Specifications

engine conversions (1980-86)

ENGINE CONVERSION

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Engine conversions for offroad vehicles are popular with both old & new models. We have been involved with engine and

transmission conversions for more than 30 years and are not surprised when we see a new vehicle with less than 10,000 miles

having an engine swapped. Since you are venturing out beyond the boundary of the corner gas station and local repair shop, you

should be aware that offroad driving is quite different than street driving. Once you pull onto a dirt road, your vehicle must be capable

of returning you and your passengers back to civilization. The best, single reason for an offroad 4WD engine conversion is reliability.

If your 4WD cannot deliver this, then you’re in serious trouble. Make sure that when making a change on your offroad vehicle it is

done with the best equipment and design available. Don't short change your conversion for components that will give you less

reliability.

There will always be situations where more power would be nice such as when towing a trailer, turning those big new tires, or falling

short from the top of a hill. A common mistake of many offroad drivers is overpowering the existing drivetrain. If additional power

is required and the stock transmission specifications and rear axle torque rating have been exceeded, then you might be required

to use a stronger substitute. Jeeps have been equipped with several types and sizes of engines. In order to assist you, we have

listed the various stock engines that were used in the 1980s & newer vehicles.

151 CID 4 Cylinder (1980-83) Iron Duke

150 CID 4 Cylinder Engine (1984-86)

150 CID 4 Cylinder Engine TBI (1987-02)

148 CID 4 Cylinder Engine (2.4) (2003-04)

258/4.2L CID Straight 6 Cylinder (1972-90)

4.0L Straight 6 Cylinder (1991-04)

2.8L V6 Engine (Cherokees) (1984-86) GM

2.5L V6 Engine 151 CID (XJ) (1984-00) GM

304 CID V8 Engine (1972-81)

4.0L Engine (XJ) (1987-01)

2.4L & 3.7L Engine (KJ) (2002-04)

ENGINE SELECTION:

Select a motor which best fits the use of your vehicle. We manufacture motor mounts, bellhousing adapters, headers, and transfer

case adapters for Chevy, Chevy Vortec V8’s, Ford, Dodge, Buick V6 & some AMC motors. Within these range of motors, every practical

need can be met.

We offer an upgrade kit for your clutch linkage. This chain-operated clutch linkage kit, P/N 716639, connects to the original push

rod that extends out of the firewall and mounts to the stock Jeep driver’s side body mount. This kit also uses a sprocket & chain

that parallels the inside of the frame rail. Unlike the stock linkage pushing the release lever, this chain controller uses a pulling motion.

On serious offroad use, the chain linkage will allow for twisting of the frame and the torque of the engine. The chain control linkage

is solidly mounted to all components of the clutch linkage. This kit will not work with inside-the-frame rail exhaust.

Jeeps 1980-1986 (Hydraulic linkage) - Jeep first started using a hydraulic linkage in the 1980-83 CJ7s with the 151 Iron Duke

engine. This slave cylinder bolts to the bellhousing using the same two holes as the mechanical linkage ball pivot bracket. The

slave cylinder is mounted to the outside of the bellhousing using a special slave cylinder flange. This flange is part of the slave cylinder

casting and has provisions for two bolts to mount to the bellhousing. The release arm, release bearing, ball pivot, and lever spring

are all identical to the mechanical clutch linkage.

If you are using one of our conversion bellhousings and retaining the stock Jeep transmission, then this Iron Duke slave cylinder

can easily be installed using the mounting holes on our bellhousing. If your Jeep originally had a mechanical linkage and you wish

to change to a hydraulic linkage, we offer the stock Iron Duke slave cylinder assembly under Part No. 716331. Along with this slave

cylinder, the installation of the a master cylinder is required (Jeep master cylinder No. J5359822). Jeeps 1980-86, will have the firewall

provision to mount a stock Jeep master cylinder when converting a mechanical linkage to a hydraulic linkage. The pedal assembly

will require modifications and adjustments in order to couple to the master cylinder and achieve the proper throw motion.