1978 CJ carb to Fuel Injection

[WalterD]

My son has a 78 CJ with the 304 V-8 that has a 2 bbl carburetor. He would like to convert it over to fuel injection. He has only had the Jeep about a year and neither of us know to much about the 304. Is it worthwhile to install fuel injection in this engine or go with something else with a conversion? Such as a small block Chevy. The 304 currently runs good with exception of the carb. Thanks for any info.

[dirtgrip]

Here's a conversion for 304 V8 but it's a lot of $$$
http://www.quadratec.com/products/17002_40D.htm

[OlneyJeeps]

Having owned 20 or so Jeeps with the AMC v8,I never liked the MC2100 2bbl. Currently I run 600cfm edelbrock on both my CJ7 (304)and J10 (360). When properly tuned, the edelbrock (carter afb) can be a great carb. No question injection is better, but is a lot more $$$. Just gotta decide where he wants to spend the money (ie get rid of 2 piece rear axle, install lockers/lift etc)

just my .02
SteveO

[TRobertsRN]

I had a 78 Cherokee with the 360 V-8 and two barrel Carb as well as an 83 J-10 with basicly the same.

I put a stock 4 barrel manifold and Carter 4 barrel on them. Made a serioius difference in performance, particularly when I went with some headers and after market dual mufflers.

There was the rare stall in steep uphill climbs in rocky terrain.

Much less expensive than fuel injection and in my opinion enless you have the money to burn not injection is not worth the expence unless you are a rock crawler. Opinions will vary.


This being said if you don't have to pass emmisions (depending on where in AZ you are), I would go with a propane system from GotPropane.com. It is not emmissions legal. Their are emmisions legal kits but much more expensive. Will run even up side down and better for the enviroment.

My 53 is too old for emissions so I plan to do propane.

Tom Roberts
53 Willys Pickup
2000 XJ (for sale)
2003 Avalanche Z71 (for sale)

For sale so I can buy a Quigley 4x4 diesel Van to tow the rock crawling 53 with.

[WalterD]

Having owned 20 or so Jeeps with the AMC v8,I never liked the MC2100 2bbl. Currently I run 600cfm edelbrock on both my CJ7 (304)and J10 (360). When properly tuned, the edelbrock (carter afb) can be a great carb. No question injection is better, but is a lot more $$$. Just gotta decide where he wants to spend the money (ie get rid of 2 piece rear axle, install lockers/lift etc)

just my .02
SteveO
How durable are they? My main concern is putting alot of money into it and the motor by design or other reasons, has known bearing problems or something similar. I have no problem putting the money into it, if it's worth it in the long run. My main dealings in engines is the small block Chevy. Thanks Walter

[OlneyJeeps]

I have experienced nothing but good with the AMC V8. It's largest downfalls are related to cost of building: absolutely no question Chevy 350 is much cheaper to build. The most important question is: what do you plan to do with it/how much do you have to spend. Although the engine is cheap to build, doing a swap (properly) can be expensive (expecially if you have to pay to have it done). If you only expect moderate (see my AZVJC.org pics) wheeling and your V8 is not trashed, I would (actually I AM installing 304 w/4bbl in my project commando) use the engine you have. Buy/find an Edelbrock performer (make sure is DUAL plane because provides substantially better low end) 4bbl manifold. As I said in prior post I use the edlebrock /carter afb 4bbl 600cfm carb (500 works but limits upper end).

I hate typing....:eek:
call me and maybe you could stop by my house and I can show J10/CJ7/commando and various options/upgrades

SteveO
602-482-2428

PS I like SamAdam's (black if you can find it)
(suttle hint :D

[WalterD]

This being said if you don't have to pass emmisions (depending on where in AZ you are), I would go with a propane system from GotPropane.com. It is not emmissions legal. Their are emmisions legal kits but much more expensive. Will run even up side down and better for the enviroment.

It will need to be emmisioned so the FI looks like the way to go.

[mysunnshine]

Put port FI on the 304 intake so it'll be ready for the 401 later down the road...LOL

[OlneyJeeps]

I've had holly projection kit sitting on shelf in a box for a couple of years now... carb has worked well enough haven't seen need for it (will probably go on commando)

[arlo]

Care to Sell the Projection?

:D

[FourxDad]

Hey we just put a Howell FI on our 79 360 J10, it was easy, and works great. It ran $ 1200 and its all over the counter GM parts, so you can get repair parts most anywhere later. Go to web site and look at it then call and talk to them.:)