Need some help from the experts!!

Okay I think I'll keep the 283, gonna open it up soon and see what jumps out!!
Another question....the Jeep currently has the T-90 and Dana 18...should I up grade to the T-15 and Dana 20???
How about upgrading the Dana 27 to a Dana 30 front axle??
Or how about not using the 283 at all and just putting in a 304 with the T-15, Dana 20 and Dana 30 front end????
You see this is what happens when you know just enough.....but not really enough and have access to parts?????
Help me!!!!!
Thanks
Jim

 

It all depends how far you are willing to go, time, money, work, etc. In my experience, if you want a good vehicle I would do the following.

If the 283 is good I would use it, and the trans, and transfer case. If the 283 is not good, it would depend what is available. The 4.3l V6 IMO would be the best swap for a Jeep, but if you had a good Chevy 4 cyl., or Buick V6, or other SBV8, if the price is right, I would not turn them away. It really depends on how much you want to spend in time and money. Sometimes it is just easier and quicker to use what you have.

Just my $.02, good luck on the project.

 

I had a 283 in a 64 CJ-6. I ran the T-90 with a Warn overdrive for several years then I converted to a Saginaw 4 speed which was a mistake because the shifter was very sloppy. Should have gone to a T-18. Used to get about 16 MPG with 5.38's and th OD. Damn, I wish I never sold it. The 283 had a 4 barrel and headers on it. Really nice power for a CJ.

 

For my needs, the 283 in my '58 gives me everything I want. It was swapped in over 25 years ago still runs like a top. Since just a few months ago, it ran the original T-90/Dana 18 combo and stock axles with no problems. It's a totally stock motor and I think stock they are something like 180 horse maybe? Torque is plentiful and I;ve never found a lack of power or a huge excess. It sure jumps when you stand on it and is a blast to drive. Mine had the front cradle mount for the longest time until I converted it to side mounts when I did Herm's saginaw kit. Now it has an Sm420 and an OD behind it which makes it more of a blast to drive. Given that its already in there and there isn't anything major wrong with it, I am all for leaving it in there.

 

Hey Dudes thanks for all the replies....
I'll be keeping the 283 and the stock drivetrain....
I'll try to get some pictures posted as it all comes apart and then all goes back together.....
I plan on running 31" tires and upgrading to the saginaw manual steering and front disk brakes....
Any other suggestions????
Thanks again.....
Jim

 

If you're worried about power what about a 181 GM marine 4 cylinder used in boats? Looks like a 250 straight 6 with two cylinders missing. Has 4.0" bore and 3.60" stroke from the small block and uses the same bellhousing - sound like half a 350? My Mercruiser manual shows 140 horsepower. I've seen a couple in magazine articles that made for a tidy swap.

 

I wasn't worried about the lack of power with the 4 cly I was more concerned that the 283 had too much power for the stock drivetrain....
But after hearing from so many who are running v-8's with stock drivetrains, I'll go with it....especially since it was already all there, the only thing that I really need is a good cooling system......

 

If you need a donor 151 CI motor I have a buddy that is removing his and dropping in a 4.3L. I'll ask him what he wants for it. Located in Newnan GA.

 

No Sir,
I have everything I need except for the radiator.....
But thank-you