[Guest]

Here is the problem: I have a 231 Buick V-6 in my CJ7 right now but I'm going to put a NV 4500 into my Jeep this summer. The adapters are going to cost about $500. I might be able to get a 350 Chevy "complete" for $650 , but I'll probably do some work on it, and will only need one adapter for about $300. I was going to put a Edelbrock performer kit on the 231 for about $500 to get the torque up from 165 lbs/ft to about 220 lbs/ft. I know I will need new motor mounts and some exhaust work for the 350, but I might need to move the 231 foward anyways b/c of the 5spd tranny. I'm not worried about the radiator or front springs b/c the Jeep originally had the heavy duty package. Also I'm going to put Dana 44 wag axles front and rear in with a SOA and 35" tires. I need to know which engine will be able to push this rig in the rocks and on the road for the least amount of money without sacrificing capability. Sorry this is so long. Thanks.

Tim Springer
1980 CJ7
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[Hank]

I like a V6. A 60 degree Buick motor is punchy for its size and does not weigh a lot. It looks like it will be cheaper to keep what you have. Nothing wrong with a 350 - but do you need that much more power?

Hank

 

[Guest]

I don't know if I need the power of a 350 that is why I'm asking. I figure this is the best time to do a swap if i'm going to do one. Anyone else have a opinion.

Tim Springer
1980 CJ7
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[Tim]

With 35" tires, you won't have a rocket with the 231. It should do fine with the NV-4500 for rock crawling and grocery getting. Be sure to gear the diffs for those 35's. 4.88's would be what I'd want for 35's. If you're seriously going to rock crawl at all angles, you might want to consider the Edelbrock Q-jet carb over their Carter AFB clone, the Performer. It's the best carb for off-road. Model # 1904 will run appx. $430-$450. You'll also need a square to spread bore adapter for the intake, appx. $20. I am running the Edelbrock Performer cam and intake along with the Q-jet carb mentioned on my 252/4.1L Buick V-6 and am happy with it so far, (recent build-up). I will only be running 33" tires with Dana 44 front and rear axles and 4.56 gears. Behind the Buick is a 700R4 and Atlas II, (current build-up).

Tim
'66 Jeepster Commando w/Buick 252/4.1L V-6
'70 Wagoneer w/Buick 350 V-8
'76 Wagoneer w/AMC 401 V-8 (sold)

 

[Guest]

I'm moving this back to the front b/c I just got word that the 350 engine is complete and running for $650, but I need to act quickly if I want it. I do plan on running on the highway so would the 350 be better then? Thanks.

Tim Springer
1980 CJ7
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[Guest]

Hank correct me if I'm wrong. I believe the Buick V6 is a 90 deg. V6. It's basically a bored 225 V6 that was in 66 -71 CJ5's as an option.
The first 231's were oddfire and Buick changed the crankshaft to make it an evenfire.

Gary

 

[Guest]

I just made another phone call and the engine is TBI if that makes a difference in which engine to pick. Any opinions on this please. Thanks.

Tim Springer
1980 CJ7
WALSTIB/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif

 

[Guest]

get the chevy! thats a great price on a complete TBI motor, and you can't beat fuel injection for fourwheeling. I think you will be much happier with the slightly higher cost of the 350 it will outperform the V-6 anywhere except the gas pump where things should be pretty close.

Jeff
'83 Toyota long bed
5" lift, YJ front springs

 

[Hank]

I am vaguely familiar with the "dauntless" V6. I am assuming since a CJ7 was never offered with a V6 that it is a 231 from Buick racing fame - the same 60 degree motor used in just about all Buicks lately. The 60* has been a Buick tradition for many years - the oddfire I thought was a 60 degree motor and was chosen due to its size (narrow width).

I have an 86 Grand National - I am very familiar with its motor ;-)

Hank 88 YJ (sort of)

 

[dave]

Well, here's my .02 cents. The Buick 231 (3.8 liter) is a 90 degree V6. The early Buick V6's were odd fire to about mid-year production 1977. The Buick V6 first saw production in the early 60's. In the late 60's the Buick V6 engine plant was sold to Jeep. In the early 70's Buick bought back the Buick V6 engine plant from AMC.

The Chevy 4.3 liter (262 cubic inches) is a 90 degree V6. The Chevy 350 (5.7 liter) is a 90 degree V8.

The Buick 231 will produce some very good low RPM torque! The Buick 231 has a very good bore / stroke ratio to produce torque with. The Buick 231 will net some very impressive gas mileage.

With money in mind, the Chevy 350 will out produce the torque and horsepower of any Buick 231 given the same amount of money. With high gas prices the Chevy 350 will need more money at the gas pump!

If you want performance, go with the Chevy 350 there will be lots of performance support at affordable prices. If your Jeep budget is tight, stick with the Buick 231.

In 1978 Chevy offered a Monte Carlo with a Buick 231 engine option. In 1978 Chevy offered a Monte Carlo with a Chevy 305. The winner from 0 - 60 MPH was the 231 Buick 7.2 seconds, the Chevy 305 was 7.4 seconds. The Buick 231 1/4 mile was 17.54 seconds, the Chevy 305 was 16.92 seconds. The winner in gas mileage was the 231 Buick at EPA of 18.7 MPG with the Chevy 305 at 16.3 MPG. The winner in top MPH was the Chevy 305 at 114 MPH, the Buick 231 could only get the Monte Carlo to 109 MPH.
dave