I've got a 2000 TJ with a gas guzzling 2.5L that suffers from a lack of power. I also have a 1968 Chevy 350 paired with a TH350 trans. How much lift required suspension/body? Can the TH350 mate with the TJ transfer case? The stock differentials need replacing too.
1968 327 engine swap into 2000 Wrangler TJ
- Thread starter Mika
- Start date
The TH350 is not going to mate with the TJ transfer case without some sort of an adapter (if that even exists).
You shouldn't need any lift at all unless this engine weighs more than the 4.0. What does it weigh?
Stock differentials will be fine unless you don't know how to drive.
You shouldn't need any lift at all unless this engine weighs more than the 4.0. What does it weigh?
Stock differentials will be fine unless you don't know how to drive.
Current engine is the stock 2.5L so I would think the springs will need replacing as the is a weight differential between the two engines 190 lbs. The 2.5 weighs 240 lbs and the 327 weighs 530 lbs.
This was just talked about in another thread.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/help-with-327-sbc-swap.49546/
IMO it's silly and not worth the trouble to swap an older engine into your rig. And going from fuel injection to a carburetor doesn't make sense either. But it isn't my rig so do as you wish.
As I pointed out in the other thread it is illegal to swap an older engine into a newer vehicle by federal EPA laws.
Doesn't matter if you have emissions testing where you live or not.
https://tinyurl.com/n8cdjeh7
This thread is about swapping a Dodge magnum into your TJ but there are people who talk about doing the V-8 swap with no lift so it might answer some of your questions about that.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/help-with-327-sbc-swap.49546/
IMO it's silly and not worth the trouble to swap an older engine into your rig. And going from fuel injection to a carburetor doesn't make sense either. But it isn't my rig so do as you wish.
As I pointed out in the other thread it is illegal to swap an older engine into a newer vehicle by federal EPA laws.
Doesn't matter if you have emissions testing where you live or not.
https://tinyurl.com/n8cdjeh7
This thread is about swapping a Dodge magnum into your TJ but there are people who talk about doing the V-8 swap with no lift so it might answer some of your questions about that.
Last edited:
Rubicon88
TJ Addict
You'll need to adapt your tranny to the Jeep np231.
Axles are fine....unless you're putting in 500 hp and or running 37"(+) tires while trying to set the fastest time across the Rubicon ever recorded.
You don't need a lift..
The SBC is right at negligible difference between it and the 4.0
Matter of fact if you take a 454 BB and put on headers/ aluminum intake it's approximately only 75-100 pounds heavier than the 4.0
Think about that.
The concern....
Why would you want to go back to a carburetor?
Carbs suck...I mean absolutely suck....off road. They're shitty enough on the street but off road even more so. Fuck that!! Hills, rocks small and large, off camber, etc...all make a carburetor exceptionally aggravating!!!!!
Now if you just want to buzz around town with more power occasionally seeing a speed bump as the extent of your 4 wheeling ok...
but.....
That's completely blasphemous to the beloved Jeep name and REAL Jeep platform.
Wheel the damn thing but mark my words if/when you do you'll hate that carburetor.
One other concern....we've done many swaps over the years and it's nice having freedom. What I mean is freedom of engine placement. The older SBC have that big ignorant object right there in the back to get in the way of the firewall/tunnel beginning. Better known to you as a distributor.
Back in the day we did more SBF's in Jeeps because you always wind up changing the tranny as well. (Jeep used one really strong tranny in all it's day and odds were never good the patient had the T18.)
Ford SB had the distributor out front and we could strategically place everything in perfect locale for the new engine/tranny and have none to very minimal driveline issues and exhaust issues.
Food for thought...
Keep your Turbo Hydramatic 350 and list your 1968 327....
Someone probably not far from you wants/needs a 327 from that era for a restoration project.
You could get enough money to get a distributorless EFI Chevy and you'd be much happier!!!
I'm not an LS guy and don't beat a LS or death drum but if Chevy is your thing the LS would be light years better than using that 1968 327.
Good luck!!!
Axles are fine....unless you're putting in 500 hp and or running 37"(+) tires while trying to set the fastest time across the Rubicon ever recorded.
You don't need a lift..
The SBC is right at negligible difference between it and the 4.0
Matter of fact if you take a 454 BB and put on headers/ aluminum intake it's approximately only 75-100 pounds heavier than the 4.0
Think about that.
The concern....
Why would you want to go back to a carburetor?
Carbs suck...I mean absolutely suck....off road. They're shitty enough on the street but off road even more so. Fuck that!! Hills, rocks small and large, off camber, etc...all make a carburetor exceptionally aggravating!!!!!
Now if you just want to buzz around town with more power occasionally seeing a speed bump as the extent of your 4 wheeling ok...
but.....
That's completely blasphemous to the beloved Jeep name and REAL Jeep platform.
Wheel the damn thing but mark my words if/when you do you'll hate that carburetor.
One other concern....we've done many swaps over the years and it's nice having freedom. What I mean is freedom of engine placement. The older SBC have that big ignorant object right there in the back to get in the way of the firewall/tunnel beginning. Better known to you as a distributor.
Back in the day we did more SBF's in Jeeps because you always wind up changing the tranny as well. (Jeep used one really strong tranny in all it's day and odds were never good the patient had the T18.)
Ford SB had the distributor out front and we could strategically place everything in perfect locale for the new engine/tranny and have none to very minimal driveline issues and exhaust issues.
Food for thought...
Keep your Turbo Hydramatic 350 and list your 1968 327....
Someone probably not far from you wants/needs a 327 from that era for a restoration project.
You could get enough money to get a distributorless EFI Chevy and you'd be much happier!!!
I'm not an LS guy and don't beat a LS or death drum but if Chevy is your thing the LS would be light years better than using that 1968 327.
Good luck!!!