[mudnut]

I know that both of these swaps have been covered countless times but is there a compare-o between the two?

Currently I have an 85 CJ7 with the T5 behind the original 258. Both engine and transmission are in pretty good shape and will be sold at the end of the swap to recoup some funds (for other mods of course).

I may (or may not) have a TBI setup for a Chev 350 along with an aluminum radiator coming to me via UPS, I say may or may not because he hasn't shipped them yet and I may just ask for the $$ back... here's my thinking.

Option 1:

Assuming that I get the TBI setup and rad, I have a free 350 from a 69 Blazer along with the TH350. Both have been sitting for years so both will need to be rebuilt. Assuming that I can complete the rebuild of the engine for around $650 including an e-dizzy and the adapter for the TBI, and whatever it cost for a basic rebuild of the Tranny (might just need a bottle of trans tune and new seals but I don't want to get everything together to find out that the tranny needs to be gone through). I'm guessing somewhere around $800 (understanding that these are very conservative cost estimates).

Option 2:

Same assumption above about the TBI and rad and buying a running 350 from a late 80s Blazer, no need for the rebuild and I could sell the TBI setup that is coming via UPS, pick up a TH350 or TH400... I can get the engine for cheaper than the rebuild of the "free" 350 above.

Either way I will need an adapter from the tranny to my transfer case. I like the availability of parts for the Chevy motors and love the idea of fuel injection however I am doing this on a somewhat tight budget (what ever I can get away with spending when I have extra money). I don't however like the extra $$$ for the adapter for the T-case. Advanced Adapters has the whole package for like 2 grand KA-CHING!!

Option 3:

Scrap the idea of a fuel injected 350, either take delivery of the TBI and rad that is coming and sell them, or call ahead and have the guy send my check back to me. Find a running but rusted out FSJ (not too hard up here with the heavily salted roads in the winter everything gets eaten up), snatch out the 360 and auto trans, modify what I need to and drop it in my CJ. No adapters, no muss no fuss... and alas no fuel injection... not sure what this will cost depends on what I can find for a donor vehicle I guess, unless I can stumble across someone who is mid project that decided to change direction.

Pros and cons of each swap?

[crcj7]

i would go chevy if i could . if it turns and nothing looks realy bad when you open it up you could probaly get away with a re ring kit and seals. should be a lot less the 600 . depending on how good you where at legos you could re build the th350 there a lot less scary then people think . both are strong and relieable ... if not i deff favor chevy but you could get the 360 and put the tbi on it i think its in a thred

[mudnut]

The $600+ I figured because I'm pretty sure that this will not turn, I've known my buddy since he moved here from New York City and they towed his Blazer here when he moved years ago. It would be nice to be able to just put in new rings and bearings.

Didn't realize that I could do the TBI with the 360, I'll have to look for that thread, thanks for the heads up!

[crcj7]

no problem . sbc stuff is pretty darn cheep down here . i used to live in pittsburgh but cant rember what the prices where like if i could do it i would get a sb 400 out of a 70 something suburbian

[redbird2289]

deff go with the chevy motor. i believe you will be much happier in the long run because of the availability and cost of the parts. you can start with the carb 350 and save up for the tbi setup. Im in the same boat and am looking forward to doing the v8 swap when i get back from basic training for the coast guard. but thats my .02

[243]

I have been a diehard Chevy fan since I first started driving in the 70's; however, I will never buy another new GM vehicle for one big taxable reason. On the other hand, the SBC is a fantastic engine swap for most vehicles and the reasons are numerous.

Nostalgia aside, an AMC 360/401 is a bolt-in with a few parts from a 304.

[Curt Reinhardt]

I'd do the 360 AMC.

[GP_Pete]

It sounds like cost is your driving factor here.

Honestly, a 360 is going to take a lot more than it seems you're planning for (and a 350 even more than that). A 360 is going to need:

-larger radiator, fan shroud
-engine mounts
-exhaust manifolds (including a driver's side manifold for a CJ - the stock FSJ one will hit the firewall)
-y-pipe and new exhaust
-ignition system
-360 flywheel
-new fuel lines (rerouted at least)
-accessories/brackets for

Unless you did everything the cheapest way possible, I dont see how you're going to do a 360 swap for less than about $1200. The 'free chevy' swap is going to cost just as much with all the adapter parts and the list of things above. In fact, even if you got the motor free, the chevy swap would probably end up costing a little more because of the parts costs.

IF you're rebuilding the motor yourself (either one), I would say 360 b/c it will be more straight forward.

[kw89425]

i can hook you up with everything you need to do the 360 im taking everything out of mine motor trans and all

[mudnut]

Originally Posted by kw89425

i can hook you up with everything you need to do the 360 im taking everything out of mine motor trans and all

Hmmm food for thought.... PM sent

[BRIAN ROBBINS]

360 All the way keep the chevy motor in chevy's. Something Cool about a 360 CJ!!

[crcj7]

i have a 360 and i would say deff go with the 350 it no harder there are a million swap kits more parts easyer to get power out of . thats just me .

[mudnut]

Ok going with the 360, still deciding on a 3 speed manual with the Dana 20 or an auto tranny with the Dana 300... I sort of like rowing through the gears but an auto is sure nice on the trails and when playing in the rocks... I'll have to remember that I'm out of gears when in 3rd or I'll be looking for 4th and 5th but I don't want to shred my T5, figrue I'll sell my running 258 and T5 once I get the bigger engine.

[Agent454]

I got a question for you. Emissions regulations? When you do a swap like this where do you get the info for the emissions. We have an emission test requirement for registration here. I have a 76 CJ5 with a tired 304 in it. Charcoal cansiter, exhaust gas recirculator air pump, etc, etc. I have a SBC in another project vehicle that is coming out. I would love to just swap out the 304. Where do I find the exhaust manifolds with the air tubes? I already checked with the inspection station. They do a visual check that all equipment is there and connected as well as a sniff test.

[turnabout]

Glad to hear you want to go with the 360 - It sounds like it will be cheaper with minimal mods and you can keep things "in the family." Use the T15/DS20 combo and you can't go wrong strengthwise. You may want a Terra Low set-up later down the road if you do serious rock crawling.
You have a Jeep, not a Blazer, so good choice to drop the SBC and auto.............. (No offense to the SBC/auto guys, I'm an early AMC guy at heart......)