Any love for Jeep CJs?

[jhs1969]

I'd love to get an older Jeep CJ, preferably a CJ7. It may be nearly a year before we are ready, in the mean time I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible. Right now I'm a little drawn to the small block Chevy conversions. Any thoughts or tips or advice on what to look for?

[SethB]

It is cheaper to purchase a TJ than to swap an engine into a CJ.

It's also much more reliable.

[davidz71]

I sure loved my '77 CJ7 with 304 V8, Edelbrock SP2P aluminum manifold, 4 barrel Holley carb (did have vacuum leak and carb base warp issues), side pipes/mufflers. It had plenty of power but was rough on concrete washboard roads.

[Jeepman1320]

It is cheaper to purchase a TJ than to swap an engine into a CJ.

It's also much more reliable.

How ya figure? Last I checked a basic 350 swap with tbi or propane could be kept in the 3k range...

I drive an '85 scrambler on tons with a 468 BBC... Would not trade it for an LJ unless you threw some serous cash at me.

TJs and LJs are far from ideal, and to make em really work well major suspension modifications must be made. Factory style work well up to 3 inches and moderate trails, but after that long arms and triangulated 4 links are where it's at...

[Don Robison]

I've got a 76 Bronco I built up 18 years ago. After several years of working on it, whenever someone tells me they want to build one, I tell them to build a Jeep. It's cheaper, aftermarket parts are more readily available and they are just as capable.
That said I wouldn't trade my Bronco for a Jeep.

[Robb Jensen]

Avoid the 81s. I had a 81 CJ7. It was sort of a transition year for some parts. I drove the hell out of mine breaking all kinds of stuff. Fun but costly.

[Thomas M-4]

I wouldn't swap in a chevy v-8 if you want more performance from your straight 6 there is only one place I would go Hesco
http://www.hesco.us/ They have a very nice shop. And are known for jeep performance.

[jhs1969]

It is cheaper to purchase a TJ than to swap an engine into a CJ.

It's also much more reliable.

Let me add a bit more for clarification. I'm looking for something older that is easier to maintain. I am completely fed up with trying to maintain an electronically controlled vehicle. And this comes from someone who manufactured automotive electronics for 4 years. I probably would not do the engine swap myself but I love the idea of a mild sb chevy. I have the most experience with sb chevys and 302 fords. If I were to find a good CJ still with a 4 or 6 I would probably leave it as it. I have a lot to dig into before it is time to buy but I've always wanted a CJ. I thought I would start here as this is just about the only forum I visit and I trust the majority of advice I find here. I remember seeing some nice jeeps before in a thread about BOVs, I'll try to find it again.

As always, thanks for the help guys.

[Brimstone]

I had a 1978 Jeep CJ5 with a 304V8 back when gas was $0.75/gallon. It was easy to work on and was a beast off-road. I think I averaged around 8mpg. I wish I still had it.

[Thomas M-4]

Well if you are dead set on using a chevy v-8 I would suggest a known quality 350ci with vortec heads create motor or low mileage factory motor [good luck with that]. With a stock roller hyd cam or at most towing roller hyd camshaft. With a 570- 670 cfm [street avenger holley carb] I haven't tried the truck avenger it might be worth a try. I wouldn't mess with a regular holley carb never had any luck with them Find some long tube headers, and install a good HEI ignition system, performer intake manifold will make for a good high torque, peppy motor with out breaking the bank.