engine swap for 69 225 auto?

rocjeepn · #1 08-30-2007, 12:28 AM

Will a 350 chevy bolt up to the 400 tranny? Or do I have to stick with buick motors.. and if I decide to rebuild the 225.. how much power could I get out of it? Thanks in advance...

Randyzzz · #2 08-30-2007, 01:46 AM

You'd have to either get a Chev case TH400, or use an adapter plate. I personally wouldn't go with the adapter plate, since there's already one on there. Stacking 2 would be asking for trouble. The 225 can be built to make good power. I just got my 231 swap running, it feels pretty good. Adequate, but not impressive. (I'm comparing it to a healthy 350 in my Scrambler...it's downright scary!!!)

Truckzilla · #3 08-30-2007, 10:03 AM

Doesn't the Buick V8 have better low end torque?? Cooling seems to be an issue with any V8 upgrade. Plus a lot of work to wedge them into the engine compartment. 231 Turbo would bolt right in and I hear good things.

phantom_jeepster · #4 08-30-2007, 06:51 PM

My 231 needs to be rebuilt but still has the power I need on and off road(it did when I drove it last anyway) When I rebuild I'm going to Welcome To TA Performance for my parts.

I like the idea of putting a buick 350 in a jeepster but I hate cutting to get one to fit.

You could go with a built turbo Grand National 3.8. The power people are getting out of that V6 is amazing.

rocjeepn · #5 08-31-2007, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantom_jeepster

My 231 needs to be rebuilt but still has the power I need on and off road(it did when I drove it last anyway) When I rebuild I'm going to Welcome To TA Performance for my parts.

I like the idea of putting a buick 350 in a jeepster but I hate cutting to get one to fit.

You could go with a built turbo Grand National 3.8. The power people are getting out of that V6 is amazing.

a 3.8 motor will bolt up to the tranny with no adapter??

phantom_jeepster · #6 08-31-2007, 10:02 AM

It should bolt right up as long as its a RWD 3.8. I'm not sure if a FWD 3.8 will.

Randyzzz · #7 08-31-2007, 12:47 PM

It'll bolt right up. Bellhousing bolt pattern is the same. Make sure to use the 231 flexplate, though.

rocjeepn · #8 08-31-2007, 05:32 PM

My buddy has a 1972 Chevy 350 in his garage and I have another friend that has a buick 350 that I can have for free.. will either of these actually bolt to what I have? or would they need adapter plates as well?

Tim · #9 08-31-2007, 07:23 PM

Both Buick RWD 231/3.8L & 252/4.1L V-6's will bolt up in place of the 225 without additional adapters or different motor mounts. There will be small issues to resolve, like a larger capacity radiator, for one, but not a big ordeal to switch.

While the Buick 300, 340 & 350 V-8's will all bolt up without additional adapters or different motor mounts, there are significant challenges to making this work properly. Cutting sheet metal up front and mounting a much higher capacity raditor forward to accomodate the extra bank of cylinders are a couple of items. You will need to switch to an electric fan or cut the front frame cross-member out and move forward to clear an engine-driven fan. These are but a few items of many that arise from this conversion.

The Chevy small block requires an additional 1/4" thick adapter to work with your TH-400 as well as different motor mounts. You will also have the same cooling considerations to tackle as the Buick V-8's.

Several people that have done V-8 conversions in Jeepsters have had considerable trouble keeping their motors cool while wheeling, so be prepared to deal with that with any V-8.

rocjeepn · #10 09-01-2007, 09:43 AM

So.. if I plan to use my commando for part time nice day commutes to work, running on smooth forest trails, and the occasional rock legde climb out in Sedona.. what engine would all of you recommend for this? LikeI stated before.. it has the original 225 V6 that runs.. but would be rebuilding it if kept that motor. And if this motor is the best all around choice.. how much horsepower could I get out of it? I really appreciate all the info fellow Jeepers. It really helps.