Hi everyone thanks for letting me be apart of the forum I have bought a adapter kit and bolted up a 350 chev vortec stock standard carby model to my 32rh in my 1999 tj I did do research on the 32rh and read a lot of good stuff about this transmission but I have also read some articles that they will not handle a 350 v8 so I’m in the process of doing the wiring and in the back of my mind I’m starting to second guess myself everything I need has to come from the USA in regards to the transmission I’m in Australia and finding someone to talk to about it is just a waste of time any help or advice would be appreciated I didn’t want a turbo 350 because if you can find one here they want an arm and a leg for them once again thanks from Australia
Will a 32RH handle a 350 Chevy engine?
- Thread starter Riley001
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Welcome to the forum! One of these guys on here will answer your question. Of course without some pics of your Jeep and your progress we’ll snub you. 
Welcome to the forum! One of these guys on here will answer your question. Of course without some pics of your Jeep and your progress we’ll snub you.
A bit odd but no worries mate it’s all good
I’m and old bloke so it took me a bit to figure out how to put up some pictures but here you go mate
I don't have direct experience with this combo, but I do with them separately. It would depend on the condition of both. Assuming they are both in good working order I would answer will it work? Yes. How reliable it is depends on your driving style. I would recommend a decent size trans cooler, don't beat on it and it will most likely be fine. You already have the parts so I would finish the swap. You will have other issues to sort before the trans is an issue.
Are you using the mechanical fuel pump on the block or electric regulated down to the 5 psi a carb will need? Mechanical fuel pumps pull/suck and 99 percent of electric pumps push. If you use an electric pump it has to be below the pick up in the tank or you will loose prime causing erratic running issues and shorten the life of the pump. Placement can be a challenge. If you go in tank there are a whole other set of do's and don'ts.
Stay with the mechanical fan. keeping that motor cool is harder then most think. for reference the the L95 SBC from a early 80s vette was made to run at 220 from the factory for emissions. Designing a cooling system in a TJ that keeps is at 200 with a trans cooler, power steering cooler and ac condenser in 100 degree ambient temps during stop and go traffic is easier said than done.
Are you using the mechanical fuel pump on the block or electric regulated down to the 5 psi a carb will need? Mechanical fuel pumps pull/suck and 99 percent of electric pumps push. If you use an electric pump it has to be below the pick up in the tank or you will loose prime causing erratic running issues and shorten the life of the pump. Placement can be a challenge. If you go in tank there are a whole other set of do's and don'ts.
Stay with the mechanical fan. keeping that motor cool is harder then most think. for reference the the L95 SBC from a early 80s vette was made to run at 220 from the factory for emissions. Designing a cooling system in a TJ that keeps is at 200 with a trans cooler, power steering cooler and ac condenser in 100 degree ambient temps during stop and go traffic is easier said than done.
Thanks for the reply mate I’ve converted it to a 5 psi electric fuel pump I am in the process of looking at trans cooler options I’m not running ac just alt and power steering the prefex number on the engine is 10243880 I’ve tried to research the year model of the engine to check hp rating but have had no luck I tow a camper trailer that weighs 1500 kg this is absolute max weight it’s actually a bit less I don’t do anything extreme like driving over massive rocks and stuff like they do in America the only thing I really have left to do is the wiring which is nothing compared to what I’ve already done I have a large aluminium radiator I’m aware of the position of the breather hole on the transmission so I’ll have to sort that out my family and I absolutely love this tj the 4ltr developed a catastrophic failure with some of the pistons and I had this 350 sitting in my shed ready to replace the six cylinder but after I put it in I read a post that the 32rh was garage and wouldn’t handle the 350 I remember as a young bloke they were behind 360 Chrysler v8 engines I had one and it never had an issue so after reading some posts I started second guessing myself weather the 32rh will be ok cheers Dennis and thanks again for your reply
Only issue I see is that you are wanting to tow 1000 lbs more than it was designed from the factory. 2001 for reference. If you smoke the tranny this would be
reason. You plan to tow 3,300 lbs with a 3,300 lbs vehicle that has 93.5" wheel base. I'm not saying it cant be done, we do some redneck shit in my area but its not advisable with anyone in the cab you care about. If this is your intended use I would suggest a different vehicle.
reason. You plan to tow 3,300 lbs with a 3,300 lbs vehicle that has 93.5" wheel base. I'm not saying it cant be done, we do some redneck shit in my area but its not advisable with anyone in the cab you care about. If this is your intended use I would suggest a different vehicle.
Thanks for the reply mate what you’re saying is correct here in Australia we can get the towing capacity upgraded but it has to have certain requirements then inspected by an engineer after you jump threw all the hoops which is fair enough they sign off on it then put a modification plate on the vehicle the maximum they will allow is 1500kg draw bar length of the trailer also comes into it as well and the placement of the axle on the trailer cheers
I've towed a 16' RV with my 97 TJ. It just took three trips (it was illegally dumped in the woods... someone pushed the superstructure off the frame and took the frame and axles.)
Looks like a fun swap and I fully approve the sketchy floor jack and stacks of dimensional lumber...looks like exactly what I would do.
-Mac
Looks like a fun swap and I fully approve the sketchy floor jack and stacks of dimensional lumber...looks like exactly what I would do.
-Mac
I'd be worried about it but here is what I found.
If it can handle up to 300 ft-lbs of torque then with a stock motor I'd say it stands a chance. I'm not a huge fan of going backwards in engine management, IE going from fuel injection to carburetor. Depending on where you use your Jeep it shouldn't be an issue but it's still a step backwards to me.
I would start looking for a newer O/D transmission that would fit in your Jeep for when the 32RH fails.
If it can handle up to 300 ft-lbs of torque then with a stock motor I'd say it stands a chance. I'm not a huge fan of going backwards in engine management, IE going from fuel injection to carburetor. Depending on where you use your Jeep it shouldn't be an issue but it's still a step backwards to me.
I would start looking for a newer O/D transmission that would fit in your Jeep for when the 32RH fails.
Yeah I'd throw a Holley Sniper at it...but get it running before you complicate things.
That or a fuel injection intake.
-Mac
I'm going to say that how well that transmission handles the 350 will be largely dependent on how you drive it.
You're just a youngster who doesn't understand or know... It's like trying to explain points & condenser to you....
I agree but as you said I'd get it all working and running properly first.
That's like the guys who did the Magnum V-8 swap into a TJ with a Dana 35 rear axle. Yep it'll work the only question is how long & that was dependent on the use of the right foot. Knew a few guys who got them to last over a year.
KennethS
TJ Addict
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