Hey, folks, I did some searching on the topic of swapping out engines on Jeeps but I've still got some questions. Basically, what's going on is a buddy of mine wants to get a Jeep and doesn't want a 4 cylinder but those are the ones in the price range he's looking for (and that aren't totally beaten up). So, my question is this: what would it take to pull a 4 cylinder from a YJ and install a Chevy 350?
Basically, he'd like to buy a cheap 4 cylinder Jeep, yank the engine and install a Chevy 350. I wanted to find out what the group thought before I go prostrate myself before a couple of off-road shops and get led around by the nose.
The Jeep won't be used for any hard-core rock climbing/crawling, or run with 40 something inch tires, just used to tow a boat trailer and some light off-roading/hunting.
Where does one start with this? Is the transmission going to bolt right up to the 350 (he wants to get the 5 speed manual, so no automatics)? Are engine mounts readily available to to fit the 350 to a YJ? Will the transfer case (I presume all YJ's use the NP231 (NP, right? I forget, but I remember my YJ has a 231 in it) hold up (assuming my buddy doesn't blatantly abuse it)? Will springs need to be changed to accomodate the added weight? Shocks? Will the stock radiator cool the 350 or is it going to have to be replaced?
Can one just use a carbureted 350, a simple distributor/coil ignition to keep this simple? What about meeting emissions testing? Is there a simple way to get a more-efficient fuel injected 350 to put in the Jeep, one with all the emissions parts in place (including what needs to be put on the exhaust)?
Thank you for your time and help.
--HC