engine swap
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From: Gadsden,Al
engine swap
I am thinking of dropping a 300 I6 into a 70s model Postal Jeep(Jeep was not made by Chrysler back then!!!AM General,Original Humvee makers and deuce and a half builders).I was wondering if I could put an older style Distributor into a newer model engine so I can get totally away from anything electronic.Found a 84 300 with 3spd for $200 but I want simplicity in the postal jeep.Also,I wonder if I can fit the 300 under the hood of a DJ5....Think the 300 is 8" longer than the AMC 242.
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Originally Posted by Freighttrain
I am thinking of dropping a 300 I6 into a 70s model Postal Jeep(Jeep was not made by Chrysler back then!!!AM General,Original Humvee makers and deuce and a half builders).I was wondering if I could put an older style Distributor into a newer model engine so I can get totally away from anything electronic.Found a 84 300 with 3spd for $200 but I want simplicity in the postal jeep.Also,I wonder if I can fit the 300 under the hood of a DJ5....Think the 300 is 8" longer than the AMC 242.
I started with a points distributor.
It gave me fits burning points up, yes I had a ballast resistor, so I went with the Pertronix electronic ignition.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Augusta, Maine
I believe all the 300 distributors are interchangeble. With the right ignition system of course.
I did take a 1986 engine and put it in a 1979 Van, which was carburated, and vacuum advance. I removed all the emmissions crap from the 86, and applied the 1979 distributor and carburator. that was 10 years ago, it still runs by the way. Recently I bought a 1995 van and rebuilt that engine. I modded the old 86 distributor into a driveshaft to prime the oil system in my 1995. All the dimensions and gearing appeared to be the same.
I think you find a good 1990's 300, and apply a 1970's ignition no problem. I have heard the camshafts changed between carburated and fuel injected engines. That is something you need to look into, if you start with a fuel injected donor engine.
I did take a 1986 engine and put it in a 1979 Van, which was carburated, and vacuum advance. I removed all the emmissions crap from the 86, and applied the 1979 distributor and carburator. that was 10 years ago, it still runs by the way. Recently I bought a 1995 van and rebuilt that engine. I modded the old 86 distributor into a driveshaft to prime the oil system in my 1995. All the dimensions and gearing appeared to be the same.
I think you find a good 1990's 300, and apply a 1970's ignition no problem. I have heard the camshafts changed between carburated and fuel injected engines. That is something you need to look into, if you start with a fuel injected donor engine.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houston TX
Don't forget that EFI 300's don't have a provision
for a mech fuel pump...I'd get a pre-EFI block
if possible...I would prefer not to run an electric
fuel pump with a carbed engine...I guess you could
though, as long as it's regulated down fairly low...
I think the 84 was a feedback carb, so it should be
fine...I see no problem with the old distributor...
I'd actually prefer the electronic though that came
with the 84...I think anyway, if it's about like the
one thats on my 74....It's a duraspark setup off a
79 ford van...Beats the heck outta points in my
opinion...Needs the ignition module, but a computer
is not needed...The 84 might be a newer version...
Not sure...
MK
for a mech fuel pump...I'd get a pre-EFI block
if possible...I would prefer not to run an electric
fuel pump with a carbed engine...I guess you could
though, as long as it's regulated down fairly low...
I think the 84 was a feedback carb, so it should be
fine...I see no problem with the old distributor...
I'd actually prefer the electronic though that came
with the 84...I think anyway, if it's about like the
one thats on my 74....It's a duraspark setup off a
79 ford van...Beats the heck outta points in my
opinion...Needs the ignition module, but a computer
is not needed...The 84 might be a newer version...
Not sure...
MK
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,439
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From: Spokane WA
Originally Posted by Freighttrain
I am thinking of dropping a 300 I6 into a 70s model Postal Jeep(Jeep was not made by Chrysler back then!!!AM General,Original Humvee makers and deuce and a half builders).I was wondering if I could put an older style Distributor into a newer model engine so I can get totally away from anything electronic.Found a 84 300 with 3spd for $200 but I want simplicity in the postal jeep.Also,I wonder if I can fit the 300 under the hood of a DJ5....Think the 300 is 8" longer than the AMC 242.
if the postal jeep has a 232 or 258, it might be do-able. if the postal jeep is a late 70's with a Renault 4 cyl, its going to be a hard job. the frames are different and the front axle tube is really thin in the 4cyl mail jeeps.
all the books say a 300 is 495lbs, but fully dressed its closer to 600lbs. they are not light.
I'd use the 84 distributor and the blue duraspark II box. its electronic but very stable.
