Resto-mod 1958 CJ5

[TJones]

Novak adapters can configure almost any motor to Tranny combo you can imagine in your build Jaftop!!

https://www.novak-adapt.com

[Jafopt]

Way safer in college with the Tacoma, especially if it is a bucket seat two door standard cab with no center console.

I am definitely thinking a nice running V6 would be a great swap. You can only safely get so much power down in a short wheelbase high center vehicle that is not an off road racer. For a look outside the box consider a 60 degree V6. I ran one of the early Chevrolet 2.8's that later morphed into 3.9's I think. I had it in a Baja style S10. Bored to 2.9L, it made 350hp naturally aspirated. It was unique at the time and I was lucky to have a machine shop and top machinist right there. They are all around now. You need to find one for a rear wheel drive. The 60 degree V6 allows an enormous amount of room. It would fit well and you would still be able to get to everything in the engine house. A modern 60 degree with a turbo or better yet a low profile roots or a Centrifugal Supercharger would be the ticket! Hahah, now there's a thought.

Here's TJ's nice "Orange Crush" V6 Jeep.
https://willysjeepforum.kaiserwillys...-Forum/page108

I'm having a rough time finding a 60 degree V6 online for sale. Is it called something else?

[bmorgil]

In the 60 Degree, you are looking for the GM 3.4L 60 Degree V6. They were put in many, many F Body GM cars (Camaro / Firebird). In the F Body, they are rear wheel drive. You could also find a 60 Degree V6 in S10 pickup trucks. Look for a 2 wheel drive.

https://www.jegs.com/i/ATK-Engines/059/DCC9/10002/-1

[Jafopt]

Do you think that will be too large for my small engine compartment?

[bmorgil]

As I was saying earlier, the 60 degree is a very small package. I cant think of a smaller V6 package. The 60 degree engine is very upright. This leaves a lot of room on the sides.

[TJones]

Like bmorgil is saying, the Chevy 3.4 and the Buick V-6’s fit in the CJ-5’s pretty nice.
I put a 4.1L 252ci Buick in mine (only bc I’ve had Buick Motors in the past) and it has more power than you can use, especially with a short wheel base and narrow gauge vehicle!!
Like he said make sure it’s for a rear wheel drive vehicle Only which ever direction you decide to go.

[bmorgil]

The 2.8L (173 ci) GM 60 Degree V6 was also used from '84 to '86 in Cherokees, and in '86 Comanches. It is identical to the 3.4L, just less cubic inches. It is the first version of the 60 Degree motor. I would stick with the newer 3.4L.

[Jafopt]

Like bmorgil is saying, the Chevy 3.4 and the Buick V-6’s fit in the CJ-5’s pretty nice.
I put a 4.1L 252ci Buick in mine (only bc I’ve had Buick Motors in the past) and it has more power than you can use, especially with a short wheel base and narrow gauge vehicle!!
Like he said make sure it’s for a rear wheel drive vehicle Only which ever direction you decide to go.

I spoke with a guy at Novak and he didn't seem to have as much knowledge as the guys here. He said I couldn't get a 5 speed into such a short vehicle. He suggested getting an overdrive to put on the transfer case with a separate lever to shift it.

With the Buick or the Chevy 3.4L what would I be looking at parts wise to get it to hit 90Mph? For example: engine XYZ (manual) transmission, ring and pinion axle sets, transfer case.

[bmorgil]

I don"t know about the 5 speed, I would do it like TJ did. Use the hydraulic GM clutch and a Novak transmission adapter to the T90, and let it ride.

The speed you are going to go can be calculated mathematically. http://www.wallaceracing.com/Calcula...or%20Speed.php

The gear ratios depend on several variables. https://willysjeepforum.kaiserwillys...e-speed-at-RPM

The best way to do it is with this overdrive. https://www.kaiserwillys.com/product...ATURN-26-teeth

I would not go 90 mph in a 1958 Jeep CJ.

[Jafopt]

I don"t know about the 5 speed, I would do it like TJ did. Use the hydraulic GM clutch and a Novak transmission adapter to the T90, and let it ride.

The speed you are going to go can be calculated mathematically. http://www.wallaceracing.com/Calcula...or%20Speed.php

The gear ratios depend on several variables. https://willysjeepforum.kaiserwillys...e-speed-at-RPM

The best way to do it is with this overdrive. https://www.kaiserwillys.com/product...ATURN-26-teeth

I would not go 90 mph in a 1958 Jeep CJ.

Thank you. I need it to be a daily driver, able to hit highway speeds, which in Houston and Columbus are comfortable at 90. Would you go 80 in one?