1986 cj7 motor and transmission swap

I wanna put a 355small block chevy with a muncie 4speed transmission I have them both but the motor is an on going project but I'm looking for some one that has don't this kind of project before and would like to share how easy or hard this is going to be and am I jumping into something I'm going to regret since I'm only 16 rn but it's not the first small block I've played with but I need someone to also tell me what I need to convert everything to a small block chevy I know some of the cj5 had the 304 or the 305 small block can't remember if it was the 304 or the 305 and will the 355 fit in my jeep as it sits or will I have to modify the fender wells for the headers and fire wall to make it fit in there too this is Mt first time trying to put a small block chevy in a jeep I've heard of people that have done it but I don't know if they made anything to work

 

What engine is currently in the jeep? The SB engine should fit in the space but you will have to consider all of the additional expenses/ work that will be involved. New motor mounts will need to be fabricated and positioned so that the rear distributor on the SB will not hit the firewall. Exhaust headers and pipe to exit will need to be purchased/ fabricated. Floor modification may be needed. What transfer case will you be installing? A crossmember will need to be modified or fabricated to mount the transmission. New driveshafts and probably a new radiator. I’m sure there are plenty of other items on the list. The last one of these I helped with was in 2002 and on the first test run out of the garage he smoked the 1 amc 20 2 pc axle and had to install solid axles. All things to consider when creating a budget for a project. Best advice I can give is if it is running in its current state enjoy it the way it is before tying it up in a several year long engine swap.

 

It still has the original 1986 4.2 inline 6 in it and I kinda have everything but headers priced out and one that was on a mucue 4 speed without the low I'm not sure exactly what kind of transfer case it has on it

 

If you are using the complete Chevy drivetrain: For the T case you may only need to clearance the floor for the case and cut/fab/weld a crossmember. Still will need both new driveshafts.

If you are planing to adapt your 1986 Dana 300, which is a really good case, you will need an adapter/shaft to connect to the Chevy transmission. I will send another word of caution as you said you were 16. This swap could cost several thousands of dollars and I hate to say it but will actually devalue the jeep if it is in good condition. Then again if I was your age now I would already have an LS, full width 60s and it would have been on its lid more than once.

 

See that's what's everyone wants to do they all Wana ls swap my dad even wants to put the ls1 from an 90 something chevy in my mom's wrangler but I'm all about them small blocks i love the the way they leave the original look bc my 355 is a 76 so it's a little older then my jeep but I know what I'm doing when I get playing with the small block and everything

 

What is the intended use of this jeep in the future?

 

I wanted to leave it all original but 4.2 won't run right when it gets hot it startes chattering and won't go over 45 mph so I'm going to drop the small block in there so I can ride it around and have a nice time it's gonna me a daily but also something if I get a bright idea and I wanna go mudding or go play in it I can also do that bc the trans I'm putting in with it