Some requirements I laid for the Jeep:

• Need 4×4 capability
• I would like to fit a family in the vehicle, so I need a backseat
• I would also like some space in the rear so we can go camping
• Not intending to rock crawl but do anticipate on doing light offroading to get to campsites
• Aside from the state that I live in, other states have strict emissions laws. They usually have an exemption period that starts at around ’74-’76, anything older would be exempt
• I was never impressed with the AMC 360CI V8 or its aftermarket options. Engine swap ideas range from standard Chevy LS1 swaps to other things. Some of these states say if you do an engine swap it must…
  • Be of a newer year than the platform
  • If the swap is within a year they perform emission checks (like an LS1 is from the late ’90’s?), then you will be held to those standards… now you need catalytic converters
  • Must retain all OE emissions euipment and it must work – this was the death sentence for the Ford F100, I have no idea where it’s emission system is. It’s the first thing to go on old cars in my state.
  • Early diesels (none common rail injection) however, usually didn’t come with catalytic converters and also only undergo an ‘opacity test’ to ensure you aren’t rolling coal. This seems easy to achieve
  • Many places seem to not apply these rules if you are considered a vintage vehicle, meaning a 1974 Jeep with an LS1 probably won’t be touched because the vintage rule overrides an emissions
• Diesel engines are reliable, provide a fair amount of power, simple operation electronically, and can eat up biofuels. In terms of a swap they are very easy if you can get them to fit. If being a vintage vehicle doesn’t in fact exempt you from any emissions standard for your motor swap, being diesel would be easier to achieve
  • Caution on swapping in diesels. Some states will say swapping a diesel from a larger 1 ton truck into a lower half ton truck is not allowed. There are some workarounds for this but in short, don’t swap the engine into the vehicle when in that state…
• Part supply needs to be robust and within my price range
• Sustainment is key, we do not want diminishing sources forcing us to sell the car because it is too much to maintain. As stated on the Jeep primer page, there are plenty of parts and I feel confident I will be able to sustain the vehicle for a long time
• Parts that are at risk of becoming obsolete will be swapped out
  • Swapped parts need to be from sources that are equally sustainable in their part supply base
• Must be able to tow a flatbed trailer with a car on it
• Must achieve 20MPG on a road trip
• Must be able to road trip comfortably (I know these are not real requirements with Shall statements and subjective – actually I am going to rename this section accordingly)
• Design in provisions for expandability, mainly in regards to electrical
• Don’t box yourself in with a design