85' CJ7 V8 swap questions

seajay7

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2005
Location
Cary
I am putting a 304 in my CJ7 with the 258 inline 6.

Questions-
1) Will the 6 cyl flywheel swap for the V8?
2) I have heard teh bellhousing is a direct bolt-in. Correct?
3) Are there any wiring issues I need to be aware of?
4) Any other unexpected problems?

Thanks,
Ben
 
seajay7 said:
I am putting a 304 in my CJ7 with the 258 inline 6.

Questions-
1) Will the 6 cyl flywheel swap for the V8?
2) I have heard teh bellhousing is a direct bolt-in. Correct?
3) Are there any wiring issues I need to be aware of?
4) Any other unexpected problems?

Thanks,
Ben
Click to expand...

1 the flywheels are balanced with the engine, need one for the 304 Autozone
2 Yes
3 ignition should be the same
4 make sure to get the frame mounts for the v8

Good luck
 
Cool!
Thanks Jeepn-Jason!

I remember now that they are externally balanced for each engine. I purchased the V8 mounts off of ebay for a CJ5 I think they will work for a CJ7. If not I intend to make them work. I also intend to replace the radiator.
Ben
 
Just some advise for the radiator, the stock one from vatozone is mid-$200 and is far less from a great rad. Summit has their own brand AL radiators for $169, get the Ford for the correct in/out, IIRC its the 27.5x19.
 
I swapped a 360 in my 81 cj7 from a 258. It's pretty painless. Definitely get a bigger radiator. Flywheel as mentioned before. The passenger side motor mount is different for a v8, you should still be able to use your driver's side mount. As far as wiring, now is a great time to upgrade to an HEI distributor, which will really simplify your wiring and offer some performance. If you have any more questions or need a hand PM me
 
couldn't agree more with the ardiator.
Spend the $$$ now save later.
Also HEI is a good start
The biggest thing I found with my V8 swap was it killed the balance. Dove hard under extrem braking.... I would advise to play with spring rates and style toget balance right.... again just my 4.02
 
Thanks for the input. I'm sure I will be asking more questions!

Where is the best place to get the HEI distributor?

Thanks for the balance advice! I have upgraded the springs recently so I will just have to wait and see how they do.

Thanks!
 
Best HEI source IMo is the bone yard/ or order a replacement from advance/auto zone.

I have had horrible luck (and others have also both here and at PBB) with the Accel "performance replacement" dizzy. They can be had for ~$100 but I would buy a stock/replacemnt piece... I think you'll be happier.
 
Do a tfi conversion much cheaper and better spark
 
The 258 flywheel will not work. The 258 is internaly balenced and the v8 is externaly balenced. of course they will bolt up but I wouild not recomend it.
 
For an HEI distributer, I would recommend either a D.U.I systems (available at 4wd.com or Quadratec) they are great units but rather pricey, or you can get a distributer from a GM 350 and have the base machined to fit an AMC. I went with the second route due to price and have had no problems so far. There's a decent write up of the swap here http://www.cjoffroad.com/writeup.asp?WU_ID=7&noAdd=1
TFI is also a good upgrade but doesn't help much with your wiring.
 
cj777 said:
or you can get a distributer from a GM 350 and have the base machined to fit an AMC.
Click to expand...

Good point.
I assumed that machining the base/ring was common knowledge but I should have been more clear.

STill even for the purpose of buying to modify STAY AWAY FROM ACCELL
 
No, I got mine from a guy in VA that machines them to fit AMCs, I'll see if I can find his contact info and forward it to you.
 
Z&M sells one. I got one for my dd Wagoneer, but have not installed it yet. FSJ guys have had great luck with it. Less than $300 without wires.
http://www.zmjeeps.com/index.php

I picked up a one wire dist. from MSD for the 360 in my J-truck $379.
But I'm so lame its still on the stand also. :confused:

One of these days I'll know how they both work.
 
Put the 6 spring pack in front if it doesnt have it, if you have the 4 pack she'll sag like hell shortly, if you have stock suspension look @ the axle stop with those weaker springs you dont want to bust the oil pan.
 
Back
Top