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Motor Swap or Rebuild?

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by SAMracing7, Jun 24, 2010.

  1. Jun 24, 2010
    SAMracing7

    SAMracing7 Maughan-ster

    Anchorage Alaska
    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2010
    Messages:
    15
    So....been thinking......I have a 232 L6 to a T-14 trans to a Dana 20 trans case.

    Should I turn the 232 into a 258 and build it up

    or

    drop in a mild Small block chevy. Novac sells a adapter for a small block chevy. Me and my father race dirt modifieds and have SBC siting around like lighters. we have from Mild to Wild.

    not doing any hardcore crazy wheeling i just want a little get up and something very reliable!

    i can build a 350 for cheap. (being i have all the parts)

    Is the T-14 strong enough for a mild 350?

    Just wanting the "Jeep Masses" input!
     
  2. Jun 24, 2010
    nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Newnan, Georgia
    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2005
    Messages:
    1,785
    I believe most or you responses will fall under the "don't do anything with a 232"...almost anything else would be better....including my response.
     
  3. Jun 24, 2010
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Go with a Jeep 4.0L. Very easy swap, V8 power. Excellent factory MPI. Related to the 232 and 258 like the 283 is related to the 350. Basically the same engine.

    The T-14 was offered with the 225 and 232/258. IMO it is marginal in these applications. It breaks when subjected to any hot rodding. I'm not a big fan of the ratios either. Should be fine with a stock 232 or 258 as long as the driver is kind to it.

    Certainly with a V8 you want to upgrade to a stronger 3-speed, a T-15 or T-150 at least. The T-15 was offered with the CJ 304 '72-75 and was the standard transmission for the Wagoneer and Jeep pickup for many years. A T-15 would be close to a bolt-in conversion for this application. The T-150 was the standard transmission for CJs from '76-79, and is not as strong as a T-15 but better than the T-14 and possibly more widely available. From there, your next step up is one of the truck 4-speeds.
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2010
  4. Jun 24, 2010
    pathkiller

    pathkiller Member

    Lorton, VA
    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2005
    Messages:
    878
    First question in my mind is, what's wrong with the 232? Does it need a rebuild? If not I would save my money for other mods and be happy with it. Given that you've got SBC's lying around creating all sorts of trip hazards in your shop I would consider the SBC swap rather than the 4.0L that Tim suggested. Don't get me wrong, I love the 4.0L, I have a 4.6L stroker in my Scrambler. But the wiring and computer required to run it is a bit complicated and the sensors can be a bit sensitive. In other words, a bit of a pain in the butt. For the sake of simplicity I find myself a lot of times wishing for a simple carbureted V8.
     
  5. Jun 24, 2010
    avmechanic

    avmechanic Gearhead

    Langley B.C. Canada
    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2008
    Messages:
    263
    I would definitely do the swap to the Chevy if you already have a couple to chose from and are tripping on them. As far as I am concerned you can't beat a V8. (many will disagree with me though) While you are at it swap to a different tranny as well. If you are going to buy an adapter then get an adapter for a SM 465 or SM 420 to your Dana 20 or better yet Dana 300 and track one of them down as well. How do you like my snowball effect? Might as well do it right. If you have the skills and means to do the project yourself then why not. The drivetrain swap project can be fun and I am sure driving it when done will be more fun as well. Good luck with the decision.
    Greg
     
  6. Jun 24, 2010
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Well, 4.0L donors aren't hard to come by in the snow belt. The 4.0L will go in with no changes to the engine mounts or the transmission location. You will certainly get better mileage with the 4.0L, and the MPI certainly works well off the pavement. A 4.0L can easily be carbureted if that's your preference - but I would prefer eliminate carburetors in my life where I could - fiddly, delicate, crude, inefficient devices...

    To do the Chevy swap, you'll need the Novak adapter and new motor mounts. Most people use the commercial mounts, which is another expense. A V8 in front of the T-14 will be short-lived, so you'll need to swap in a different transmission. I would change the transmission with the 4.0L too, but a stock or warmed-up 258 should be ok with a T-14 if you don't beat on it. You could probably get by with the T-14 behind a carbureted 4.0L too, again depending on your treatment of the transmission. The 4.0L HO will give you a lot more highway power than the 232 or 258, mostly due to its more modern oversquare design and much improved cylinder head.
     
  7. Jun 24, 2010
    SAMracing7

    SAMracing7 Maughan-ster

    Anchorage Alaska
    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2010
    Messages:
    15
    Yeah I do like the V8 being so simple and I we have 2 right now to drop in. Changing it to fix the V8 will not be a problem, have done that with a few other vehicles. It is not going to be a daily driver, something if i want to drive down to the store i can. I'm not a fan of computers, dont like anything smarter than me. I'll do some looking around for a 4.0L and see if i like them.

    As of now there is nothing really wrong with my 232. just it is pretty weak and has had the **** ran out of it. Still got a little backfiring from the carb. I will give it credit, it does have some torque to it, more than i thought it would.

    I'm just throwing around ideas, i'm fixing to deploy to the middle east for 6 months and i will have some money to play with when i get back. 1st is going to be a cage and lockers. I might leave it alone and just tinker with the 232 till it blows!

    Thanks for all the help!
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2010
  8. Jun 27, 2010
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
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    3,869
    love my 232 then again it has a glass tub and doesn't weigh anything plenty of torque and I get 20 to 25 mpg reliably.....
     
  9. Jun 29, 2010
    SAMracing7

    SAMracing7 Maughan-ster

    Anchorage Alaska
    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2010
    Messages:
    15
    :DOK.....I am offically impressed with the my little 232!!!!!:D

    Went out on my first hard wheeling trip. 3 days, 2 nights, about 100 miles of pretty good wheeling. :driving: We went out to a place called Jim's Creek up from Anchorage, AK. The jeep worked awesome!

    I still have my silly carb. backfiring problem! But i now know how to drive with it. I kind of have to be smooth with it. if i just floor it, it will backfire. i have to ease into it. Other than that the 232 didnt miss a beat. i even had water to the top of the intake when crossing a creek. I duck taped the oil dip stick down and didnt get any water in the oil!

    I think i will keep the 232.....I'll just get it running right and sup it up a little!

    [​IMG]
     
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