305 Chevy swap for 304 AMC

Background...Jeep is a 1976 all stock Renegade 304.

I also have a 1987 Chevy with a 305 and a kaput tranny. I have the truck sold for $125 but then was considering pulling the 305 small block and rebuilding it and adding aftermarket carb, manifold, valve covers, etc.

Is the 305 a worthy candidate? I'd rather have a Vette 327 I know...
Just that I don't need to go and buy a motor OR...do I just keep the present Jeep stock because it is all stock?? Also, wil I have to cut anything if I wanted headers on the Chevy?

Presently is black with the brown Levi, my mods were going to be; headers, switching to black panels, dash and seats and painting the Jeep white. This is my first Jeep, but fortunately for me I have a new 30x60 polebarn in which to play.

I want something to drive local, go in woods for morels and deer and I love the throaty sound of a Chevy with headers...alas my last one was a Chevy 350 truck.

I'm perplexed on not modding a nice original or mild changes...is a Chevy v8 swap mild or heavy?? Cost? parts? time?

Also, what about the Quadramatic...do I keep that 400 tranny in there with a Chevy smallblock, add lockouts?? Interested in those who have been there, done that.


Thanks all!

 

Just me but I'd stick with the AMC 304. Even a mild rebuild would still be easier/cheaper than buying the adapters needed to put the chevy in its place.

That and I dont like chevys in Jeeps. Not a purist I'd toss a small block mopar in one.

 

what Jerry said
x2

 

Thanks...

I have just over 100K on the 304...so rebuild it.

What companies for parts...

What kind of headers and exhaust?

Do I keep it all time 4wd-Quadramatic? My gas mileage sucks...lol.

 

At 100K original miles on the 304, it sholdn't need rebuilding unless it's been neglected. That's low miles for a full rebuild.

What's the compression? What's your oil pressure at hot idle?

This is a CJ-7? Only the CJ-7 was available with a BW1339 (Quadratrac) and only with the TH400 automatic. No reason to change it IMO. Jeeps get lousy mileage regardless.

Skip the headers - the AMC V8s breathe well without them, and they are a headache on a Jeep in particular. Go with the stock manifolds and a free-flowing single or dual exhaust.

 

To add to what Tim has said about headers, unless your stock manifolds are trashed out or missing, I'd clean themanifolds up inside (polish) and use them.

 

I agree, stick with AMC motors. Look for a 401,360 if you want power just remember the flywheel will not interchange from your 304.

 

Milemarker makes a good part time conversion for the Q track. it is simple to install and will eliminate the need for special lubricant. They also offer Q track overdrive sprockets to help the top end. Might want to take a look at what they have to offer.

 

Read Flint's writeup about the BW1305/1339 before you do anything drastic (ie part-time kit) http://www.gobrainstorm.net/~mystkblu/quadratrac/

The MileMarker "overdrive" is a fixed change of final drive ratio, just like changing your axle gearing. IMO that's a lousy tradeoff.

The QT gets a bad rap because the DSOs would neglect them. They need special lube and a chain replacement occasionally. If you need help, the Wagoneer owners ie http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/ are the most knowledgeable source.

 

i agree, stick with the 304....nothings more annoying than a parts clerk scratching his head to make sense of the parts your ordering.

 

I like chevy's and Fords. But if you have a good 304 stick with it. A 4 barrel carb and headers really wakes up a 304!

 

Ha I see that look all the time. R)

It looks like this. :? Or this

 

There is nothing drastic about a part time conversion. It is simple and strong and easily installed. It will save front wear, money, fuel, and eliminate that pesky wheel jerk during tight cornering. I have installed a number of these and never had a complaint from the customer. As for the OD, If the rig can loose a couple of hundred RPM's on the highway, It is an inexpensive and easy way to gear up without having to go to a shop for major axle surgery. These are solid upgrades. I'm not saying they are needed, however, most Q track owners are unaware that they are out there. The Q track is a good case, and as fuel prices continues to rise, the ability to offset this begins to pay dividends.

 

Well, amongst Wagoneer owners the more common opinion is that the main reason for the MileMarker kit, increased fuel economy, is negligible to nil. It does save wear on the front drive train, and is a good option for someone who has worn differential inner splines and isn't willing to tear apart other cases looking for a good differential. There's nothing wrong with the product, except for overly optimisitic expectations about their money saving properties.

The QT works really well, especialy in the snow. I've driven QT Wagoneers, and never been bothered by front wheel jerk. The stock QT performance is entirely benign, at least when in good condition - and being the Jeep fan that I am, I would be reluctant to throw money at my QT in order to reduce its capability.

Since they were so often neglected, it may take 2 or 3 tries to find one that is in good condition, though IMO it would be worth it.