mine too. ........ for now.

 

best engine/vehicle for rock crawling: SB chevy in a Jeep.

 

if i was to build a jeep for serious off roading, not just rock crawling but every thing. i would put in a 347 stroker. more torque, easier to work on than a little chevy. plus it's a better motor to start with .

 

Jeeps are kind of off-topic, but I'm probably the site's worst for off-topic posts, so I'll bite. I disagree, I think that the 360 in my friend's 74 CJ5 is the best engine it could have. I am going to attempt to prove this theory wrong, though, as soon as I install a transmission into my 74 CJ5, because it has a 351w, and I think that's going to be the best rock crawling engine. That 360 Jeep motor was taken from a later model Wagoneer (1981 or something, I dunno what year exactly), but it's got more than 5,000 big ones in mods on it and it SERIOUSLY makes some power. We had to chain it from the manifold to the frame so it wouldn't jump right out of the Jeep when you crack the 4 barrel open, something that has only been done three times in the last four years, because in a CJ5, it gets a little scary at speeds over 100 mph, but then again, it's a rock crawler, not a highway vehicle.

 

For a serious off road truck I would go with the V10. This truck would be built just for offroad use though, it would not be street legal, therefore I would have to tow it to the trails with my 6.0 litre. Then again I should stop dreaming.

 

Hmmmmmmm.... wonder if a V10 could be crammed in a Jeep? I've seen a chevy 454 in a wrangler... The v10 doesn't look that much wider either....

 

I have often ponder what a V10 in a mid 90's F250 would be like, hmmmm maybe one day.

 

Both my 460's and my V10 have been killer off road. Most of what I do is in the sand at the Oceano dunes in California.

 

I'd like to see a 460 in an F250 SD with today's technology applied.

As to the jeep thing, I'd like to see an AMC/Jeep 401 installed in a cj7. I used to have a 78 cj7 with a 304 and that thing could seriously haul butt. I could only imagine whata 401 would do. I thought of swapping in an early 70's 429at one point, but thet idea was deemed too costly.

 

I have seen 460s in Jeeps. The biggest problem with that is that if you have a big block in the front of a Jeep, it gets really front heavy, and it kills a lot of it's capabilities. I don't have experience with any Jeeps other than the CJ5, though, so I can't say this is true for all Jeeps.

 

Hey, I just happen to have a '86ish 3306 Cat turbo diesel with ~1500 hrs on it... you guys think that will make a good off-road motor???

 

401 in a CJ7 is scary fun...one of the guys I wheel with has one and he loves it...

 

I would have to go with the GM 350. Rock solid design, been around for years. Lottsa aftermarket parts. Every mechanic is the world is familiar with them! I had one in my old 83 3/ ton chevy. 4 speed manual with the granny gear at the low end (L,1,2,3). I used it to access the back side of my property in Maine. Woods and bogs galore. Never got stuck or need a pull. I did yank 2 Toyota's a Dodge and a jeep from the muck, though! The only reason I got rid of it was my family grew to 4 and I could only seat 3. Now I got a 99 F350. V10, Lariat, crewcab, longbed. Real nice comfy truck. But I can't do the backwoods in it!

 

As usual, my choice will be much different. I was raised in sand and vacationed most of the time in the rocks and we have always had a 4x4 so I have a lot of experience here. The best engine available for a 1 ton 4x4 is the 300 I6. In low range with a 5 speed manual you can crawl straight up and let each tire off of a rock one at a time coming down. The big engines- they make far too much HP for a 4x4. The little six has more than enough torque and light weight to boot. Now if ya just want to throw rocks and sand- the 427 side oiler is a good choice with a 6/71 blower. The Dodge PW, mostly show. I doubt it would stay with my Bronco in either sand or rock.

 

Diesels are not good at finding traction on slick surfaces, too much torque at idel.
High revin motors make the best off road engines if you have the low gearing to keep them running in the meat of their powerband.
At least that's my opion.

You guys can have your cheby powered jeeps. I prefer EBs
when you need to get anywhere nasty!

In a heavy rig I would take the V-10. For serious off road fuel injection is a must.