CJ sbc V8 Conversion cooling system

[59CJ6]

Hey guys, Im in the middle of stuffing a fresh sbc 350 with a SM465 and NP205 into my CJ6 .

My question is this: How do you guys feel about putting an electric water pump and electric fan set up in?

If i did go this route. I would assume that i definitely need to find a high amp alternator to support these components as well as a nice dual battery set up.

High output alternator recommendation?

My CJ6 has a short front clip and i am concerned about space issues. I feel like the electric water pump and electric fan will solve 2 issues for me.

1) space utilization
2) better cooling on the trails when im at a low rpm

Last thing- Any recommendations on the CJ V8 radiator conversion kit? Im looking for one that comes with either 1 or 2 slim high cfm fans.

 

[Hedgehog]

Are you planning on drag racing the CJ6 and need every bit of power to go to the wheels? If not I honestly don't see the need to add a bunch of electronic gagetry to a relatively simple vehicle.

 

[59CJ6]

No. it mainly just circles back around to the space issues i have with this front end.

Im also more cautious about the over heating issues because of the last engine i had in there. (buick 231 OF). I ran into a lot over heating issues on the trails.

Im just trying to kill 2 birds with one stone.

I see $100 water pumps on Amazon all day. As for the electric fans i would run them on a temp switch i put in the manifold. Simple really. Not complicated electronics......just a few extras.

I had a lot of issues the last 2 years with flexing causing the mech. fan on my engine to hit the lower radiator hose. I went through 2 radiator repairs, 3 lower radiator hoses and 3 mech. fans from the flexing.

Electric fans would eliminate this issue as well.

 

[Hedgehog]

Well, space can be a problem in the older CJ's. I am surprised that there was difficulty with the 231. I'm sure you are sick of haring it, but there are thousands of jeeps that run the 225, which is the same engine, with no difficulty at all. That makes me wonder if a V8 will fit in your engine bay. V8's are longer than a V6, yeah I know that is probably obvious without saying it. Have you got a stock Transmission ? It sounds like an overly long Transmission /Transfer Case was installed pushing the engine forward where there wasn't much room to spare to begine with. Would removing the water pump actually shorten the engine length considering thet you still have to drive at least the alternator/generator? For a SBC you should have no problem finding a suitable high powered alterantor.

If I were you I'd think about setting everything back a little. With your CJ6 drive train angle/length won't be much of a problem.

 

[59CJ6]

I put a 3" body lift in to help accommodate stuffing all this steal into that small engine well. I know typically body lifts are frowned upon but i did it so i can keep every thing back as far as possible.

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

Hey guys, Im in the middle of stuffing a fresh sbc 350 with a SM465 and NP205 into my CJ6 .

My question is this: How do you guys feel about putting an electric water pump and electric fan set up in?

If i did go this route. I would assume that i definitely need to find a high amp alternator to support these components as well as a nice dual battery set up.

High output alternator recommendation?

My CJ6 has a short front clip and i am concerned about space issues. I feel like the electric water pump and electric fan will solve 2 issues for me.

1) space utilization
2) better cooling on the trails when im at a low rpm

Last thing- Any recommendations on the CJ V8 radiator conversion kit? Im looking for one that comes with either 1 or 2 slim high cfm fans.

I think it would be cool to go that route. If you use a ford contour dual fan and a variable speed controller for the fan you will have a fairly low amp set up. Since you are using an SBC, you can probably fit a cs133 or cs144 alternator onto your engine fairly easily. Either of those will produce more than enough power. The CS144 produces the most amps of the two.

 

[GARGOYLEJEEPER]

Short water pump, 4 core cross flow radiator, electric fan & heavy duty oil filter with cooler (OEM dual remote filter & cooler, SO & export).
No need for electric fan.

 

[GARGOYLEJEEPER]

Sorry no need for electric water pump.

 

[59CJ6]

Short water pump, 4 core cross flow radiator, electric fan & heavy duty oil filter with cooler (OEM dual remote filter & cooler, SO & export).
No need for electric fan.

I agree, i could get away with out the electric water pump. Electric fan setup i know for sure is the direction im going.

 

[59CJ6]

I think it would be cool to go that route. If you use a ford contour dual fan and a variable speed controller for the fan you will have a fairly low amp set up. Since you are using an SBC, you can probably fit a cs133 or cs144 alternator onto your engine fairly easily. Either of those will produce more than enough power. The CS144 produces the most amps of the two.

Ill look into these alternators for sure. Thank you-

 

[tarry99]

Hey guys, Im in the middle of stuffing a fresh sbc 350 with a SM465 and NP205 into my CJ6 .

My question is this: How do you guys feel about putting an electric water pump and electric fan set up in?

If i did go this route. I would assume that i definitely need to find a high amp alternator to support these components as well as a nice dual battery set up.

High output alternator recommendation?

My CJ6 has a short front clip and i am concerned about space issues. I feel like the electric water pump and electric fan will solve 2 issues for me.

1) space utilization
2) better cooling on the trails when im at a low rpm

Last thing- Any recommendations on the CJ V8 radiator conversion kit? Im looking for one that comes with either 1 or 2 slim high cfm fans.

Not sure why you would need the 3 in body lift, the firewall is pretty flat there, a short GM distributor helps in that tight area, also if you have skills moving the firewall back a few inches and building it with a removal cover opens up allot of room......short water pump yes with no fan blade and use the electric fans to get air through the radiator...........done several and they will fit, but you have to be a space miser from the very first second you start the mod. 1/4" in savings is like hitting the lottery in that tight area.
Forget about the drive shafts they will have to be re-cut anyway. If you have a winch make sure it's mounted low........not much open air space. Get the biggest Radiator in there you can...........using a 73 and later grill will give you more room for the Radiator.