a second jeep (46' 2A) if I ever complete the first one (51' M38).  Backward logic, I know...............Anyhow, I think a perfect setup (if you are going to move away from stock) is a 225, sm420, D18, Warn overdrive, and stock axles.  The 1:1 4th gear and overdrive still give you decent top speed while achieving a ridiculously low crawl ratio (7.02*2.43*5.38 = 91.77 ).  An sm420 to D18 adaptor in a few inches thick and will negatively affect the rear driveline angle, but that is a HUGE gear range.  Of course, it all depends on how you will use the jeep and how deep your pockets are..................

That CJ5 site is a good resource for swaps - that is what they do over there................

[Macgyver]

I'm going with the T90 and D18, plus a 231 even fire. I'm working on the engine now. Not too radical, but much better than stock. Found some high compression pistons at TA performance (9.5-1) mild comp cam and holley 390 carb. I'm going to port the heads and have the rotating assembly balanced. I found an old jeep flywheel (90lbs) that should work out. I don't get to work on it much because of time constraints. But when I work I like to have a fool proof plan ready in advance. Thanks again to all who comment.

Cole