Engine swap idea

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Dion

Dion

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Whangarei, New Zealand
Alright let’s see how this goes :mob:

I’m working on an Australian 1970 VF Valiant Coupe, essentially the same as a Dart but slightly long nose. It didn’t come with an engine or transmission and I don’t care too much for originality. I would however quite like to keep it Mopar. I looked at Slant 6s, Hemi 6s and 318s but pretty much anything I could find was going to need a rebuild or cost a lot of money or both and I would still be dealing with an old carburetted engine.

Then I started reading about the Jeep 4.0 H/O engine...
-190hp stock
-They handle boost well and have great power potential
-EFI
-They use a modern overdrive transmission
-Can be stroked to 4.7L
-A complete running Jeep can be had for around $500NZD

Has this swap been done into an A-Body before? I’ve seen a couple of swaps into ramblers and AMCs. What are peoples opinions on this engine swap?
 
There was a guy that did a 3.9 v6 swap in a dart on here. Anything can be done be prepared to do alot of fabrication lol. IIRC a 4.0 is an inline 6 correct? Check the length it may not be much different than a slant 6 other than it being upright. You will have to fab some engine mounts I'm sure that's not something you will be able to buy.
I like the idea sounds like a cool build!
 
If my "Old Guy" memory serves me correctly, someone on here a few years ago was going to try it, but abandoned the idea because the engine was too tall to fit cleanly under the hood. Slants fit because they're... slanted. I *think* the hemi 6s fit because of a reasonably short deck height. Not saying it can't be done, just keep in mind that the (AMC) six is TALL. And you'll need to figure out or build a center-sump oil pan or modify your steering. Finding that Jeep overdrive trans in a 2wd configuration could be a challenge, plus if you do, it'll require the usual t-bar crossmember and trans tunnel mods.
 
Yes I’ve heard there are possible height issues although I’ve also read they’re the same height as the Hemi 6 so I guess I’ll just have to get my tape measure out.
From what I was reading there might be a centre sump from an AMC that will fit, again more research is needed.
The transmission is the same as the one used in a lot of Toyota’s and Lexus’ just with a different bell housing. Can you tell me more about the T-bar crossmember?
 
Professor Fate said:
If my "Old Guy" memory serves me correctly, someone on here a few years ago was going to try it, but abandoned the idea because the engine was too tall to fit cleanly under the hood. Slants fit because they're... slanted. I *think* the hemi 6s fit because of a reasonably short deck height. Not saying it can't be done, just keep in mind that the (AMC) six is TALL. And you'll need to figure out or build a center-sump oil pan or modify your steering. Finding that Jeep overdrive trans in a 2wd configuration could be a challenge, plus if you do, it'll require the usual t-bar crossmember and trans tunnel mods.
Click to expand...
Big *** hood scoop problem solved!! Haha
 
Dion said:
Yes I’ve heard there are possible height issues although I’ve also read they’re the same height as the Hemi 6 so I guess I’ll just have to get my tape measure out.
From what I was reading there might be a centre sump from an AMC that will fit, again more research is needed.
The transmission is the same as the one used in a lot of Toyota’s and Lexus’ just with a different bell housing. Can you tell me more about the T-bar crossmember?
Click to expand...
If they're the same height as the hemi 6 you've got it made in that regard. No hemi 6s here in Wisconsin that I can compare to for ya.
The transmission (around here, anyway) is the Borg Warner AW4 and/or versions of the Chrysler A904/A500 depending on year and t-case... no idea about the Toyota/Lexus setup you're referring to, could be Oz only or such, can't help you there.
Lots of threads on here about the crossmember mods needed for the Chrysler-based overdrive trannies- if using something else, you're back to your tape measure and a best guess! Good luck!
 
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Professor Fate said:
If they're the same height as the hemi 6 you've got it made in that regard. Mo hemi 6s here in Wisconsin that I can compare to for ya.
The transmission (around here, anyway) is the Borg Warner AW4 and/or versions of the Chrysler A904/A500 depending on year and t-case... no idea about the Toyota/Lexus setup you're referring to, could be Oz only or such, can't help you there.
Lots of threads on here about the crossmember mods needed for the Chrysler-based overdrive trannies- if using something else, you're back to your tape measure and a best guess! Good luck!
Click to expand...

I still want to see a ''hemi 6'' head, I dont believe in them !-------anyone ??
 
famous bob said:
I still want to see a ''hemi 6'' head, I dont believe in them !-------anyone ??
Click to expand...

You'll be disappointed at the lack of hemispherical combustion chambers.

Dion, is a 5.2 or 5.9 Magnum engine available in NZ? They came in mid 90's to I think 2002 or 3 trucks, vans, Durnago and Jeep Cherokee. None of the "modern" mopar systems are that great performance modification wise until the Gen III Hemi (another Option.....?)
 
I have one of those I6 in a 2000 Cherokee. It's a peppy lil engine as is. I've had it since it was practically new and its still going strong with over 200,000. The trans is going strong too. It is pretty tall though like others mentioned.
The transfer case is what determines the 2wd or 4wd? So I'm confused about the earlier comment on finding a 2wd trans?
Personally I think if you're gonna stroke it, you might as well just go with a V8. Find a Dodge Ram 5.9L/360 or something.
Just my $0.02
Good luck!
 
66 Valiant wagon said:
I have one of those I6 in a 2000 Cherokee. It's a peppy lil engine as is. I've had it since it was practically new and its still going strong with over 200,000. The trans is going strong too. It is pretty tall though like others mentioned.
The transfer case is what determines the 2wd or 4wd? So I'm confused about the earlier comment on finding a 2wd trans?
Personally I think if you're gonna stroke it, you might as well just go with a V8. Find a Dodge Ram 5.9L/360 or something.
Just my $0.02
Good luck!
Click to expand...
The transfer case on Jeeps is not a divorced unit- it bolts to the transmission case in place of the tailshaft and housing. Relatively few Jeeps (U.S., anyways) were built in 2wd configuration, so finding a slip yoke tailshaft/housing/entire transmission would be an adventure.
Agree with the 5.2/5.9 magnums, but don't know how readily available they are in NZ.
 
famous bob said:
I still want to see a ''hemi 6'' head, I dont believe in them !-------anyone ??
Click to expand...
220px-Jaguar_6_hemi_chambers.jpg
 
Professor Fate said:
The transfer case on Jeeps is not a divorced unit- it bolts to the transmission case in place of the tailshaft and housing. Relatively few Jeeps (U.S., anyways) were built in 2wd configuration, so finding a slip yoke tailshaft/housing/entire transmission would be an adventure.
Agree with the 5.2/5.9 magnums, but don't know how readily available they are in NZ.
Click to expand...
Ahhh. Thanks for explaining. I've always wondered what the term divorced transfer case meant.
 
Since Mopar converters and flex plates already exist for the Jeep / AMC engine, it would be interesting to see how hard it would be to fab an adapter to a native Mopar transmission. Who knows? If you go to enough trouble (and luck) you could adapt a 2wd tail/ OD unit to a 4x4 main case. Even in the US, tho, 2wd OD transmissions are not very plentiful
 
I just love it when people disagree with you then never explain what they disagree with?? Like what the heck?
 
Thanks for all the responses guys. No, the magnum engines aren’t available here unless I import one. LS engines are but they’re still around $5000. Jeep 4.7 V8s are cheap but from what I’ve read they’re not a great option.
The AW4 transmission is an Aisin Warner trans, Toyota uses it behind their diesels, V8s and in their twin turbo Supras but they call it an A340. I’ve actually got one of the Toyota ones in my shed from a Lexus LS400. They’re a great transmission and pretty strong too.
 
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