This frame off restored 1986 Jeep CJ7 is totally bad to the bone. The restoration included a drivetrain conversion from the original 6-cylinder to a Chevy 350 HO crate engine that came brand new from GM. The truck rides on a 4.5 lift with a suspension by Rubicon express, has completely rebuilt axles and differentials, and a 5-speed transmission.
The CJ7 is equipped with the GM crate 350 engine which makes 330 HP @ 5000 RPM and 380 ft. lbs @ 3800 RPM. The little Jeep pulls like a freight train with this brand new engine. The block used by GM is a 4-bolt main and the 9.1:1 compression ratio works perfectly with pump gas. The engine has electronic ignition in lieu of the old points type systems and is extremely reliable for daily driving or weekend cruising. The transmission is now a AX-15, one of the only Jeep transmissions strong enough to handle the higher HP V8. The Jeep has a brand new hydraulic clutch setup and a new flywheel and bellhousing. The transmission came brand new as part of the Novak Conversions kit. Also brand new at the time of the restoration was a new aluminum, high efficiency, cross flow radiator with electric fan temp sensor that goes on at 185 degrees and off at 165 degrees. The headers are now ceramic finished 1 5/8" tubes with a 3" collector that feed to a complete custom built exhaust system with Magnaflow mufflers. New gearing was installed in both the front and rear axles and the Jeep drives great on both the side streets and on the highway with the overdrive transmission.
350 HO Technical Information
| Horsepower | 330 @ 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Ft. Lbs. @ 3800 |
| Max. Recommended RPM | 5500 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 |
| Block | 10105123 Cast iron four bolt with one piece rear main seal |
| Flexplate | 14088765 12.75in 153 teeth |
| Crankshaft | 14088527 Nodular cast iron |
| Connecting Rods | 10108688 PM steel |
| Pistons | 12361371 Cast aluminum |
| Piston Rings | 14089025 |
| Camshaft | 24502476 |
| Lift | .435" I, .460" E.Duration @ .050: 212o I, 222o E. |
| Timing Chain | 14087014 |
| Cylinder Heads | 12558060 Cast Iron 64cc Vorteccombustion chambers |
| Intake Valves | 10241743 1.94" |
| Exhaust Valves | 12550901 1.50" |
| Valve Springs | 10212811 |
| Rocker Arms | 10089648 1.5 ratio |
| Valve Lash | Zero |
| Spark Plugs | R44TS Gap @ .045 (300 HP 350)41-932 Gap @ .060 (330 HP 350)R44LTS |
| Gap | @ .045 (330 HP 350)Rapid Fire #8 @ .035 |
| Ignition Timing | 10 BTDC @ 700 RPM |
The suspension on the Jeep is a Rubicon Express Extreme-Duty kit with the upgraded Bilstein shocks. The suspension has a 4.5" lift, greasable shackles, stainless brakelines, sway bar disconnects and 2.5" wide Extreme Duty leaf springs. The tires are 33" mounted on 17" chrome wheels. The best thing about the suspension is that it is very smooth riding on the streets, unlike some lifted Jeeps that ride like a buck board. Given the increased power, the Jeep is also fitted with a custom traction bar that cuts down on axle wrap and adds a lot more stability to the rear axle.
The interior of the Jeep has Smittybilt bucket seats with 3 point harness seat belts. The gauges are updated with Equis units and a modernized speedometer. Powering the electrical system is an Optima battery housed under the hood. The stereo is a Pioneer unit with two under dash speakers and subwoofer that is mounted behind the front seats. Behind the sub is a Tuffy Security box in which you can keep valuables, and between the front two seats is a locking center console.
The exterior of the truck has a two-stage Orange Metallic paint job with fender flares, a chrome brush guard, custom rear bumper with tow hooks and chrome door hinges. The frame of the Jeep has been finished in gloss black, and the floor boards have a gloss black bedliner for durability.
If you are looking for a Jeep with tons of performance, looks and character in one package, this Jeep is for you!
