1986 Jeep CJ7 LS1 Restomod

Description

Look through our inventory and you will see a lot of vintage Jeeps, but this stunning 1986 CJ-7 LS1 Restomod might just be the coolest (not to mention the fastest and most powerful) one that we've ever featured, and that's not faint praise. With a slick Red paint job, Renegade decals, and an imposing lift, it looks amazing from any angle and thanks to a stout, 5.7L LS1 Corvette V8 under the hood and a 5-speed gearbox, it has huge performance that'll definitely deliver the shock and awe we all crave.

The bottom line is that someone took a really nice original Jeep (arguably the most desirable year for a CJ) and treated it a show-stopping restoration. Not many AMC products ever fit together this well or had paint that was this clean and glossy, and any part that didn't measure up to the owner's admittedly high standards, well, it got tossed and a brand new item was installed in its place. The bodywork was done right too, and it's obvious the tub underneath that shiny red finish is extremely solid, one look at the laser-straight lines all-around prove that to be true. The shiny, deep red paint was laid down by professionals that didn't treat the job as 'just some old Jeep', but with the same quality and care seen on higher-end classic vehicles. It's been driven and enjoyed since the restoration was completed so it's no longer perfect, although an easy buff-and-wax would likely restore some of that former glory, or drive it like the top driver-quality rig it is today, knowing that any minor imperfections are absolutely dwarfed by the sheer curb appeal of this beauty. Proper Renegade decals were reinstalled, along with black fender flares, a chrome grille surround, polished rocker panel molding, LED lighting, and, of course, those cool asymmetrical side mirrors that only look right on a Jeep. There's also a custom set of heavy-duty bumpers fore and aft that add to the Jeep's sporty look, and a set of side KC foglights were added on either side of the push bar. It's hard to convey with just words and photos how nice this Jeep is, but when you see it in person, you'll understand.

The interior also received a major makeover, complete with fresh high-back bucket seats, a locking center console, a stock rear bench, and a full YJ-style roll cage that stiffens the body and provides safety for all inside. The tub floor is covered in black spray-in bedliner material that's durable as well as attractive and highlights the functional appeal of the CJ-7. Jeep's all-in-one center-mounted gauge is still place, as is the factory tachometer to the right of the steering column, although a trio of auxiliary units were added to help keep a closer eye on the upgraded drivetrain. That's likely this Jeep's original steering wheel, which is quite a rare find in such nice condition, and it's mounted atop a tilt column that provides a lot more room at the head of the cockpit. A tall, chrome Hurst shifter with an 8-ball knob was installed to manage the upgraded 5-speed gearbox, and those twin-sticks next to it manage the upgraded Dana axles below, but if that's not entertainment enough for you an upgraded Kenwood AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit was stashed inside the center console and it powers a BOOMING stereo system with speakers and amplifiers stashed throughout. And yes, don't worry, a full tan canvas top and matching doors are included, so you don't need to worry about the weather spoiling your fun.

Most CJ-7s had inline-sixes, but the builders of this Jeep wanted a whole heck of a lot more power, so a 5.7L LS1 V8 was installed under the hood that takes this Jeep into the virtual stratosphere. Borrowed from a 2001 Corvette, the all-aluminum small block was dropped between the inner fenders like it always belonged, and because the work was done right, it fits just right. With 241 heads, modern fuel-injection, upgraded wiring, an upgraded PCM unit and pedal-to-module harness, and block-hugging long-tube headers at the flanks, it's an incredibly strong runner that's also very dependable and can be serviced at any competent shop that's worked on LS engines. It sparks to life with the flick of a key, is insanely responsive up-and-down the throttle, and is just flat-out FAST – unlike any CJ we've ever driven. A big aluminum radiator with an electric fan keeps the whole show nice and cool, and the soundtrack is downright sexy thanks to a dual exhaust system that features glasspack-style mufflers and side pipes that exit just before the rear wheels. Everywhere you look there's evidence of quality workmanship and thoughtful upgrades, including a tube skid plate that protects the transmission and stiffens the frame, and although the undercarriage hasn't been detailed for show, it's obvious that it's solid as can be. With all that Corvette power under the hood, you better have a transmission that can handle it, and the swapped-in Aisin-Warner AX15 5-speed manual is up to the task with an added synchro/bearing kit, a G-Force main case, and upgraded gears. That's a Dana 30 differential up front and a heavy-duty Moser 20 one-piece rear end with 4.10 gear ratio out back, and a 4.5-inch Extreme Terrain lift kit was installed by the pros at 4-Wheel Parts meaning this CJ is ready to traverse pretty much anything you can throw at it off-road. It performs quite nicely on the road as well, with help of an upgraded AGR power steering box, front disc brakes, and a front steering stabilizer. A flashy set of 15-inch Pro Comp wheels wrapped with beefy 33x12.50-15 off-road radials finish off the killer look.

This Jeep is top-notch in just about every way, with beautiful cosmetics and an amazing upgraded LS1/5-speed powertrain. They just don't come much better than this. Call today!