Hi folks, My name is Paul and I'm new to this site but not new to welding, been at it on and off for the past 36 years. Currently do most of my welding outside or in my barn and make custom offroad protection and chassis modifications for Jeep. Not yoour run of the mill stuff but serious offroad things. I use MIG, TIG, STICK, Plasma and O/A as needed and sometimes just for fun. That's it, hope all goes well for everyone and we continue to learn new things from each other. P

Welcome Paul!

Since you mention it, I recently aquired an 87 Wrangler, YJ. It's WAY underpowered with the 2.5l, worst engine design I think I've ever seen.

They readily sell SBC 350 conversions for the 86 and older that use the stock transmission. It seems that the 87 and newer, people convert them over to the THM350 and use aftermarket trasnfer case that attches to the automatic Chevy tranny.

I REALLY want a small block under the hood, but I'm trying to do this for a reasonable price, (the jeep is older and not exactly a show piece, but a hell of a lot of fun as you know!) is there a way to use a CJ tranny in my YJ? Plus I would rather keep the manual transmission. Motor mounts, brackets and trans crossmembers can be custom made in my shop. Just need to know about the transmission, flywheel, clutch disc and flex plate? Any info is appreciated. Thanks!
MC

But go to www.pirate4x4.com and the search will show you exactly what can/will and works. You could drown in the site but most of these conversions have their own summaries including parts lists and costs. P

Thanks for the link. I registered there and hit up the NEWBIE forums...lol! Asked for a good link or two to threads or websites with info to my specific build. Holy hell is there a lot of info on that website! After about an hour of searching around, I just sucked it up an posted up for help.

Basically trying to keep a manual transmission in an 87 YJ with a SBC power plant. As cheap as possible also, no sense in blowing the budget on a beat up old jeep, but it's so fun to drive! Just needs more power and some noise when I step on the pedal!

Top speed right now, 70mph, feels like your going to start traveling back in time when you hit 62! Oh yea, that's 70mph on level freeways or down-hill... Slight incline and it can't even maintain 70 with the POS 2.5l (worst designed engine I've seen to date)