Need advice

Hey guys...newbie to the group here. I just bought a 1962 CJ-5 that is...well...apart. The f-head has a burnt valve in the #1 cylinder, as well as a chunk outta the piston in #1. The Jeep has been stored inside for 10 years (since the valve burnt) and since I know the PO well, I figured I would rescue the Jeep.

After getting it for a song, I had visions of rebuilding the f-head and getting it back on the road in stock form. After looking into how much the rebuild would cost, I am now looking for other options.

T-90 tranny with a D-18 transfer case. 25 in the front, 44 in the rear, not sure of gearing as I haven't pulled the covers yet. (Just got it home Sunday)

Is a 225 Buick swap a reasonable route to go, or should I look into a 4cyl swap of some sort? I (like all of us) am on a budget, and this rig will be a secondary DD, as well as see light trail use. I have my '01 TJ that is my main rock machine (Tellico, Cracker's neck, etc) and am looking at the CJ more as a Uwharrie rig (for those in the southeast that know those locales)

If possible, I would like to keep the drivetrain, and just swap in another engine...what options are out there?

Tim

 

First off, welcome from Ohio. Nice Jeep according you your avatar pic.

Based on what you revealed, the best option IMO......is to rebuild that 4-banger yourself. Since you have another daily driver + have to yank the engine anyway, it's really not that much more labor-intensive to rebuild 'er.

Not sure what a rebuild kit + machining the head would cost, but it's gotta be equivalent if not cheaper than locating, buying, and transporting another engine (V6, etc.) that may need rebuilt soon anyhow. Just my 2 cents.

Glad to have you aboard.
-Alan

 

I'd stick to the one ya got.. BTW where are you.. from the sounds of it you are near the tri cities??

BUBBA

 

Rebuild that 4 banger. Really tough engines. Not complex.

 

More pics

Bubba, I am in Pfafftown, NW of Winston Salem, NC

Looks like the rebuild kit from Kaiserwillys.com will run $584.87 + shipping. Then the machine work, etc, etc. I gotta finish tearing the block down and get it looked at to see how bad it is.

Did I menthion this will be my first ground up rebuild? LOL...

Of course, depending on the shape of the running gear, a swap may be a better way to go. If I keep whats there, I need new spring on all four corners, and probably ought to rebuild the axles as well...who knows when the bearings have been replaced...

I need to tear into it and see what shape it is in overall....

Tim

 

Wow. Looks like you have a pit crew sorta thing going on.

 

Welcome from middle TN.
Post in the wanted section here for another F head. Maybe some lurking here.

 

Greetings from Franklin, TN.

The engine decision is all in what you want. The F-head at 75 hp is not a power house, but will sufficently power your jeep provided you do not put to much of an oversized tire on it.

I had to go through my F-head when I got mine. It is a simple engine to work on. I had all the valves and valves guides replaced when I had my head reworked. It has hardened valves seats, so converting to unleaded fuel won't be an issue.

Engine components can be a challenge to find locally, but are readily availible through a lot of internet \ mail order sources.

The engines are really tractor engines put in a jeep.

 

fix the :hurrican: !