304 v8 in an Early cj5 what do you think?

I have a 1970 cj5 with a 225 and a t-14. I just got a free 304 v8 from a neighbor. Will this this motor fit easily, would i need an adapter, and would i need to fab motor mounts or do they sell motor mount kits for early cj5s? Any help on this would be great.

 

Not a common swap. The AMC V8s are about the same size and weight as the Chevy small block, and that swap used to be fairly common in early CJs. However, most owners now go with either the Buick V6 (225 or 231) or the Chevy 4.3L V6, because these fit in the engine compartment more easily than the V8s and because they are now comparatively plentiful (especially the 4.3L Chevy) in donor vehicles.

The AMC V8 will need to be adapted to the T-14. Likely the easiest would be to buy a T-14/T-15 adapter from Advance Adapters. I can think of a couple of possible ways to do it with junkyard parts, but I would not pursue them.

The T-14 will not hold up to V8 power. Will you do a transmission swap as well? You could use the T-15 from a '72-75 CJ - basically swap the trans that came with the 304 too. You could use the T-14 and bell from a '72-75 CJ (different from your T-14), and that will bolt up to the 304, but it won't be any stronger than the existing T-14.

Certainly I would not consider this swap. There's no good reason to do it IMO, and plenty of reasons not to.

 

get the clip from 72 or later cj, it should make the room for a larger engine

 

Later clip is 5" longer - moves the fenders forward - won't fit unless you lengthen the wheelbase too. The front tires will interfere with the back of the fenders.

 

I've got something like this swap.

Basically mine is a short nosed body on an intermediate chassis. had to move to a pusher fan in front of the radiator.

 

It seems clear that the longer front clip was used to make room for the AMC inline 6s, not for the V8. Small block V8s will fit in the early engine compartment. Back in the 60s and 70s, lots of Jeeps were converted to small block Chevy power. Today most feel that the modern V6s have enough power for the CJ's comparatively light-weight chassis, so fewer V8s are swapped in.

I also kinda feel that big power in CJs is less fashionable now than it used to be, and folks are looking more toward deep, deep gearing rather than big engines. A lot of this may be driven by the size of tires used today - higher stress puts more emphasis on axle and gear train upgrades and less emphasis on big power. Most drivers with V6s likely have enough power to break stuff anyway ... no need to go with a bigger engine. JMO.

 

That would probably end up being the most expensive and disapointing FREE engine of all time. So many logistics to shoe-horn it in. Full disclosure- I have never been a fan of any AMC v-8 though.

 

I agree that the amc v8 is overkill, and it have a trail of broken parts to prove it. BUT if you want that V8 sound, there is no substitute. If my jeep had a dauntless when i got it, then it would have probably stayed that way. But since I already have one, I would never go back from a v8 to a smaller motor. I love the sound, the power, and the artificial male enhacment that comes with a v8.

If you want a V8, go with a v8, but remember the old adage, just because you have a motor, doesnt make it a good swap.

Really my jeep is an AMC intermediate with a body swap, not an early with an engine swap.

 

the basic engine design makes it a good candidate....
front mounted dizzy and oil filter
I'd do it and prolly swap to a 72 grille design while I'm at it.
but....it's your Jeep.

 

PM sent

 

well guys, i appreciate all your input. I may decide just to fix up my old tired 225. Heck may even bore it or stroke it.