CJ360T Engine Swap

Before everyone says "if you have to ask you shouldn't do it" I say that is complete nonsense.
If everyone who never tried something new lived by that creed, nobody would ever learn anything.
Yes I'm aware I'm probably over my head, but that's half the fun of working on a racer.

With that out of the way, I have a cj360t I cafed out and to be honest I love it, I really do. I love how much it shakes, I love how light it feels, I love the stance, I love how it gets a little cranky when it starts to get cold but, I want to give the old girl some botox or a facelift.

I was originally thinking about doing the gs850 cylinder swap, but then I started to look into engine swaps. I came across a thread where the guy had taken an xr600 engine and dropped it into his cb360. He said all it needed was some motor mounts and a small frame mod.

A quick glance on craigslist shows a running xr600 for sale in my area and my cj's fate has been sealed.

With that being said this will be my first engine swap.

My first, in what I assume to be many, question is what can I do for new motor mounts. Can I just use tabs welded onto the frame and use the links on the engine itself?

https://www.deadbeatcustoms.com/tc-bros-choppers-weld-on-mounting-tabs-vintage-style-6/

Can I use something similar to this?

Thank you very much for any help.

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http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=39079.20

I wouldn't waste the money on those tabs, you can buy a 12"x12" sheet of 1/4" for the same price and make your own mounts/brackets.

Anyways it looks like that dude just made new brackets to bolt the engine up to the frame. Stuff it in there and get the chain aligned and see where you're at.

advCo said:

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=39079.20

I wouldn't waste the money on those tabs, you can buy a 12"x12" sheet of 1/4" for the same price and make your own mounts/brackets.

Anyways it looks like that dude just made new brackets to bolt the engine up to the frame. Stuff it in there and get the chain aligned and see where you're at.

Click to expand...

That's the same guy and the same bike I didnt even know he had a post here.

I appreciate the warning on those tabs.

Are those basically the right idea for tabs though? Shape and hole wise?

Thank you

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I've bought a bunch of those tabs. They're thicker plate than what I normally get for myself and I don't have to spend time making tabs. I have a bunch of old frames I cut tabs off of too, but when I want pretty CNC cut tabs, those aren't a bad option.

The other thing to consider in swapping engines is where the countersprocket lines up to the swing arm pivot. It's been the deciding factor on several swap considerations in my experience. It could mean having to alter the cradle, which may or may not be worth it.

dont bother with those tabs or any others for that matter. I learned through my project that "universal" means it doesn't fit anything. make your own, they will look and work better


also, just get the engine you want and make it work - there is a local guy around me that puts modern 250 honda engines into the cb360 frames and builds the bike custom to the client. cool stuff

MiniatureNinja said:

dont bother with those tabs or any others for that matter. I learned through my project that "universal" means it doesn't fit anything.

Click to expand...

Except for the 30 or so that I have used that did fit. LOL. Those aren't the only options for pre-cut tabs, btw.

irk miller said:

I've bought a bunch of those tabs. They're thicker plate than what I normally get for myself and I don't have to spend time making tabs. I have a bunch of old frames I cut tabs off of too, but when I want pretty CNC cut tabs, those aren't a bad option.

The other thing to consider in swapping engines is where the countersprocket lines up to the swing arm pivot. It's been the deciding factor on several swap considerations in my experience. It could mean having to alter the cradle, which may or may not be worth it.

Click to expand...

Could you explain what you mean by countersocket and lining up with the swingarm pivot?
I'm not sure I know what you mean and I want to make sure this project isnt sunk before it starts.
Thank you.

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irk miller said:

Except for the 30 or so that I have used that did fit. LOL. Those aren't the only options for pre-cut tabs, btw.

Click to expand...

Thank you, what other options are out there?

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You essentially want the countersprocket, the swing arm pivot and your wheel sprocket in line during sag. Too much variance and you'll be eating up your swing arm and/or chain, plus adding drag...



That group you posted is TC Bros. They sell a few types and sizes. You may have to adapt some. And I'm not arguing against making your own. Sometimes I do too. But sometimes it's nice not to have to spend a few hours making tabs when there are a lot of options out there that work. I've actually used the TC Bros oil tank mounting kit for making a shock mount.

http://www.tcbroschoppers.com/tc-bros-brand-products/fabrication-parts/mounting-tabs.html

https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/fab-parts/mounting-tabs.html#page=1

irk miller said:

You essentially want the countersprocket, the swing arm pivot and your wheel sprocket in line during sag. Too much variance and you'll be eating up your swing arm and/or chain, plus adding drag...

That group you posted is TC Bros. They sell a few types and sizes. You may have to adapt some. And I'm not arguing against making your own. Sometimes I do too. But sometimes it's nice not to have to spend a few hours making tabs when there are a lot of options out there that work. I've actually used the TC Bros oil tank mounting kit for making a shock mount.

http://www.tcbroschoppers.com/tc-bros-brand-products/fabrication-parts/mounting-tabs.html

https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/fab-parts/mounting-tabs.html#page=1

Click to expand...

Oh okay I see what you're saying now.
Sag being with the rider on I assume?
Also should the motor be straight up bolted or the tabs or should there be a rubber buffer?
Thank you

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