Jeep Wrangler with a Chevy 350?

Question

i was wondering if you guys belive that it could pass emmisions in the state of AZ, also would the present tranny hold up(tourqeflight 727 or 999 i hear that they are the same), also would the rear axle(dana 35) hold up if i were to use it and not abuse it.. thanks ahead of time for your answers

Answer 1

I can only address the Emissions issue, and that from a California and Federal point of view. I am a California Smog Tech.
As a GENERAL RULE, certification CAN be granted, and a certification label issued to the vehicle if ALL requirements are met. Differing states have differing requirements, but NONE of them can be less stringent, or by-pass FEDERAL EPA regulations.
In California, a re-power is allowed if---
1. Engine cannot be OLDER than the model of the vehicle.
2. Transmission MUST accompany the re-power.
3. ALL required emissions equipment for the engine and vehicle must be present and functional.

SUGGESTION--Make an appointment with your state's regulatory board if necessary, or call them if you can find the correct bureaucrat's phone number and ask what is required in your state. If it is feasible, then "Get it in Writing". this could be a very expensive proposition, both in funds and labor, if you find out later that you have built a vehicle you cannot license for road use.

Answer 2

The generally-accepted rule of thumb dealing with today's engine swaps points to checking out the options packages available from the particular manufacturer for the model in question. What that means is: If the engine/transmission assembly was available as an option from the manufacturer for the model you wish to alter, then the swap is usually not considered "illegal" IF ALL OF THE EPA-MANDATED AND APPROVED SYSTEMS AND DEVICES WHICH ACCOMPANY THAT OPTION FOR THAT MODEL AS INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY ARE INCLUDED WITH THE SWAP, CONNECTED AS DESIGNED, ARE FULLY OPERATIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL, AND ARE EXACT IN EVERY WAY TO THE FACTORY SPECIFICATION THAT WAS APPROVED. If the catalytic converter is not right, you're in violation. If the EGR valve has been eliminated, you're in violation. If the vehicle never had dual exhaust as extends from each manifold as an option with the motor/transmission/emissions system that you contemplate, you can't legally install one that runs that way. If the ECM/ECU/PCM holds a different memcal(chip) than the one for the combination as specified, you're in violation. As far as WHAT WILL WORK, that's a different matter. If no questions are to be asked beyond the testing at the tailpipe, it would be easy enough to have an exhaust gas analyzer hooked to the car and have it tested at a private garage before going to the test. As far as the transmission is concerned, the TH-350, 375, and 400 series would be the best automatics for pairing with the 350. They have been the choice for GM enthusiasts as well as JEEP-modders for years. They're fairly easy to deal with and are reliable. As far as the axles supplied with your Wrangler, they'll hold up as well as you can expect them to hold up otherwise. The swapping out of the powertrain is not related to the abuse an axle may suffer--- the swapping of the driver may be. Hope it helps. jb

Answer 3

my friend and i once put a 350 in an older wrangler. unless you are an a1 mechanic i would just buy a jeep that has been converted already. the rear diff. would hold up fine but i would have 2nd thoughts about the trans. a th350 would be the trans i would use. as for the emissions test they sell fuel additives at most auto parts stores that will help you pass the emissions test.