What is thes best engine swap for a CJ5? A 4.3L vortec, 305, or 350?

My friend's new 81 CJ5 with a 4-banger is turning out to be more work than ever thought of. Since she got it less than 2 months ago, it hasn't driven for more than a week without having some kind of problem. We've replaced the coil, distributor, spark plugs and wires, carb tune up, new fuel pump, and other stuff. Nothing will work to help this thign run better. It keeps stalling as soon as the gas pedal is released - warm or cold. It's never even been offroad. Now it's time to consider a new engine and tranny. We want EFI and something that doesn't require excessive modification for installation. So could enyone recommend anything or point me to a website that shows what's involved with a swap for this little jeep? Basically all I'm looking for is a reliable,easy, cost efficient swap. She'll probably budget $3500 for this project.

<font color="blue"> -Dorian
www.4Low.com</font>

<font color=purple> Personally, I'd go for either the 4.3 or the 350. No sense bothering with a 305 (unless you have one laying around or find a steal of a deal on one) since it weighs as much as a 350, but puts out less power. Just really depends on whether or not she needs the power of a V-8. Could also do an AMC swap to a 258 or 304/343/360/390/401 & that would be easier than the GM swap. EFI could be retrofitted. </font color=purple>

TEX

[img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Got Mud?
G.U.M.B.O. Mud Racing

go for the 4.3 but forget the vortech unless you really need the power, it just costs too much, get an s-10 with the normal 4.3 complete and running so you have all the little parts and swap from there.

[3/4tonYJ]

here are a couple things to think about--- 1. a 4.3 litre is 4 inches shorter that a S.B.Chevy (305 or 350) 2. 90 Degree V-6 chevys (3.8 and 4.3's) parts are expensive, @30-50% more than V-8s, (except for the common parts of course) 3. i think a complete and running fuel injected motor/trans with all wiring and electronics is the way to go, (thats not how i did mine) have fun


<font color=red>3/4tonYJ<font color=red>
<font color=red>[img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif[/img]'89YJ,4.3/th350/np231/Dana44/60</font color=red>