2.3L ('83-'97) 2.3l Swap Into a Willys Radiator Size

[dasophoto]

So I'm swapping a 2.3l into a 1951 Willys CJ3a, and if you've ever seen under the hood of one you know that space is a major issue. I'm wondering what the minimum size radiator core I could run and still keep the engine cool is. I found a radiator for a honda civic that is 13.58x13.58 but I'm not sure if that has enough to keep the engine cool. Here's a link to the radiator if that helps, here. If anyone has seen this swap done before and have radiator ideas I would really appreciate it.

 

[RonD]

I assume thats a single core, and it should be fine if using an E-fan, not mechanical fan

The 2.3l Lima does not generate alot of heat, people up north need to put card board in front of the radiator in the winter to keep the heater in the cab working, lol

E-fans are better for off-road as well, better cooling at low engine RPMs, and you can shut them off if you do a water crossing so you don't SOAK the engine bay with water spray

Just looked at the link.....................yes, that will be more than fine

 

[dasophoto]

I assume thats a single core, and it should be fine if using an E-fan, not mechanical fan

The 2.3l Lima does not generate alot of heat, people up north need to put card board in front of the radiator in the winter to keep the heater in the cab working, lol

E-fans are better for off-road as well, better cooling at low engine RPMs, and you can shut them off if you do a water crossing so you don't SOAK the engine bay with water spray

Just looked at the link.....................yes, that will be more than fine

Man thank you! I have been wracking my brain looking for information and asking other guys that didn't have any experience with the 2.3l. Thats a huge help, I really appreciate it!

 

[tomw]

There is a youtube video about doing the 2.3>Jeep conversion. I think there is a turbo involved. It might document an appropriate radiator to spec.
tom

 

[golley]

I had a 3b running with a small buick v6 in it years ago on the Willys radiator...ain't recommending it, but it worked. I believe the 3a came with the 4 cyl L head, the 3b with same in a F head...but the 3b "high hood" does have a bit more room under the hood.

If you haven't found it yet, search for "the cj3b page". There's 3a links there too. Derek's 3b site's been up over 20 years by now; 10s of thousands of posts, no tellin' how many links, all kinds of engine swaps, etc.

 

[golley]

Hey. btw, how's the floor in your tub? Was the floor rotted out? Those geniuses at Willys used to put wood in the body hat channel supports.