1949 CJ2A Conversion Choice.

[CJTJ]

It's a sad day. Our beloved 1949 CJ2A's motor finally let go. Three years ago I replaced a few valves, gaskets and starter and got an extra three years of use off of that original L134. Now I cannot find another starter and the compression is pretty low.

It's time to replace that 1949 engine. I would welcome any input you may have in terms of what to choose as a replacement. Biggest considaration would be given to ease of conversion, reliability and cost.

I am thinking of leaving the T90 and the axles in there since I have an extra of each.

I use the Jeep mostly for use around the cottage, fishing and hunting. It's also seeing it's fair share of trips to the beach where a few people always gather around for a look.

So far the main suggestions were

Buick 3.8L V6
GM 4.3L V6
GM 350 V8

I already found conversion kits for the 350 and 4.3L but I was wondering if any of you of know a 4 cyl motor/conversion kit that are out there? That would make more sense no?

[rstarch345]

Go to www.g503.com (http://www.g503.com) .
Select message boards
Scroll down to the CJ forum.
Ask the hundreds of "experts" and good luck

[Mudslinger73]

Well..lets see...usta be a popular conversion to put a Pinto motor in ole Jeeps.....like a 2300 (old 4 cyl) ...one from a Ford Ranger might be close.... might check with NOVAK ENTERPRISES or ADVANCED ADAPTERS....i saw a real clean Buick V-6 (carbed) inna 2a, It wouild be easier if you could find a pre-computer engine just hook up a battery wire ,an a fuel line n " BINGO" instant motivation!!. But lately I ve heard tell of a crate motor complete with electronics that allow you to drop a motor inna old ride and it has all the computer stuff comes with it , and its a pretty simple hook up. I think the V-8 would be overkill for what you use the old Willys for and the added weight causes additional problems with front springs and steering stuff. You might even venture into the street rod guys mags and info ,cause they been puttin new engines into old rides for a LONG time. You might with a little patience and time find enough parts to rebuild the ole trusty 134.It will give you lotsa more years service given some TLC....shoot Jeep might be even worth more later on....but I'd look into one of the new 12 volt conversions , I hear they're a whole lot better startin....but i haven't seen it yet.....can't be as handy as leavin good ole rig onna steep hill.Nor as fun..Nuff Said.

[Piginajeep]

. I think the V-8 would be overkill

I wouldnt say overkill....theres no such thing..

anyhow if your jeep original dont hack it up...get that engine rebuilt. if you change your engine, your going to need a new drivetrain...and probley have to cut some of the body up to make it fit, then you'll add power steering then...it wont be original anymore.......and you'll start changing everything...


not that theres anything wrong with that...its yours do what you want..

Hell if i found an original jeep in as good condition as my willys i trade it....theres always something wrong with it,,,when i get one thing working good something else breaks...

[CJTJ]

All good suggestions...

I was just made aware of the novak site last night on another board (Jeepin.com) Wow they have everything.

The Pinto 4 banger, the Buick and chevy V6 look good righ now. V8 would kinda be "overkill" for what I do. Looks like all other three will go in fairly smoothly while allowing me to keep as many original parts as possible. Rad, T90 and axels.

As for keeping the L134, It needs so much work and it is so anemic that it does not seem worth it. The Jeep already had the seats replaced so it's not very original anymore. A 4.3 would give me a little more power and some reliability. Plus you can find them anywhere.

All that being said if I happen to fall on an L134 during my search for a V6 I would gladly put that in... Assuming I can also find a starter and fly wheel (which is what is causing me so much greif right now...)

I might be able to sell the L134 for parts too, get some of my money back...

[Mudslinger73]

Well Good luck withnthe willys project an don t forget to keep us up to date on yer progress !! Keep on Jeepin !!

[Ratman]

Where are you at I got a extra Buick 225 for cheap. If ya are close let me know.

[lynn]

Buick 225 would be the easiest. Uses stock parts from the '66-71 CJ series, and because the distributor is up front, no need to mod the firewall for clearance. Just need to mod the grille/radiator sheet metal funnel a bit.
The 225 is a great little engine :) Lotsa torque, light weight, perfect for a flattie.
Check out Earlycj5.com forums, there are a bunch of guys with Flatties running the Dauntless.

[the great sandi]

Swaps are like anything, expeirence counts. It is a real chore to just get an engine out and back in. With that said, the 4.3 is the absolute best motor because it will give you the power to weight to gas mileage ratio you will want. Most of the Buick v-6's are out of production (the modern 3.8 is a gen2 or 3 today), which means parts are becoming scarce. Plus, in 15 years you will still get parts for a 4.3. A good candidate for an easy swap is an '85 chevy astro van. They had 4bbl carbs and one wire HEI distributors. This would be a simple swap requiring only an engine, bell housing adapter,bell housing(standard chevy truck),motor mounts, clutch, flywheel, pressure plate and new exhaust. It will give you what you want in power, relative inexpense and there are thousands of pics and articles on the web giving instruction to this swap. I am putting a late model vortec version in a '67-cj5. It is a reals job even with 15 years expeirence doing it. Lastly, before you pull out that old engine, think about the time your willing to devote to this new project (time kills more good ideas than money) and the increase in power might or might not out way having the old engine looked at.

[48willys]

I say rebuild it, call This place ,the guys there know how to do it and the prices are not to bad,they can bore it ,get many of the parts and the can get the starter parts. #1800-523-2318 They work on alot of 1940's car and trucks and tractors.

[Rick85CJ]

I would rebuild it. There is nothing like that original sound!