Hypothetical Engine Swap Question

T_Hase89

TJ Enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2019
Messages
504
Location
Southern Illinois
So I’m letting my mind wander a bit as the 4.0 in my Jeep is at 205k miles and I have a 60k mile 302 sitting in my garage just teasing me every time I go in. If the 4.0 died, I’d probably swap it in. Would you go with a 700R4 or the 4L60 behind it? Currently a manual but I like autos better for trails and want OD.

Jeep is a 04 TJR with a 5 speed.
 
In case you don’t find it

Ford 302 (5.0L) Horsepower & Torque
Model Years Horsepower Torque
1969 - 1971 210 hp @ 4,400 rpm 295 lb-ft @ 2,600 rpm
1972 - 1980 135 hp 243 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
1981 - 1984 135 hp @ 3,400 rpm 243 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
1985 - 1993 185 hp @ 3,800 rpm 270 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm
 
302 ford with a GM transmission? Not likely.. the C4 automatic would work nicely. It can withstand up to 450 horsepower built but I don't think it would have OD. The AOD 4R70W would offer you over Drive but I'm not sure how well it would do on the trails for low-end torque.
 
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Nice setup. In respect with whatever set up you decide to go with, you will also have to consider the wiring harness and PCM to go along with it.
 
Amazing what those emissions can do to an engine. And get worse mpg too. A decent cam and bolt on injection should easily beat those numbers by 100 hp. Ford heads breathe like a 70 year old smoker. Better air movement can really wake them up. Just be sure to build for low end torque. Most cams reach for higher rpms. Go with a Ford trans.
 
I wheeled with a guy once that had a 302/C4 in his Bronco II. On steep inclines, the C4 would starve for fluid.
He solved his issue by putting a NP-435 behind it.