On December 3, 2024, our oldest son Ed started up the 1955 CJ-5 for the first time. Two decades have passed since my Jeep® CJ Rebuilder’s Manual: 1946-71 (Bentley Publishers) was released, and readers have followed this vintage Jeep project with its unique powertrain. The CJ-5 is now ready for the road—or trails!
Ed completed the powertrain installation described in the book, using the Buick 231 Even-Fire V6 that I built in the early 2000s and placed in storage. The engine mates to an NV3550 transmission with Advance Adapters components. Ed and friend Rick paid close attention to details and enhanced the engine bay with accessories. Engine peripherals are optimal for performance and reliability.
In this video, we see the engine fire for the first time. The modern engine, transmission, pedal system, cooling and a Warn/Saturn overdrive make this 4×4 one-of-a-kind. It’s a first year model CJ-5 ready for the highway and any 4×4 trail that won’t devalue its worth!
This unique conversion is possible with Advance Adapters components. The engine sets forward due to the length of the NV3550 transmission. Wheelbase length (81-inches) demands placement of the transfer case at the stock CJ-5 location. For further details on the Advance Adapters products, visit the website at:
