classic vintage ls swap AMC soft top winch Corbeau American Racing Auto Meter

While some of these rare Scramblers are restored to be the ultimate off-roading machine, this 1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler LS3 Restomod goes sooooo much further. It's a freshly built example with an A/C interior, new suspension components, and a screaming fuel-injected 500+ hp LS3 stroker V8 under the hood. So while you have the power to do some serious off road work, this one will also leave muscle cars in your wake on the asphalt.

The Scrambler is one of those Jeeps that everyone likes to see. It takes the iconic lines of the CJs and gives it the longest body of the series. While the looks are unmistakably Jeep, it is also rarer than the CJ5s and CJ7s. It's this distinction that also explains where there has been plenty of investments in this one even before you know about the monster motor. There's barely any miles on this total build, so everything looks fresh, including the paint. The dark blue has the great look of nearly a high-gloss black to the casual eye. But then when the sunlight hits it, the deep metallic tones and blue really pop. Not only can this midnight blue attract plenty of attention all on this own, but it also makes the perfect backdrop for the expertly integrated Scrambler graphics package. It's is a cool intertwined combination of two-tone lighter blues, and even the rear Jeep stamping takes full advantage of the two-tone in this thoughtful build. Also, the darker tones of black look nice on the fender flares, bumpers, and new Bestop folding soft top. As the pickup of Jeeps, this one has very versatile upgrades like a proper trailer hitch, side steps, and Badlands ZXR9000 winch.

The restoration took full advantage of the CJ8's size. They were able to add a back seat while still leaving room for a truck bed protected with liner paint. So you continue to have the usefulness of a pickup, but now more than one friend can come along for the ride. Up front it's a full upgraded experience with Corbeau off-road bucket seats featuring proper harnesses. In-between is a cup holder center console. This is also a lockbox where the AM/FM/CD stereo is mounted. That way you don't have to be nervous about parking this one in town with the top off. There are cool classic elements, like the three-spoke Jeep steering wheel. And these are joined by well-integrated worthwhile upgrades like the B&M floor shifter and a dash dominated by the AutoMeter gauge upgrade with large speedo and tach. Plus, those added A/C vents mean cold-blowing air condition to keep you comfortable no matter where you roam.

We've hinted about the monster under the hood, and now it's time to check it out. Your first impression may just be a cleanly installed V8 upgrade, but the Jeep Racing sticker on the custom cover and the callouts on the valve covers reveal the true nature of this build. For most people a modern fuel-injected Chevy LS3 V8 would be plenty of power, but this one goes further. It's an LS3 stroker V8 that displaces 415 cubic-inches total. It has been fortified with H-beam rods, a roller cam, LS6 CNC heads, and a Trailblazer SS intake. The full package is said to be dynoed at 521 horsepower and 566 lb-ft of torque. And the way that header-fed dual exhaust rumbles, you know it's announcing power superiority the moment you fire up this fresh build. Take some time to see the quality that went into this one. You see it everywhere from the large three-core radiator, to the professional wiring harnesses that connect this modern monster to the ECM. As you look at the undercarriage photos, you are reminded that they didn't skip an investment in any components. This also reminds you it's a true 4x4 off-road machine with a 4-inch lift kit, two-speed transfer case, and Thunderer Trac Grip mud-terrain tires on shining American Racing 15-inch wheels. With power steering, power brakes w/discs up front, and a hardy three-speed automatic transmission, this was built to enjoy on the street or trail.

There is so much more that went into this awesome custom Jeep that you really need to call us for the full details. But you already know this was a huge undertaking to get a professional quality like this. So if you love a Jeep that can teach lessons on the street AND trail, call today!