[hyflyt]

As stated in earlier posts, I'm on the hunt for a 76-83 CJ-5. I want a V8, but many of the Jeeps out there have the I6 258. What kind of task would it be to drop in a 304 or 360 engine? Same question if the Jeep has a 4 cylinder...do the V8s bolt onto the transmission, what about the rear end with the larger engine.

Any other helpful comments about CJ-5's would be welcome!!

Thanks,

John

[jeepincj78]

Where do I begin on this subject????Hmmmm. I own a 1978 CJ7 it originally had the 304 v8 (up until about 2 weeks ago) I am in the process of installing a 4.0 ho out of a Wrangler. Why, do yo ask? Well, even thought the V8 sounded great and it had great torque it really did not have that much more power than am I6 (258 or 242). I loved the way it sounded and ran, but the having the carborator in off camber situations and altitude sucked. As a matter of fact, If I were you I would be looking for a Cj5 with the I6 and a 4 speed( Up to 1979 I think). The 4 speed would be a t18 with a granny first gear. Unfortuantely the V8 did not come with this option I believe. I am being seroius about the power out put of the AMC v8. In additon if you need certain parts they are hard to find. Go with the I6. Or put a fuel injected 4.0 HO like I am an be done with it. You will be much happier if you do especially since you live in Oregon.

Frank

[hyflyt]

I have to admit, I'm going for the V8 sound factor. I will not be doing any serious off roading...I just think Jeep CJs look cool! Being mechanically challenged, aside from bolting on a V8 to the tranny, what about T-case issues or any wiring issues?

[jeepincj78]

Oddly enough everything will bolt together. As a matter of fact, all AMC engines have the same belhousing bolt pattern. ( 304, 360, 401, 258, 242) If you get a Jeep with the T150 3 speed the bellhousing is the same on the v8 as on the I6.

[hyflyt]

One of the CJ5s (1978) I'm looking at with the I6 has a T18 transmission...will any AMC engine still bolt on? Would I run into serious issues routing the exhaust? When I say "I", I use the term loosely as I'd pay a pro do the work. And, can I just go out and pick up an AMC 304 or 360 at the local shop?

Another CJ5 I'm looking at, an 81, has a 4 cylinder engine. Same questions apply...can I slap in a V8?

Thanks again,

John

[hiway]

I had an I6 258er with a dual collector type header. I ran dual 2.25 pipes with flowmasters and turn downs at the rear. Sounded just like a V8! Fooled lots of people.

[jeepincj78]

If I were you I would knab that 1978 with the T18, you will be glad that you did. That is of course if the rest of the Jeep is in good condition. Anything is possible to do. Replacing your current engine with a V8 is not that hard. You will need to find a donor engine and also the engine mounts that bolt to the engine and frame will need to be replaced. Exhaust will be easy. The best part about this engine swap is the fact that the current transmission will bolt right up to the v8 engine.

AMC engines are getting scarce to find, but if I were you I would put a 360 in over a 304. The exterior of the block has the same dimensions, but the 360 would be a better choice. Just make sure that the engine comes with the flywheel as the crankshaft is externally balanced by the flywheel. If you need a flywheel for either engine I have a couple available.

Frank