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66 Cj5 Engine Decision

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by jeraldt, Feb 13, 2018.

  1. Feb 13, 2018
    jeraldt

    jeraldt Member

    Spokane Wa
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    I am in the process of trying to rebuild a 66 CJ5 my wife inherited from her grandfather. It had a trashed 327 chevy in it which I promptly removed hoping to find a 225 odd fire. After looking forever I found one and when it went to the machine shop I learned it had internal freeze cracks. So the block is trash. Looking for advice on whether to continue pursuing the 225 route and hope to find a good block, or is there an easier and less expensive route to go that will provide better results. She just wants a reliable car to drive on occasion, nothing extreme. But enough power to get out of its own way.

    Thanks for your feedback
     
  2. Feb 13, 2018
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    If it’s set up for a small block go 4.3 Chevy 6.
     
  3. Feb 13, 2018
    jjdebarros

    jjdebarros Sponsor

    Spokane, WA
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    Welcome from another CJ5 addict in Spokane!

    I'm in the process of a frame off rebuild of a '67 with a 225 odd fire. The engine is currently at S & J for a rebuild.

    I do have another 225 block of unknown condition.

    Providing that the one at S &J is rebuildable, I might be willing to part with it.

    Also, have you talked with Dylan at We R Jeeps, he is out in Cheney. He is a wealth of knowledge and parts.
     
  4. Feb 13, 2018
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    I would think there are lots of 225's (Dauntless) in your neck "O" the woods. Lots of members in that portion of the country. Run a want to buy in the classified section of the forum. Welcome from Ga.
     
  5. Feb 13, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    +1 Both easier and less expensive than a Buick V6.

    These engines are plentiful and should be an easy replacement for a SBC. Look around for a complete car to use as an engine donor - these engines were used in lots of cars and light trucks. General Motors 90° V6 engine - Wikipedia Hear it run.

    Most of these engines (1985-6 trucks being the exception) are equipped with factory fuel injection, either throttle body or multiport. If you get the whole vehicle, you can easily transfer it all.

    First post! Welcome from Boston!
     
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2018
    47v6 likes this.
  6. Feb 13, 2018
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    if it had a chevy V8
    a 4.3 swap is the way to go
    and you still have a choice carb or fuel injection
     
  7. Feb 13, 2018
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    How stock is the Jeep?

    Photos...
     
  8. Feb 13, 2018
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    How bad is the 327?
     
  9. Feb 13, 2018
    jeraldt

    jeraldt Member

    Spokane Wa
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    Pretty much stock. Small lift and bigger tires, but the rest will be pretty stock. While it had a SBC in it, it was a hack farmer upgrade. Thanks everyone for the info. I appreciate it.
     
  10. Feb 13, 2018
    jeraldt

    jeraldt Member

    Spokane Wa
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    Thanks I will give Dylan a call. When do you think you will know about your block over at S & J? Can I ask what the rebuild ran from them?
     
  11. Feb 13, 2018
    jeraldt

    jeraldt Member

    Spokane Wa
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    I got rid of it. Too heavy for my interests and too much stress on the rest of the drive train. I am thinking a V6 will give enough power, save some weight and be easier on the trans, transfer and differentials. Thank You
     
  12. Feb 13, 2018
    jeraldt

    jeraldt Member

    Spokane Wa
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    Thanks for the advice. I have posted that WTB as you suggested. Its nice having all the help on here. Just learned about the board yesterday....I will get some pics on here one of these days. Currently it is off the frame installing lift, converting brakes, adding rear gas tank and almost ready to test fit engine and then move on to the body.
     
  13. Feb 13, 2018
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    I don't have a whole lot of time to spare these days, but if you need a hand with anything, or any special tools, I might be able to help; I'm just across the border. Welcome to the forum.
    :beer:
     
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  14. Feb 14, 2018
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Welcome.
    When I needed an engine, I went Buick 225 odd fire. I like the quirkiness of it. It weighs 100lbs less than the FHead and has 100 more HP, sorta.. To do again, if I had trouble finding a good Oddfire, I would not hesitate to go FI 4.3.

    Good luck and post pics!
     
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  15. Feb 14, 2018
    Karl Childers

    Karl Childers Member

    Taos New Mexico
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    My 67 came with a 283 small block Chevy installed by a previous owner that replaced the original V6. It's in mild tune that doesn't feel like it is too much for the drive train and its really grown on me in the 5 months I've owned it. I do go easy on the gas pedal. An un- hot rodded 283 is nice little motor. Mine's in the process of getting a Holley two barrel as I am converting back from a propane fuel system. There are lots of good suggestions in this thread and a V6 does interest me, but less than it used to. if I had a Jeep that a 327 was installed in and was looking for a replacement I'd be looking for a 283.
     
  16. Feb 14, 2018
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    my vote is another corvette engine!!! or a 4.3 if you want to be reasonable.
     
  17. Feb 14, 2018
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    I agree, you already have the chev motor mounts, tranny adapter, correct radiator outlets & bunged in firewall to fit the distributor.
     
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  18. Feb 14, 2018
    jjdebarros

    jjdebarros Sponsor

    Spokane, WA
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    Dylan's number is (509) 280-7422.
    I should know by next week on the rebuild from S&J.
    They quoted $1700.
    Check them out, I know of them from the 455 (GMC motorhome, not in a jeep) world and have a great reputation.
     
  19. Feb 14, 2018
    jeraldt

    jeraldt Member

    Spokane Wa
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    I spoke with S&J and they dont have any leads. Waiting to hear back from Dylan. But the good news for you is that S&J said they are rebuilding another one there and he will be calling the owner today to tell him its done, so that must me you! So maybe your 2nd block might be un-needed... :)
     
  20. Feb 14, 2018
    willow green

    willow green Member

    Yakima,Wasington
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    I also deal with Dylan, and you cannot find a nicer person to deal with, easy going, reasonable, returns your calls quickly, although he admits some problems with calls in his area. Very fair in pricing, knowledgeable, and nice inventory.
    Vince in Yakima
     
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