304 Engine Upgrade Questions!!!!

Hello all, again,

I've got a 72 CJ5 w/ 304 V-8. I recently picked up a rebuilt 360 w/ headers for a CJ. The 304 runs great with no issues but 2 bbl intake and stock manifolds. Would it make any difference if I added and edlebrock 4bbl carb, the stock 4bbl intake from the 360, and the headers or would I be better off to leave them all together and wait for the 304 to blow up before installing the 360???

 

If it were mine I wouldn't waste my time with it. I would just swap the motor over and be done with it. That is if your plan is to put the 360 in anyway.

 

x2 here

 

Why do you think the 304 will blow up?

You can probably get more for the 304 in good condition, considering the availability of the 304 v. the 360. If you imagine your Jeep having some resale value down the road, the 304 will probably make it worth more to the right buyer. But maybe not. In my opinion, the 304 is more than enough engine for that chassis, so swapping to the 360 is kind of pointless, but suit yourself.

 

My vote is to skip the headers...more trouble and expense than they are worth. Put on some kind of free flowing single or dual exhaust system. Go ahead and put the 4 barrel on and if you like it, you can use it when you put the 360 in.

 

Interesting how varied the opinions. I agree that the 304 2V is plenty for the little jeeps. I also agree headers are a pain in the butt. Currently Black Jeep is in the garage getting a 360, headers and a 4V carb. I like the way the jeep sounds with the headers on it with the secondaries open blasting thru a mud hole. Also, Black Jeep is a utility/trail jeep. For a driver, fender outlet headers will drive ya crazy from the noise. Headers also require regular maintenance. I tighten my header bolts about as often as I change oil. Maybe more often. Takes a couple minutes to put a wrench on them. If you slack on keeping the bolts tight they will leak and they will blow the gasket out. I have seen drilled and safety wired header bolts, but never tried that approach.

 

Someone correct me if I am wrong but if you are going to go with the 4 bbl you will need to put a cam with a bit more lift and duration to take advantage of the increased air flow. The stock cam is set up for the CFM of the stock carb and the 4bbl will overwhelm the stock cam and you may actually see a performance decrease instead of an increase.

I actually have the stock 2 bbl carb with an aftermarket cam and compression bumped up to 9 1/2 to 1. I have the stock exhaust manifolds (Jet Hot coated) with a satinless steel dual exhaust system.
Runs really well!! A 4 bbl would be damn nice though!! Nothing like the sound and feel of the secondaries opening up.

I had a Quadrajet on a 70 Camaro I had in high school. The secondaries on that sucker were huge!! Getting on it was like the feel of having a turbo kick in!

 

360 in a CJ-5? Yikes! I'm respectfull of the 304 in my CJ-7. My old Grand Wagoneer had the obligatory 360 w/two barrel and that old barge would get up with a mashed go pedal, I can't imagine that mill in a short Jeep. If you go with the larger displacement, pleeze take care to upgrade the "whoa!" as well as the "go"

 

This is exactly what I have done. I used the 550cfm edlebrock. Runs great!!!

Jay

 

believe me I drive on the interstate alot and the 304 is great for what it is in. Besides the short wheel base is scary enough for me at the speed I run mine at. I did however switch the ing. sys to a TFI ing. it has alot more spark now.


By the way Hello_new member here

 

Hello from Michigan!!!!!!!! You'll like this site. I got on it awhile ago and I've been hooked ever since.

 

Either swap in the 360 or steal the 4 barrel parts from it. Either one is a great upgrade! The only way I wouldn,t do it is if I were trying to keep it original.

 

definitely go with the edelbrock 4-barrell... i loved mine on my old jeep. you wont be disapointed.