I have an 87 Jeep Wrangler, currently has a 4 cylinder 5 speed, worthless... My next project is to put some life into this Jeep.

So I need some info on the Chevy 4.3l. They make bellhousing adapters for the AX-15 trans and transfercase so I can keep the stick-shift and 4-wheel drive, but I was thinking 4.3l because it's supposed to have the same bellhousing as a SBC, lighter, shorter and I have a MP90 supercharger that I need to do something with. And no, I don't really want to go V8 on this app, I have a SBC in the corner, I'll save that for something heavier.

So I'm hoping to use a 4.3l with a distributor, haven't decided on stand alone DFI or carb yet, but I don't want to deal with electronic ignitions, I prefer carbs since I can tune them Probably multi-port FI though so I can intercool without issues.

I was planning to get a JY motor, drop it at the machine shop, forged pistons, good rods and good crank. Goal is 400hp, 320 on the wheels.

#1 is the 4.3l capable of holding 400hp without spending 2k on a crank and rods?
#2 who is making the aftermarket cranks and rods for these motors?

Just weighing my options on this project, SC is no problem, I own a machine shop and have a M112 on a 01 Mustang GT (like to believe I was the first, did in Sept 07)

Thanks,
MC

 

It has the 3.8L which makes 140HP and 240lbft so its a torquey motor. There is alot of stuff you can do to free up power and 160HP and 250 lbft is not unattainable cheaply. I need a freer flowing exhaust and to delete my air silencer mostly...

I am alot happier with a slow car that handles great than a fast car with handling that sucks.

My car isnt really slow even. I have an 85MPH speedometer, 0 on the left, 85 on the right. I have had it pointing straight down before and still climbing. Scary **** coming from a 6cyl...

 

I've heard of 4.3L holding 300 hp... anymore I'd start worrying about internals...

 

yeah 400hp on a 4.3 sounds like your gonna do more damage than anything, plus there isnt 1 machine shop that will guarantee you that your going to get some much horsepower. They can send the motor out and have it dino'd but thats it. So I would only guess with what you want to do with this motor you might be fine but I wouldnt go over board with the build.
By the way what are you doing with the Jeep?? mudd boggs or ??

 

this might help, in particular #11
http://www.wynjammer.com/ALM1115/GM_...manceMods.html