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Chevy 454 swap

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blacksheepjp

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Ok Jeep purist please don't cast the stones to hard. Just posting a question.
I know the V8 swap is mostly the Chevy 350 or an AMC variety etc. It just so happens I have a 454 paired with a th400 out of a Suburban. I know overkill is the first thing that comes to mind for me as well. I am just seeing if anyone has made the swap in the past and their thoughts and troubles with it. I am at the point in my build that an engine swap is in the near future. I know I dont need it..... Just wondering if I will like it :cool:
 
#5 ·
I plan to do it with a TJ, just need other projects up the line finished and out of my way.

I know those crazy kids down in Florida have done a 454 YJ, but it also had rockwells and was one of those ridiculous mud trucks, so I'm not sure how much jeep was left. Snoop around Chuck's Trucks. There was a brief sighting of a black YJ with a big block in one of the first three Trucks Gone Wild vids.

I hear it's easier to do so in a YJ than a TJ. Novak flat out says not to with a TJ (which is why I want to), due to the narrowness of the frame or something. I'll do a build when I embark on that insanity.

I have seen a CJ with a 460 in it once upon a time, or should I say a 460 wearing a CJ?
 
#6 ·
Make sure you check your local laws many states will not allow you to put a motor from a vehicle older than the TJs model year in. This would be my guess why you can't find anything on it. If you put an older motor in many states won't allow you to register it making basically a trail only rig.
 
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#7 ·
Personally I would never swap in a gasser. For me it would only be a diesel. Hell even my lawn tractor is diesel. I need to figure out how to convert my Stihl chainsaw and my weed eater to run on diesel. Here is a link of a CJ with a 6.0 Powerstroke. It is about the same size as a BBC but is a lot heavier!
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
superduty59 said:
Personally I would never swap in a gasser. For me it would only be a diesel. Hell even my lawn tractor is diesel. I need to figure out how to convert my Stihl chainsaw and my weed eater to run on diesel. Here is a link of a CJ with a 6.0 Powerstroke. It is about the same size as a BBC but is a lot heavier!
Click to expand...
Got to love that video! Oh i am with you on the powerstroke. Just do not have that in my garage.... But if I did............:drool:
 
#9 ·
A Big Block Chevy will bolt right in place of a Small Block Chevy.

Distributor is the same. Starter will work. Only changes will be exhaust and you'll need a bigger radiator.

So basically, whatever it takes to put a small block in will get a Big Block in there. The worst problem you'll have is, limited selection of headers for a BBC in a Jeep.
 
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#10 ·
Pacfanweb said:
A Big Block Chevy will bolt right in place of a Small Block Chevy.

Distributor is the same. Starter will work. Only changes will be exhaust and you'll need a bigger radiator.

So basically, whatever it takes to put a small block in will get a Big Block in there. The worst problem you'll have is, limited selection of headers for a BBC in a Jeep.
Click to expand...
Most external components are shared between the SBC and the BBC but the BBC is wider and longer and weighs more. It definitely can be done with some work.
 
#11 ·
There's a few guys around here that have BBC's in their CJ's.
Depending on what you do with the Jeep, it may not be the right route to go. I can't say much for rock climbing/trails, but from what I've experienced in straight line performance for a "normal" Jeep, definitely not the way to go.
As mentioned, it will basically require whatever a SBC requires to swap, but you have less room and more weight to deal with.
 
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#14 ·
I have a BBC 402 (externally the same as 454) in my 1994 YJ. No clearance problems with anything it will slide rite in. Keep it as close to the firewall as possible so that you can cram in the biggest radiator you can. Keeping it cool is the only obstacle.
 
#16 ·
FMJ said:
The size of the engine is directly proportional to the thickness of your wallet. Like Grumpy Jenkins said. There aint no substitute for cubic inches.
Click to expand...
Except FORCED INDUCTION!!!!

Anywhoo anything will fit like everyone else has said...I mean I have a 1998 Toyota Tacoma 2wd and I just got finished swapping in an LS1 and a T56 from a 2001 Camaro SS, talk about sleeper.:2thumbsup:

If I got that thing in there you can get a BBC in yours, anything is possible with enough money and skill.
 
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Speed-Freek
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