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Small Block v. Dauntless

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by sixtyfive5, Mar 26, 2008.

  1. Mar 26, 2008
    sixtyfive5

    sixtyfive5 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2006
    Messages:
    83
    I’ve never owned a Dauntless. Many other motors. Never a Dauntless. I have a chance to get a re-buildable 225 block, w/T-14 and Dana 18. I currently have a 350 conversion with TH350 and dana 20 in my ECJ5. (formerly had the 18 tcase with offset axles – swapped to the 20 when I swapped to late model wide tracks).

    Couple of questions:
    What issues would I likely run into for motor mounts swapping from the Chevy small block to the dauntless?
    What do I gain from a Dauntless (over the Chev)?
    What do I lose from giving up the small block?

    I really like my Chev set up, but I’m always considering changes to my jeep. My needs at this point are:

    Reliability
    Ease of maintenance
    Ease to source parts
    Fuel economy
    Drivability in metro traffic 50% and 55-65mph short dist (10 miles or less) Highway


    I don’t spend much time in anything heavy anymore. Most of the time is on pavement. An occasional trial or two. I run 31’s and never bigger than 33’s.
     
    sixtyfive5, Mar 26, 2008
    #1
  2. Mar 26, 2008
    jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Oklahoma City, USA
    Joined:
    May 18, 2006
    Messages:
    2,622
    Why not late model 4.3 EFI? You've got the mounts and bolt pattern already. S-10 pickups have been some of the most reliable engines I've ever owned, second only to the '92-'96 Jeep 4.0 EFI. Parts are plentiful and cheap, cheap, cheap.
     
    jayhawkclint, Mar 26, 2008
    #2
  3. Mar 26, 2008
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,197
    X2...
     
    Boyink, Mar 26, 2008
    #3
  4. Mar 26, 2008
    willys59cj5

    willys59cj5 Sponsor

    Gilroy, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2005
    Messages:
    660
    I'd stick with the chevy set up. Based on what you are looking for. 4.3 EFI would be your best bet.
     
    willys59cj5, Mar 26, 2008
    #4
  5. Mar 26, 2008
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
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    9,221
    4.3L X3.

    That'd drop in more easily than moving engine mounts around for the 225.

    The 225 will do what you want, but it's far more work, especially to get fuel injection which a 4.3L can offer.

    The 225 offers a lighter weight, the distributor is in the front (which isn't an issue now if you have a SBC), and the nostalgia. Oh, and the cool sound of an odd-fire, but a 4.3L gets my vote as well in this case if you want to get rid of the SBC for some reason.
     
    sparky, Mar 26, 2008
    #5
  6. Mar 27, 2008
    66cj5

    66cj5 Jeep with no name

    NorthWest Indiana
    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2003
    Messages:
    2,084
    would go 4.3L as well. it has more hp/torque and fuel injection.

    can walk out with parts vs. next day (some times 2-3 days) with the 225.
     
    66cj5, Mar 27, 2008
    #6
  7. Mar 27, 2008
    sixtyfive5

    sixtyfive5 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2006
    Messages:
    83
    Thanks everyone. I appreciate the advice. I’m going to stick with the small block for now. It’s all set up (has been for years) and working the way I like. Maybe a future swap will include a 4.3. I’ll pass on buying that dauntless and let it go to someone who needs it.
     
    sixtyfive5, Mar 27, 2008
    #7
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