NEED HELP FAST!

[AMC80cherokee]

Hello there guys & gals, hope youre well, had a good thanksgiving, and are ready to get back in the saddle.

so I bought a 1965 J300, and it seems like I need to replace the engine, with a matching tranny. any one with some ideas? please pm me as soon as you can, the guy is pushing me to get it off the lot or rip out whats there...leaving me vulnerable. HELP.

[bkilby]

I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you looking for ideas on which engine and tranny to install?

[babywag]

Since nobody really knows what exactly you're asking...since you don't specify what is has installed.
I submit this, maybe a parts donor?

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/jeep-wagoneer-1966-amc-327-v8/6381715176.html

[joe]

Yours not rebuildable?

[AMC80cherokee]

Response

YES. I am looking for advice on what would work together best; tranny and engine.

I am so sorry, but some folks are so harsh, they are assuming we all have the same advanced knowledge of Jeeps.
I don't, I just need help.
The current engine is a DAUNTLESS 230

[joe]

"Best" is really subjective term. Best for what use? Daily driver, tow rig, off roader? For a DD the stock Kaiser "Tornado" 230 OHC motor is a fine little motor. It's not a speed demon but if maintained properly it's reliable and plenty adequate. If you want a more powerful tough motor, the optional(in late 65) AMC 327 is rock solid. The years later "Dauntless" is the 350 Buick which is also a good motor. Nothing other than another 230 OHC is going to be a drop-in just bolt it up replacement for your 230. spend you money fixing yours or spend your money adapting a different motor...your call. For trannies, again best is subjective. For normal use the stock 3 speed is decent but for towing or serious hardcore I'd go with the T-18A 4 speed.
For a 65 J-300 I would try to keep it as stock as possible. IMHO it'd be a shame to chop it up for a crawler build but it's your truck. With time, skill and money you can pretty much put anything into any vehicle. Depends on your needs, wallet and commitment.
Good luck but I'd fix the 230.

[SJTD]

Seems to me if you aren't going to keep it stock you should go with something modern.

[AMC80cherokee]

READY

Seems to me if you aren't going to keep it stock you should go with something modern.

You were correct, I just found out that I can't keep it stock; the guy said there is no way to find the parts to do a proper rebuild.
Now I am looking for advice on what would work best in that truck; even if I have to swap tranny and engine to make it work.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Karl

[SJTD]

If it were me I'd use that new Cummins crate motor and a six speed stick.

[AMC80cherokee]

It's me not you

Sorry to be such an idiot, but can you point me in the direction where I can buy this engine and/or find out more; like how and if it would fit etc. because I know absolutely nothing about swapping.


HAPPY CHRISTMAS and thanks for taking the time.
Karl

[joe]

Sounds like you waited till the eleventh hour and now up against the clock. If it's your truck on his lot, why not just drag it home and take your time picking a motor swap. Quickest, easiest, cheapest is find another stock motor. As mentioned a Cummins 4 or 6 dsl would be a great motor for a J-truck. BUT... it's not a quick/easy transplant and certainly not cheap. By the time you're done you'll have thousands in it. With any dsl swap I highly suggest starting with a complete donor truck rather than hunting and buying pieces as needed. A Cummins dsl swap is a lot more involved than just motor mounts and radiator.
Tow your truck home then you can take your time researching your needs, budget and time commitment.

[SJTD]

I'd go on Cummins' web site for info. I'm on their mailing list so that's how I got info on it. Close to $10k.

[Kaiserjeeps]

A 12 or 24 valve Cummins would be slick. But the modifications and cost are high. For the 230 rebuild parts try Kanter. I see pistons and rebuild parts on ebay all the time. And wander over to the M715 zone. When I used to spend most of my time there engines would pop up frequently from guys doing motor swaps. To more modern V-8's. You could even post up a question on where to find rebuild parts there. Search Tempest is great for finding stuff nation wide on Craigs List. There is a guy here in Spokane parting many early FSJ's . 230 engines were extremely popular in South America. Parts are made for them. The internet is your friend. It sure is mine.

Keep it stock and do good work. The value of these early FSJ's is climbing. I am surprised by it but they are...

[SOLSAKS]

AMC 80 Cherokee

dont worry
you will figure it out
with internet and with help from the people on this site

i am like you, i rely on advice from guys who are more "in the know"
with mechanical stuff

you will learn a lot during your rebuild.

good luck and best wishes

dave in NC