what to do! what to do!!

[Idigmycj8]

Hello fellow scramblers...
I recently acquired a 1981 cj-8 in trade that I saut out and came across on CL Indiana.. been looking for a jeep for a while. One of my bucket list must haves for a poor boy with a dream. I wanted something different n uncommon. That is the way I roll. I have posted some pics through the restore forum if interested n any advice is welcome.. Now my question is: my jeep came with a amc 304. I know its not the original motor. Im not familiar with this motor and am wondering if it is a good motor or should i look for something better. i went through it n it looks like motor has been refreshened or rebuilt. has no oil leaking anywhere. new plugs. rotor n cap. new in line see through glass fuel filter that has not had fuel through it. jeep had sit for about 5 yrs. in a barn. It has signs of the start of restore. frame was stripped down to just motor drive tran and front and back axles n tires. body was put back on before i picked up. All I did was get power to motor and fuel to carb n it started right up. I was impressed. so that said. should I keep it or ditch it.. what r you all's thought. Any ideas appreciated thanks. Dan

 

[John N]

I'd say to run it until there's a reason to change it. Why spend the money on a swap if it runs decent?

 

[gr8dain]

Agreed. It sounds like it is in great shape. Enjoy it like it is. And if you want a restoration with original and correct parts, you can do the swap later. At least it is an AMC motor.


Dain

 

[jerseyjeeps]

Agreed. And a 304 is a good little power plant.

 

[jims chop shop]

I say run it !!

 

[84jeepscrambler]

Run with the 304... Why spend funds on something that works. Don't worry, other unexpected expenses will come up in your rebuild and those extra funds will come in handy. I know too well. JEEP (Just empty every pocket)

 

[CBRogers]

Yes, Keep what is running and enjoy it.

If you like the V-8 idea and do not mind the AMC mileage penalty then look for a 360 or 401 out of a Grand Waggy to swap in later. They are both the same for bolting up and will drop right in. If you have a penchant for stock look for a good rebuilt 258 or upgrade to a 4.0l with fuel injection. They share the same Transmission bolt pattern but will need different but stock engine mounts.

If you want better mileage and power the 4.8/5.3/6.0l GM engines are fast becoming a great swap, but then you are looking at a transmission too. But when you do it you can go overdrive for even more MPG.

But if you have a good drive-train and relatively rust free drive it while you can and get to know it. If you take it off the road to upgrade it can be a long time getting everything done and it is possible to lose interest or get discouraged. So enjoy for now.

Carl

 

[Idigmycj8]

thanks everyone for the feed back. Thanks CBRogers for the info on other options i can do later. You all have a good point. If its not broke don't fix it. I received my cj-8 with assembly n repair required, so i have to fix up before I get to enjoy it which is ok.
Here is a link to what she looks like now..

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4c9918szbi2a2yq/AAB6zmY-ROc1MCxIgrO8qV3Oa

 

[Idigmycj8]

sheet metal

I wanted to ask were i can get 18 gauge sheet metal to do some rust repair on some of the flat spots on side of my jeep n also it there is a place on line were i can get replacements just for around the top n sides of the wheel wells.