I take special interest in the NV3550, as I just rebuilt its Chevy cousin. The wearing parts are the same, depending on the year.
CK5
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2001 Jeep Cherokee, no longer cheapbeater
- Thread starter 78K30
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I take special interest in the NV3550, as I just rebuilt its Chevy cousin. The wearing parts are the same, depending on the year.
I did not realize that a GM metric bell housing swaps onto the Dodge NV3550. But I'll keep that in mind as I plan out my next project. 
Got started on the lift install. For being a Minnesota/northern Iowa rig it’s whole life I got lucky. None of the spring eye or shackle bolts were stuck in the bushings and came out with my 24” ratchet. Just got the springs installed for the evening, gotta modify the plates for the larger center pin before installing the u-bolts. Just wanted to get it off jack stands since I’ll likely be gone for work tomorrow night. Anyways to the pictures
The old 2.5 4banger actually runs the GM V6 pattern which is how that works. There’s a couple cherokees out there with supercharged 3800’s which sounds like way too much fun.
I did not realize that a GM metric bell housing swaps onto the Dodge NV3550. But I'll keep that in mind as I plan out my next project.
Yep. I knew all of those things, but I hadn't put the pieces together.
I'm toying with the idea of running a 3500 or 3800 in a RWD application. 'Twould be interesting...
Yep. I knew all of those things, but I hadn't put the pieces together.
I'm toying with the idea of running a 3500 or 3800 in a RWD application. 'Twould be interesting...
Luckily you can use Camaro parts to do it with, I’m hoping if I go to do it to find a wrecked 3800 Camaro
What I actually want doesn't seem to be out there. But 3800s and 3500s are dirt cheap. As are V8s of many types.
Sigh.
beags86
Eastbound and Down
What I actually want doesn't seem to be out there. But 3800s and 3500s are dirt cheap. As are V8s of many types.
Sigh.
Why would you waste your time with a 3500?
James- on the 3800 stuff-
The hotter tickets is a non supercharged block with a supercharged top end. Alitte more compression, power on the cheap.
The 4.0's are good for that. When I bought the reman for wifey's Cherokee, there was a pamphlet included going over the whole clean your intake really well, these engine's are known for sharing parts between cylinders upon failure...
Because normal people don't. That's reason enough right there.
I'd prefer something more oddball than a 3500 swap. I just haven't found a candidate that's both good and feasible. Yet.
That’s good to know Brian! I’ve never actually looked into that stuff much. Regular 3800’s are super easy to find which helps!
Ethan I’d skip the 3500, the 4200 is a much more common and powerful swap
I’m hoping i don’t have to find out with this one. I’ve gotta be careful to keep it cool and not crack the 0331 head
I can get N/A 3800's super cheap.
beags86
Eastbound and Down
If you actually ever go that route. Drop me a text or a pm. Since I made the decision to put the 3800 Supercharged in the Studebaker Lark I have become fairly knowledgeable about sc 3800 stuff. Even though I didn't want to.
beags86
Eastbound and Down
How cheap?
beags86
Eastbound and Down
4200? As in the atlas?
Is anybody doing anything with those due to the bellhousing pattern?
Like $400 with 100k ish miles.
If you actually ever go that route. Drop me a text or a pm. Since I made the decision to put the 3800 Supercharged in the Studebaker Lark I have become fairly knowledgeable about sc 3800 stuff. Even though I didn't want to.
I’ll definitely keep that in mind! 4.0’s are ok in the Jeeps but I do prefer GM powerplants
The trans they put behind them shares a common bellhousing bolt pattern with the NV3550/AX15’s so there are a couple out there in Jeeps and Toyota’s. I did some research and guys were putting turbos on them in classic cars
Yeah. Around here $400 sometimes gets you an engine and tranny both. 3800s are even less desirable than 6.2 diesels...
https://greenbay.craigslist.org/pts/d/gm-3800-engine-transmission/6675502608.html
Seriously, though. What's wrong with a 3500 swap?
Remember, drag racing is not my ultimate goal...
Remember, drag racing is not my ultimate goal...
