Quote:
Originally Posted by Olds64
Yeah, I know what you mean Blownolds. I was just trying to weigh the pros and cons. I know the 394 is classy, but I think a 455 would be more dependable in the long run. A TH 400 would definitely be stronger than a Slim Jim.
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It's funny...when you think "engine swap", you think "engine/tranny mounts, driveline, etc". The big stuff. It's easy to forget everything else that might need to be adapted to work like: throttle cable or linkage, trans linkage, radiator (are the inlet/outlet on the right sides for the new motor), electrical (going from a generator to alternator), exhaust will have to be replaced...it's a lot of stuff. Definetly more work than just repairing an existing engine, but it can definetly be worthwhile if it meets the goals of your project.
I'm also into old Jeep CJs I've got a '55 CJ5), and if you want to know about engine swaps those are the guys to talk to. I've seen just about every engine you can think of stuffed into a CJ...from a flathead Ford, to an Isuzu diesel, to a Viper V10. Anything is possible...it just depends on how much time and money you want to put into it.
The 455 is definetly easier to get parts for, and it's got great aftermarket performance support. And the TH400 is about as strong as an automatic gets...I used to have one in a 3/4 ton truck I beat on pretty hard, and it never gave me any problems at all. Seems like 394 parts are only getting harder to find these days. I'm sticking with mine...but then I'm just doing a stock restoration.