Engine/Drivetrain opinions wanted/needed

[Lindel]

Ok folks, here we go! I'm planning a swap for the Cherokee, and am considering getting a GM crate motor, 4L60E tranny and a D-300 transfer case.

Automatic is a necessity for the wife, but t/c is up for discussion (a GM NP208 has already been suggested, thanks -joe!). Also looking at an Edelbrock MPI system to put on the engine.

What do you all think?

[Rogue]

does the crate ENGINE come with a PCM to control the 4L60E ( E = electronic ) or do you plan on buying ( more$$$ ) a black box to bypass it?

a GM swap will sure save $$$ on HI-PO parts why not put your QT and corresponding output shaft into a Chebby 400 case otherwise are you planning axle swaps? '81 was first year of driver's drop??? right? options are always endless and i don't know about you but the checkbook is usually the determining factor for me, good luck

[rockjeep44]

GM 208s have a slip yoke and in my opinion slip yokes suck if you are going to be wheelin it and/or plan on running a big lift.

[gsmikie]

i would run a th400 with a 241 with holly pro-jection

[Chuxwagon]

Me, I'm thinkin' you ought to take it back to the old school; Tornado 230, Borg/Warner auto, and a Dana 21 (one speed case). Add a Carter single barrel downdraft, some draft tubes, a restrictive exhaust, coupled with some 6.5 inch wide tires, and you, my friend, are well on your way to experiencing the Wagoneer as it was intended. Fuzzy dice and polyester clothing are welcome here. Don't rock out to hard on the A.M. radio.

[Lindel]

bump

[DieselSJ]

Forget the "E" version of the trans - just go 700R4/4L60. Either can be adapted to a 300 or 20. If you find a GM tcase, then you don't have to worry about adapters. If you have money to burn, there is always the Atlas.

If you are going to buy a crate motor, go with the RamJet - EFI is included. 350hp and 400ft/lbs. I have heard that the Edelbrock systems are hard to tune.

[Lindel]

I think I've found a better alternative to the crate engine route. There's a company in OKC that salvages brand new GM vehicles that are damaged in transport from the factory to the dealerships. Their website is www.gandrautoparts.com (http://www.gandrautoparts.com) and they appear to have a large inventory.

I called them and was quoted a price of $3500 for a 2003 5.3L LS1 with the harness, tranny, ECM and fuse block for the engine compartment. This particular setup only has 3 miles on it! They have 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrains available, for the same price. At least this is the impression that I got.

I got this info from the Vortec cruisers forum (I did a search for 5.3L LS1), and a guy by the name of James Junkin had done this swap into his TJ. He sent me the name of the place, along with some other pertinant info concerning his swap.

Novak Adapters has the parts to take me from the 4L60 to a Dana 300, or if I get the 4x4 setup, I can bolt on a NP208.

I can hardly wait!!

[Hammerx]

Lindel,
Very coool site, thanks for the link. Man....think of all the Possibilities.

20057A 02 Z 06 CORVETTE 5.7 L 10miles