Old Jeep issues

[Doublejack]

Anyone familiar with a 350 swap into an old willies jeep? 52 m38 (cj3a)

Having an issue with radiator space. Even with a short pump I only have about 4 inches to get a radiator and an electric fan ( dont want a pusher outside on the grill ).

I might be able to shave off another 1/2" off the grill but that's it. I may have messed up setting my motor mounts but it's already in and i'm not pulling it all apart again.

I know they make some slimline radiators which are pricey but I'm not sure if they can keep a sbc cool enough?

[Captain Obvious]

I always wanted to get an old jeep and restore it, I still might someday.

After I get my ATV's up and running, and the lawn tractor.



Don't have an answer to your question though, sorry. 350 is kind of big for a Willies, no?

[Crepitus]

Anyone familiar with a 350 swap into an old willies jeep? 52 m38 (cj3a)

Having an issue with radiator space. Even with a short pump I only have about 4 inches to get a radiator and an electric fan ( dont want a pusher outside on the grill ).

I might be able to shave off another 1/2" off the grill but that's it. I may have messed up setting my motor mounts but it's already in and i'm not pulling it all apart again.

I know they make some slimline radiators which are pricey but I'm not sure if they can keep a sbc cool enough?

I've smallblocked damn near everything but a Jeep at this point, can you post a pic of the problem area?

[Doublejack]

Yes 350 might be a tad big for the willies lol. It had a vortech v-6 in it when I bought it which really would have been the perfect set-up however I really didn't like the thought of a computer in a trail rig. I was spending a lot of time troubleshooting electrical/o2 sensors and electrical is not my strong point. It was a shoddy install and it was doing strange things (loading up/gassy when headlights on). So I yanked it to get back to an old faithful set-up that I'm familiar with.

It does have a heavy duty t-18 transmission (granny gear!) and a dana-18 full floater/locker rear end. As long as I dont get on it on the pavement I think I might be ok. 5:38 gearing and most of the trails here in the pacific northwest are slow, creepy crawler type trails. It will never be in big mud or sand for wide open throttle situations.

Ive always had a problem with buying first and realizing mistakes later, then having to sell and buy again. Trying to minimize my $$ mistakes with the radiator as it would be a painful one.



IMG_20160430_084822853.jpgIMG_20160430_084759442.jpgIMG_20160430_084716544.jpg


edit: Doh - Dana 18 transfer case/ Dana 44 axle

[Doublejack]

Inside the board is where my grill will sit - tight squeeze. I can get a touch more with a short pump. I'm pretty sure I'll ahve to get an expensive slim radiator and elect. double fan. I might have to do some sort of shroud as well. I just don't want to dump all that cash and then find overheating problems!

[Doublejack]

I always wanted to get an old jeep and restore it, I still might someday.

After I get my ATV's up and running, and the lawn tractor.



Don't have an answer to your question though, sorry. 350 is kind of big for a Willies, no?

Old jeeps are a blast. I would definitely recommend. As long as you're not like my buddy (one-upper) always spending money on mods he will never really utilize it's a really cheap hobby. I wouldnt go newer than a cj5 as the parts get a bit more expensive and .... computers.

[Crepitus]

Inside the board is where my grill will sit - tight squeeze. I can get a touch more with a short pump. I'm pretty sure I'll ahve to get an expensive slim radiator and elect. double fan. I might have to do some sort of shroud as well. I just don't want to dump all that cash and then find overheating problems!

Damn that is tight! I'm thinking mount the rad right up tight against the grill, get the shortest waterpump you can find (maybe look at electric?) and go with a dual electric fan setup. Be sure to get the highest CFM you can on the fans and a manual override switch as well. At low speeds your headers are gonna cook the whole engine compartment.

Another vote for the electric pump, water flow isn't dependent on engine RPM. good for low speed stuff.

[Doublejack]

Damn that is tight! I'm thinking mount the rad right up tight against the grill, get the shortest waterpump you can find (maybe look at electric?) and go with a dual electric fan setup. Be sure to get the highest CFM you can on the fans and a manual override switch as well. At low speeds your headers are gonna cook the whole engine compartment.

Another vote for the electric pump, water flow isn't dependent on engine RPM. good for low speed stuff.

I didnt even know electric water pumps were a thing. Yes that just might be what I need to do.

Time to research! Thank you sir.

[Crepitus]

I didnt even know electric water pumps were a thing. Yes that just might be what I need to do.

Time to research! Thank you sir.

Glad I could help, let me know how it turns out.