304 into '64 CJ-5

Hello Everyone. I just discovered this site from a reference made in JP Magazine, so I'm the new guy. I just scored a '78 CJ-7 that has the AMC 304. The body is pretty good and smoked and should be re-tubbed, but I was just toying with the idea of stuffing that v-8 w/tranny into my '64 CJ-5. Has anyone ever done it, or seen it done? If it were to fit without too much grief would the stock transfer case be able to take the extra ponies? Thanks for any advice or suggestions. Regards, -K-

 

Hi - welcome from Boston!

Putting the AMC V8 into a pre-72 CJ isn't much harder than putting in a small block V8 Chevy - they are about the same size and weight. There will be a problem with the transmission, since AFAIK the T-150 from that era cannot be fitted with a bull gear (output gear) that is compatible with the Dana 18 transfer case. Possible options are to use a Ford transmission, which will fit a T-150 bell, or use a T-15 from a 72-75 V8 CJ.

There's some discussion of engine swaps on the Novak site that covers AMC-to-Jeep swaps http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/engines_general.htm There's also a handy table that shows parts compatibility between the various Jeep transfer cases and transmissions.

 

welcome from AZ.
suggestion..keep the 7 together and build it, then pick up a buick v6 (even fire RWD from a 79+ vehicle) and shove it down the neck of your 64. plenty of power for that light jeep and you will still have 2 jeeps. one for the beech and one for rock crawling. in washington, i have heard there are ALOT of good logging trails. you can stick numerous trannies behind the v6 and plug it into the dana 18. these parts are stock/adaptable and readily available, not to mention pretty inexpensive. and having 2 jeeps would be better than the one i struggle with.
i wanna build mine for this, and that, but it needs to do this too...and would be nice to do that.. blah blah.
again, welcome to the board.

 

Welcome from the other Carolina! I would also go with a V6 for your '5 and build your '7 as well!

 

Welcome from Norwalk!

With a little research and $$, it can be done. The novak site is a good place to start. That'll give you a better idea of the options you have. What ever you decide, we'll be here to cheer you on

 

Greetings Gentlemen, and thanks for all your hospitality. I had a '76 Quadratrac CJ-7 with the 304 into an automatic that I bought last Summer and fixed up. It turned out to be pretty nice, and I liked that Jeep but I decided to turn it out and redirect the funds into other projects. Turned out that the guy who bought the CJ-7 told me about the '64. He and the Mrs. had been to check it out but decided to keep looking for a more wife friendly rig that she could drive too. I've decided that I'm going to keep the '64 stock. I'm quite fond of the "Old-Girl" just as she is, and I'm sure that I'd miss the drone of that "F-head" 4. I'm going to be taking a road trip with my trailer here in the next few weeks to go get a '66 CJ-5 that has the "Dauntless" mill in it. That should be a fun little rig to round out Jeep stable. Once I figure out how to post images, I'll put some up. Thanks again for all your responses. Regards, -K-
olllo =

 

Welcome from TN.
Looking forward to pics.