Need some engine opinions

Post by **zach119** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 2:50 pm

Well i'm tired of messing with the 4 cylinder so I started tearing it out and now I need to start looking for an engine/ transmission/ transfer case combo to swap in.

I have access to a good running dodge with a 360/ 46rh/ 231 combo that needs the tranny rebuilt that I could have for next to nothing.

I was also debating a 4.3/ 700R4/ 231 out of an s10 blazer. It would most likely be a TBI motor out of an earlier one.

Anyone have any opinions on what you would personally swap in?

Post by **BadnewsCJ** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 3:05 pm

6.0/4L80E/Atlas

Post by **BadAssEddie** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 4:52 pm

BadnewsCJ wrote:6.0/4L80E/Atlas

Thats helpful

Id go with the dodge combo probably. Just because it is a V8.

But, if you could get a 350, I would do the GM powertrain because I think the 700 is a very good wheeling transmission.

Also, the 360 is not that common and would be something cool and different.

Post by **willhf1011** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 6:13 pm

BadnewsCJ wrote:6.0/4L80E/Atlas

x2

except I might go with the 4L60E for the gearing and the length. Would probably just use whatever I could get with the engine.

also, I do not agree with this at all, I think you should wheel instead.

Post by **Jwlman** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 6:15 pm

Do it the way you want it to end up the first time

Post by **willhf1011** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 6:18 pm

Jwlman wrote:Do it the way you want it to end up the first time

He has a 44 that will not react well to as much power as a linked yj truly needs..

Post by **Jwlman** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 6:20 pm

willhf1011 wrote:
Jwlman wrote:Do it the way you want it to end up the first time
He has a 44 that will not react well to as much power as a linked yj truly needs..

Then he should have put a 60 in it the first time

Just like you and I should have :lol2:

Post by **zach119** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 6:29 pm

Yea the 44 is the only reason I am looking at underpowered engines to swap in instead of a baller LS setup. I'm already pushing my front end as is, so really all i want is a more dependable engine. As is for the miles i've been able to put on my 4 cylinder I have put in two alternators, a water pump, three starters, and a bunch of different wiring trouble so it's just not smart for me to keep throwing money away.

Hmm maybe I can pick up that 5.3 by me and drop down to 35s

Post by **BadnewsCJ** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:49 pm

Jwlman wrote:Do it the way you want it to end up the first time

This only works if you don't have a "budget".

Zach I'm sure you know more than I do about the Mopar engines and transmissions, but I don't think they are known for their outstanding reliability. I know I personally had a lot of trouble with the 318 in my old Dakota.

Do the 4.3 motors have the same bellhousing pattern as the gm v8? If so then your transmission and tcase would already be compatible for the v8 swap down the road. I also wouldn't consider a 4.3 to be under powered for your rig.

Post by **BadAssEddie** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:53 pm

BadnewsCJ wrote:
Jwlman wrote:Do the 4.3 motors have the same bellhousing pattern as the gm v8? If so then your transmission and tcase would already be compatible for the v8 swap down the road.

Yes they do, but the 700R4 will need to be rebuilt. The 3-4 clutch pack in v6 applications is smaller. Just an FYI Zach, in case you are looking more into this.

Also, what year is this 4.3 700R4 combo?

Post by **zach119** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 8:00 pm

It would most likely be out of say a 1990-1995 or so s10 blazer. If I can find one of the newer MPI or even a CPI 4.3 i would definitely swap that in too.

Post by **BadnewsCJ** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 8:02 pm

Take the 2.5 out of the red YJ?

Any reason your not considering a 4.0L jeep motor? Bout as reliable as they come right there. Not sure but it might be an easier swap as well which = your rig on the trail sooner than later.

Post by **zach119** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 8:08 pm

BadnewsCJ wrote:Take the 2.5 out of the red YJ?

Any reason your not considering a 4.0L jeep motor? Bout as reliable as they come right there. Not sure but it might be an easier swap as well which = your rig on the trail sooner than later.

Well I really just want to get away from the jeep stuff and for the price of swapping in a 4.0L I can almost just as easily find an S10 blazer for the 4.3 combo. The main reason i'm getting rid of my 2.5 is because it's not the engine that has any problems, it's just all the wiring and accessories that keep failing.

YouTube · Post by **TerryD** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 9:42 pm

I'd suggest the 4.3L for you. They are a very good motor and you can get a TBI S-10 for near nothing. The TBI is easy to deal with out of a truck, no fan wiring or other BS to deal with and if you stick with all factory sensors and use them like you should fuel mileage and driveablity will be very good.

They also make performance parts for TBI 4.3L's such as intakes, cams, headders, even after market heads. Most 350 chevy parts fit (same rods, pistons, rings, rocker arms, push rods, ect.) and they even share the same bore/stroke combo.

Plus, like stated before, it shares the same bellhousing pattern as the GM SB/BB family. Everything from the 262 V8 to the 8.1L has the same pattern. As for 700R4 parts, you can pick up camaro transmissions for little of nothing where guys pull them and stick in a TH350/400. If you'd rather have the Th350/400 I'm not sure there's anything short of a 'Glide that has more aftermarket support.

A last note for you though: You might consider a TBI 305 or even a TBI 350. The 305 has only 3-4 more hp than the 4.3L, but has more torque. It also shares motor mounts with the 350/454 (5.7L/7.4L for you metric guys) so when you go bigger it'd be easier. If you go LS/GenIII engine though, you'll have to change mounts either way.

97JEEPTJ · Post by **97JEEPTJ** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 10:20 pm

beginning of the end....