304 or v6 which to use

Ok here I have seen a lot of people on this board use a v6 and also a lot of people useing a 304 in a cj5a. What motor is better for what. Those that have done swaps do both motors bolt in or do mounts have to be moved. What all is involved in swaping out these motors, or when looking for a jeep what are the pluses or minuses behind both. I hope this thread doesn't start a v6 v8 war here but I really am trying to educate myself.

 

personally i would go v-6. less power to break parts and if you are crawling then you dont need a million HPs and a V-6 gives enough power to spin the tires when needed.

 

would go :v6: or iron duke 4

 

I have owned/driven F4 V6 V8
I love my V6

 

I have just started to put a 304 in mine. There isn't a lot of room, I have to notch the front cross member so I can put on the alt. belt and will have to use an electric fan. My steering has been modified so I had to order some fenderwell headers other than that it has been a hoot.Mind you I'm new at this and there is probably an easier way I would much rather used a 6 for size but hay use what you got make er fit. That's why I bought it, a jeep is what ever you want it to be.Good luck.

 

I like the v6 for early 5s mostly because they were a factory option...on intermediates, a 304 was an option and I like it

 

You need to give us more info.. especially what year/model you are putting this into!!!


BUBBA

 

Sounds like you've decided to modify the Tux. If it were mine, I'd go with a Chevy 4.3L V6 with TBI (stock throttle body fuel injection), and a 4-speed transmission. The SM420 or SM465 is good, but the T18 can be made to work too.

Some would argue for the Jeep/Buick V6 because it's closer to stock... IMO the Chevy has a displacement advantage (262 cid), may be more available, and the OEM TBI is a real plus.

Don't go with a V8 ... the modern V6s are powerful and fit much better in the Jeep engine compartment. Though I like the AMC products, the 304 would be way down the list if I had to pick a V8 to put in an early CJ-5.

There are some I4s that work well... and can be inexpensive to swap.

If you decide to keep the stock T90 3-speed, look around for a used GM-to-T90 adapter. You can buy the adapters on the used market fairly inexpensively.

hth

<edit> there's lots of good, free information on the Novak site: http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/cj5_55-71_swap.htm ... lots to read there - go to the "knowledge gateway" and read about engines and transmissions.

 

I'm a Buick V6 nut and wouldn't have it any other way. Easy to install in the CJ5 due to the front distributor location.

If you want to crank it up a bit, build a 4bbl Even fire 3.8 or 4.1 V6. These engines are capable of 600HP (disclaimer: with enough cash)

For a Jeep:

Stock 80's block & Heads
Simple "pocket" ported stock 79-87 heads
aftermarket valves for increased flow.
bump up the compression (forged pistons)
mild cam
390 CFM 4bbl

There is a lot more to it than just parts but just a thought starter. I would think you can scratch up 175-200 HP pretty easy and have a much lighter Jeep without the V8. For comparison, the 4 cyl flathead in my CJ2a is heavier than the Buick V6!!!

 

Good point about the distributor on the Buick V6. The distributor on a Chevy V6 is at the back and sometimes you need to cut the firewall for it to fit. However, I believe that some here have installed the 4.3L and kept the stock firewall... John Rodko?

 

with my measureing i wont have to cut my firewall. i know it will be close so i might use the mini sledge to make a little clearance.