Advice wanted

So I got some measuring and figuring done on the Dauntless out of my CJ5, and it is savable with a .080" Overbore, which by all accounts is well within safe tolerances for a bore on this block.

So here is where I need some advice from some folks with more experience with Jeeps

I'm looking at $500-600 dollars for the engine kit, and probably another $500-600 in machine work (just ballparking, after checking some pricing at Summit Racing, Local Machine Shop, Etc.)

So as a nice round number, I'm looking at $1200 into getting the mighty might dauntless running again.

In conjuction with the engine rebuild, I have a T18 that will be going back into the jeep at the same time.

I do currently own a fresh, Running 302 Ford, that I figure is around a 215HP build, and would need Zero Dollars (other than the time and cost of reworking mounting and the cost of a clutch, since I have the T18 to SBF Bellhousing and Flywheel as well)

So what are the Pros and Cons of stuffing the 302 in there as opposed to rebuilding the Dauntless?

I have the cash to rebuild the V6, but I've really got other plans for the money, so I'm pretty torn. I'm not fixated on tossing a V8 in the Jeep, but I do have a running engine.

Hence, I come here asking you fine fellows for some advice.

 

drop in the 302 and call it a day!

 

Oh, I'm fully aware of how the SBF's run, I've got a pretty hot one in my '41 Ford Pickup, this one has the later small heads and just an RV cam in it, so it's happiest running right around 2000-2500RPM, although that's well under where max HP would be. Right now my CJ has 3.73's in it, but it's going to end up with 4.88's this winter most likely....

 

just my opinion, but i like to see things original. if moneys tight, i vote for selling the v-8 and put the v-6 back in the jeep.

 

That's crazy talk.

Sell an engine? I might need it someday.

 

Patrick recently purchased an assembled V6 short block.
why mess with yours ?
and stay with the 225 is my vote.

 

A 327 is much the same way, big bore and short stroke means a top heavy power band. But with 4.27 gears and an SM420 transmission I have no problems at all getting it rolling as fast as I have nerve for.

 

I'd say go with the 225 whether you rebuild yours or purchase a good used or a long block. The 302 is doable but no conversion is cheap and the 225 fits very nice in the engine bay. It keeps the balance of the cj nice and has plenty of power.

 

Patrick, did you find this deal online or local?

 

hmmm, for me the shipping would probably kill the deal. But, on the original question I vote dauntless. I haven't had the pleasure of driving one yet but it seems like the perfect combination of power, weight, and coolness

 

If it was me, I wouldn't waste any cash on the 225 and would look for an even-fire 231. I remember swapping a 225 into a Vega HB back in my high school days and everyone who rode in the car commented on its vibration, resonance, etc. Plus a lot of money was spent and not a lot of power was made. In my opinion the V6 makes a fine jeep engine, but a newer V6 makes an excellent jeep engine.

 

302. But, if you're gonna put big tires on it and don't have a light foot, you may end up tearing up the rest of the drivetrain.