[Medic]

I'll start out by saying that yes, I've done a search. Now then, I'm looking to swap out the 258 in my 85 CJ, along with the POS Carter BBD. Here are the options I'm looking at: H.O 4.0L, or a TBI/TPI 350. Here are the pros/cons of each, as I see them. Please give me your comments and expertise.
4.0L pros: Direct bolt in, no adapters needed
Gives me 2x the HP and better MPG
Enough HP mods to keep me happy
Relatively cheap
cons: Keeps the weak T-5
Still not a V-8
350 pros: More power
Huge aftermarket for parts
"Coolness" factor
cons: 2x the cost of a 4.0L
Need to buy SM465 or T350/400
Need to buy adapters to D300
I can turn a wrench, but I'm no
ASE master mechanic
I've owned a YJ with a swapped in 350, but I want to build this project up myself. So please give me your .02 worth. Thanks.

 

[CJ-Jeeper]

I'd say the 4.0L gets the "coolness factor". Lots of chevy V8's in CJ's, gets boring. Not many 4.0's in CJ's. If your not mud bogging or running dunes it should have plenty of power. But you do need to ditch the T5 anyway, before it blows & strands you somewhere.

 

[embro]

i'd say a 302 injection from a f-150

pros

1- powerfull v8
2- CHEAP (even more than 350 if you ask me)
3- good performance aftermarket (mustang)
4- good mpg
5- good tranny choice in cj's

cons

1- need adapter
2- need adapter
3- need adapter

i can't see anyother cons... well exept that its ford... nah they are good engine, my friend did that swap, 350 to 302 and so far its awesome

my .02

 

[Medic]

Thanks for the input gentlemen. So far that's one for the 4.0 and one write in for a Ford 302. I have to admit, I haven't researched the whole 302 possibility. Anybody else out there with some thoughts?

 

[High5]

i just put a 99 vortec 350 in my jeep. i personally like more power than the 4.0 will provide. either the ford 302 ho( a lightning 351w would be cool but hard to find)or a chevy 350. either would be good in a jeep. just see what you can get the best deal on and/or which has the least amount of milage. i am kinda partial to fords but when i found this 99 vortec with 15,xxx miles on it i couldn't resist. i got motor auto tranny and all.

 

[AtomicBeesting]

You are going to be very dissapointed if you swap in a 4.0 and expect it to get much better gas milage and have twice the performance of the 258!

The 4.0 in my 2000 TJ was not much different then the 258 in my 85CJ7. MPG was actually better on the 258.

I finally yanked the 258 and swapped in a 350tbi. Pretty simple as far as engine swaps go. I would probably not doing anything different unless a Vortec fell in my lap.

My opinion is if you are going through the trouble of an engine swap then might as well go 8cyl's.

 

[Jeepstang]

I'm going the EFI 302 route myself. I just picked up an 89 5.0 LX Mustang. I figure by getting the entire car, I will have everything I need to do the swap.(Engine, computer, harnesses, emissions equiptment)And after I pull all that I want out of it, I can part out the car and make most of my money back. Not a bad deal.

 

[Boggerdust]

High5. Did you change the puter to a 96-97 to get rid of the crap? I'm doing the same swap maybe next week.

 

[Merlin]

What ever happened to AMC 360s or 401s?
Merlin <IMG SRC="smilies/smokin.gif" border="0">

 

[Steve N]

Originally posted by Merlin:
<STRONG>What ever happened to AMC 360s or 401s?
Merlin <IMG SRC="smilies/smokin.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

Yup! that's what I'm doing. It's a bolt in. If you want injection there are people selling kits for less than a grand. Plus my 401 should make somewhere around 400 hp. Let's see sand, snow and rocks, sounds like fun to me.

 

[High5]

Originally posted by Boggerdust:
<STRONG>High5. Did you change the puter to a 96-97 to get rid of the crap? I'm doing the same swap maybe next week.</STRONG>

yes. i bought a new computer and had it programed to a 97 suburban. with the 99 vortec (from a 3500 dually with 4l80e) computer with the advance evap and vats systems the motor would not start. when i put on the 97 computer without those systems in it it cranks right up.

 

[H8monday]

I run a Ford 5.0 HO. I love it, and would do the swap again in a heartbeat on any Jeep I owned. They run cool,strong and even upside down. The 5.0 gets better gas mileage on the trail than the 4.2, 4.0, or even the 2.5 that I have ran in this Jeep at one time or other over the last 5 years.
If you use the Ford racing Engine Harness, it takes all of the guess work out of the wiring and makes it a very simple swap.

 

[Eric Ruhl]

Definitely a V-8. As mentioned you'll be swapping the tranny anyway. I've always been partial to AMC V-8's in an effort to at least keep the heart AMC while I swapped out everything else with Scout/Chevy/Ford/etc. <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> If it wasn't for the AMC factor I'd have a TBI or TPI 350 in there. SM465's are cheap and bolt right up to the 350, so only the D300 adapter is needed (and if using a D20 or D18 Novak now has a 1" adapter kit like the T-18/T-98's have enjoyed). No other motor has parts as readily available as the 350 and the power/torque is sweet. 302 is too small for me. Glad to see you're looking at EFI engines, because although you can put EFI on AMC engines (with all GM components too) there's just something comforting about a 100% factory EFI engine IMO.

That said, I have similar setup as Steve. AMC 401 with GM TBI off a 454 and HEI distributor (sure most of it is still in pieces, but that's another story <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> ). I also like the coolness factor of the "400 club" <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0"> Whatever you do, I recommend an EFI V-8. I know I've never complained about having too much power <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

 

[oldjeep]

Buick 231! Lightweight, small, fits in nice and easily to bolt up to a t18 without any adaptors.

 

[Mo]

I'm doing a 360... however, you don't should only need one adapter if you do the 5.0 right.

Get the factory adapter to go to the Ford NP435 (no more t5). Mate that to a Dana 300 and you're good to go. Until you start busting axles.

Or you could do what I'm doing. Ford NP435, factory adapter to NP205 and a Ford RC60 front. No aftermarket adapters. Just more Ford parts.

 

[Kicker]

I am doing a 383 stoker in the spring. It costs teh same as a 350 to build, and makes a lot moe power. It is a little different ("coolness" factor :flipoff2 <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> But seriously, it does make for a hell of a motor (400hp and 400tq minimum).

See ya!

Go Chevy small block or Ford 302...

 

[murrar1]

I can't help but think the Jeep to Jeep bolt on aspect of a 4.0L conversion is the fastest, cheapest, easiest option. How much time and money are you guys with V-8's really spending on their project? If all you want is a newer engine that runs great, has fuel injection and fits then the 4.0L seems to be the easy choice.

How many of you V-8 folks are moving your T-case forward? I hear that most V-8s are shorter than the 258, so the rear drive line can be lengthened. Anyone doing it? That would be one big "pro" to running a V-8.

 

[Medic]

Thanks for all the input gents. Here's where I stand right now, after spending the last 3 hours trying without success to get the POS Carter BBD to idle.
I found a complete 4.0L out of a '95 YJ, complete with all wiring, accessories, manifolds etc...for $1100. I know I still need EFI rated fuel lines, a CPS, and maybe a Hesco 4.2 to 4.0 wiring harness. Total cost, estimated around $1900. That still leaves the weak T-5, so here's my question: will anything worth a damn bolt between the 4.0L and my D300?
Next option: I found a 350 carb'd long block, 4 bolt mains(?), complete from valve covers to oil pan out of a 89(?) 1/2 ton P/U, along with a rebuilt SM465, all for $1200. I still want to go EFI, so what do I need to pull the TBI/TPI off of, and what do I need to take with it? I know I'll need new motor (M.O.R.E.)and tranny mounts, along with new F/R driveshafts and a AA or Novak tranny to T-case adapter. That puts the cost way over the 4.0 swap.
I have nothing against running Ford or AMC motors, but I don't want to spend more for an EFI setup for an AMC, and I also have more experience working on Chevy.
Thanks for all the input, please keep it coming.

 

[cwate]

will anything worth a damn bolt between the 4.0L and my D300?

Sure, an AX-15. Stronger than your T5, it's a good match for the 4.0, doesn't weigh too much, and the later models came with an external-slave hydraulic clutch.

It will also bolt up to the 4.0 and your 23-spline D300, though you will need a small spacer between it and the D300 them to avoid interference. The spacer can be had as a kit for pretty cheap (AA?).

Food for thought, anyway. Good luck,
Chris

 

[Medic]

I was wondering about the AX-15. Thanks for the clarification.