Darkside Conversion

[Tin Medic]

Ok guys, going to go to a GM L33 5.3 with an AX15 and my Dana 300 . As much as I wanted to stay true to the CJ I have not found a Jeep drivetrain that gives me the power and fuel economy that I want. The FI AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l I have now doesnt really like pulling a trailer so its time for a change.

 

[Torxhead]

Well, I don't like dragging the thing around either, but for long distance trips like the 725 miles to Moab for me it is a lot more comfortable in another vehicle that does not have a short wheel base, leaf springs front and rear, no Overdrive , and a soft top. I guess its just an age thing. Your drivetrain combo does sound great choice, so good luck with that Tin Medic.

 

[Hedgehog]

Get a short wheel base vehicle and start adapting repop CJ parts to it. It probably would be cheaper than making Ford/Chevy/Dodge/Suzuki parts fit your CJ.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I thought that was what your Wagoneer was for.

 

[IOPort51]

One more guy trying to get economy from a CJ. By the time you do this swap you could have bought enough gasoline make up the difference for years. and you will never make a good tow vehicle out of a CJ, unless you stretch it about 3 feet.

I do wish you luck and success on this journey and I will wait with anticipation for the results.

 

[Tin Medic]

IO, economy isn't my main goal, more power is. As far as cost I already have everything except the adapters so I can do this switch for less than 1k.

 

[IOPort51]

IO, economy isn't my main goal, more power is. As far as cost I already have everything except the adapters so I can do this switch for less than 1k.

that is cool!

I am just a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l fan. :driving:

when you decide to part with your EFI give me a holler.

thats the aluminum block Chevy? right?

 

[Tin Medic]

I love my AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l but it is getting a lot more highway use than I originally planned hence the upgrade. That AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l just strains a little to much for my liking.

The L33 is the Aluminum block. The adapters are coming from Novak and they are also redoing the engine wiring harness.

I'll let you know when the EFI comes off.

 

[HackFabrication]

..As much as I wanted to stay true to the CJ I have not found a Jeep drivetrain that gives me the power and fuel economy that I want.

Most of the parts used to assemble the CJ's were from different manufacturers. They used Buick, GM, AMC engines in many model years. Transmissions were from Chrysler, GM, Borg-Warner, and Tremec. Transfer cases were from Dana. Front and rear axles (except AMC20 ) were from Dana. Steering gears and pumps were from GM (Saginaw units).

I figure putting another powertrain in a CJ is just 'doing business as usual'.

 

[Techlight]

Is there a waiting list for the EFI?

 

[rufus1138]

just curious, if the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is straining to push the 33in tires thru the ax15 what axle gears are you using.

 

[Tin Medic]

Not running an AX15 yet. Currently a T-5 .

 

[RangerRick]

Luke....... Do it! GM Gen III/IV power is not the dark side as some would have you believe.... The power of the Vortec force will be with you!

Don't look back! I would do it all again if I had to in my CJ the LM7 5.3/4L65E was the fresh boost my CJ needed after 5 engine swaps over the years. Reliable as if it were new again.

Hows 24MPG highway 21MPG city avg. sound for fuel economy in a shaped like a brick CJ? I never got this good mileage with the 4 cylinder Jeep!

 

[Tin Medic]

It's going to happen.