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Just picked up a 83 CJ8 . Not really familiar with Jeeps but I’d figure I’d give this project a try. The Jeep had a fire under the hood and was totaled by the fire and then it has been sitting for about 20 years. I’ve started looking into things since it will be a total rebuild. What are your recommendations on what engine to put in these? It has the original inline 6 in there now. Not sure if it’s worth trying to rebuild that or swap it out. Same with the tranny ( ended up full of water and froze and cracked)
I like keeping Jeeps as Jeeps, so I recommend either a 4.0/AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l or an AMC V8, as far as the Transmission you need to decide if you want an automatic or manual
With a CJ8 , you have lots of wheelbase to work with, so engine/Transmission possibilities are greatly increased.
If you want to remain OEM (or AMC) then you need to rebuild the I6 or swap in another AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . The T-176 /177 Transmission would be my choice if you wanted a manual. T19 or T-18 if you want a really heavy duty 4 speed.
Moving 'up' in years, you might also consider a 4.0L with the AX15 5spd manual.
Going V8, you can drop in a AMC 304 /360/401 AMC engine. Coupled to the same T-176 /177. Or a Torqueflite automatic.
Now enters the realm of 'other' engines...
Chevy - lots of info on swaps. Lots of aftermarket support. From your basic 4.3L V6 on up. The popular swap now is to drop in an LS 5.3L
Ford - 302/351 (5.0L/5.8L) - Not as much aftermarket support, but very do-able (I have an EFI 5.0L in my 76 CJ5 ).
MoPar - You're kind of 'on your own' here. It can be done. It has been done. Just not as popular as the Chevy or Ford.
Cummins - It's been done, it can be done. It can get expensive. Most swaps center around using the 4BT and T-18 /19 that were used in a lot of bread trucks.
Like I posted, you have a wider range of engine Transmission choices due to the increased wheelbase of a CJ8 (longer rear drive line).
What is your budget, and what is your goal for the Jeep? Building one, especially from 'scratch', can get (actually it WILL get) expensive.
Thank you for all that information! Points me in the right direction. I’ve been told that I should keep the inline 6 wether I rebuild it or put a new one in or swap it out for the Chevy 350. My budget it pretty tight right now I recently bought a house but I want to build this Jeep up right even if that means I slowly have to put money into it.
What are your goals with it? What do you foresee doing with it? Those answers might help with some of the suggestions you get. For a close to stock 8, a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and a T-176 combo is hard to beat. Are there any smog/emission laws you will need to contend with?
'85 CJ-7, 258/4.2L 6cyl. Bought new in 1985. Full cage, Warn 8274 winch, Ford 9" rear, front/rear Detroit Lockers w/4:88 R&P. T-5 tranny and 4:1 t'case. 33X12.50-15 BFG/AT, MSD ign, on board air---
I just plan to get it running and have it to cruise in. Won’t be a wheeler or a daily driver. Just a fun toy to have around since it’s been passed through the family. I won’t have to abide by any emission or smog rulings
'85 CJ-7, 258/4.2L 6cyl. Bought new in 1985. Full cage, Warn 8274 winch, Ford 9" rear, front/rear Detroit Lockers w/4:88 R&P. T-5 tranny and 4:1 t'case. 33X12.50-15 BFG/AT, MSD ign, on board air---
Put in whatever engine/Transmission pair you can find that is the least work :-)
If you change or mix brands then you have to come up with a lot of non standard parts.
Want a modern Jeep engine? 4.0L and matching tranny. Probably the most sensible, easiest and cheapest solution since they're still plentiful, and it's a common swap so there's lots of info online.
Want a modern non-Jeep engine? Go to Novak Adapter's web page and read all of the technical stuff.
