327

[Cdub982]

I have a Chevy 327 that I need to rebuild. I've always planned on putting it in my 82 CJ5 . Someone told me that it already has a Chevy bell housing. But I don't know for sure. My question is do I need to get a different tranny or can mine handle the v8? I believe the motor it currently has is the iron Duke. And can my axles handle it as well?

 

[Petescj]

No way your Transmission is up to the task. The SR4 can't handle the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l more a less a 327. Your axles and Transfer Case are fine but the rear should get 1 piece axles

 

[duffer]

Yep, should change out the Transmission . Since this will be GM, probably the best Transmission choice would be the SM465 if this rig is going to see any trail time and that will also likely be the cheapest option for a 4 speed.

And yes, even with a light right foot, the "splines" on the 2 piece AMC20 hubs will go to free spin.

Frankly, if you have to entirely rebuild the 327 you would likely be into it for less $ starting with a 350 which have the cheapest rebuild kits. Nothing against 327's-that was the first V8 I put in a Jeep many decades back-but the other 1/4" stroke of the 350 really does make a big difference in bottom end torque. One other possibility is that if the 327 is the 68 or newer version (big journal) you could just get a 350 crank and use the existing block and heads-assuming you get pistons that don't put the compression at 12:1. The large journal 327 and the 350 use the exact same block.

I'm a die hard Gen I Chevy guy and love putting those together almost as much as driving them. Endless possibilities.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Do you have any SMOG requirements you should be concerned about?
Tranny and stock rear is no-go with a SBC.
LG

 

[Cdub982]

Do you have any SMOG requirements you should be concerned about?
Tranny and stock rear is no-go with a SBC.
LG

I'm not sure what that even is, smog sounds like an emissions thing, is it?

 

[Cdub982]

Yes I have smog requirements.

 

[Petescj]

Yes I have smog requirements.

Well your going to have to know whats required. Where I am if they have a visual inspection. Everything that was originally on the Cj in the year it was built needs to be there , not work but be there. Find out what your specific requirements are from an inspection station.

I love a SM465 but I wouldnt call it a 4 speed per say. It will drive more like a 3 speed. The Ultra low 1st gear is great for crawling off road but you wont really use it on the street. The 2nd through 4th gears are essentially the same as a T-150 3 speed Transmission . I had a T-150 behind a 360 in my CJ5 and found it fine for the street and highway. If your looking for the characteristics of an Overdrive Transmission look elsewhere.