Jeep 4.0 in 69 Barracuda
I build jeeps more than anything right now- I have 11. I am planning on opening a motorcycle and jeep rental agency in the next year. So this is a very interesting thread for me! I am kinda curious about the trans and EFI issues. I would guess the best bet would be to find an AX -15 two wheel drive trans 5 speed for it, and convert it to carb. No option for a mechanical fuel pump though- my "franken jeep" XJ has this set up. I see you are planning on using the 2whl AW4 and keeping EFI though- are you an electrical kinda guy? I found that to be a nightmare on these things. love to hear how you plan on working around it.
I threw up the AW4 as an option. But not a preferred one as I really want a manual.
Fuel Injection is the easiest part of this project. Grab a Late model YJ (94-95) ECU and Engine harness and build a stand-alone engine harness including the Fuse Block in the engine compartment. The benefit to the YJ harness is its simplicity, and it still uses CJ style gauges. Even the Speed-o which has 2 options, thru the ECU or mechanical. Since I will maintain the Jeep ECU, the timing and alternator will be remain OEM Jeep. For those who don't know, the Jeep 4.0L ignition timing is controlled by the ECU. Drop the Distributor in, lock in place with a small plate which prevents it from turning. Fire up and listen the jeep idle. Not starting, look at the Crank Position Sensor. No Mass Air Flow sensor. Uses a MAP (Manifold Pressure) sensor. I had more trouble considering my exhaust WANTs with a single O2 sensor. But I believe I got my exhaust wants sorted out.
There is another benefit to the YJ fuel management, vacuum operated mechanical fuel return. Not ECU controlled such as late model XJ and I think TJ. In a CJ-5 Project I converted to FI, I used an external fuel pump (I believe chevy) which met the requirements of the Jeeps Fuel Injection pressure. This also means no modifications to the Fuel Tank as well.
My Transmission options are as follows. For right now, I am installing a 2wd PA-5 from a Manual Jeep XJ. That will fit the Barracuda's trans tunnel with no modifications other than a hole for the shifter. And since the transmission mount is more or less in the same spot, any modifications I make to install in the Barracuda will be flexible to the final trans I install. Ideally, I would like to use a AX-15 if 2wd version can be. Of course, I have dodge options as well such as the Dodge NV4500 found it their trucks. And I will be running a internal slave cylinder to minimize space of the trans tunnel needed.
With 3.73 gears in a Limited Slip Ford 8.8, this car should hook and launch with the correct tires.
Thanks,
John