Got A 1978 Cj7! Need Info On Some Things...

After selling my 71 for being too small I was Jeepless. A good deal came around on slightly rusty bucket of a 78 CJ7 and I had to buy. So project 1 is getting engine as good as possible. Its a 258 and looks to have the stock distributor. Not sure on which carb. But it starts and runs - I haven't driven it yet. I know fuel tank is new and its getting clean fuel. Just want to put a timing light on it - any suggested timing? Should I just do an HEI from speedway motors or something? Seems cheap enough but wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions one way or another.

EXHAUST: it currently has a header that I hate and side pipes which I hate more. Can I put a later 81-86 258 iron manifold on that doesn't have that egr situation under the intake? And will a later model 81-86 exhaust system work on my 78 with some modifications? Just want a stock quiet exhaust and want to order online and just install in my own shop.

 

A couple of years ago, I swapped the 258 out of my 79 CJ7 for a newer (81?) engine that came with a Summit HEI and headers. I too hated the headers and found a stock exhaust header, It took me weeks to get the engine running. I ended up replacing the HEI with one from DUI. Other issues with the manifold too. I also ended up with a Weber carb.

Hindsight is 20/20 but if it is running, I would take it to a muffler shop and see if they can make it sound stock The manifold swap was a bear. I would avoid it if you can.

 

The 258 has a great reputation. My personal philosophy is KISS (keep it simple, stupid). In other words - carb, ignition etc. as stock as possible for reliability and long term ease of maintenance.

 

I don't think I can handle the tubular header. Later today I have to look and see what exactly he did there. I thought the intake and exhaust bolt together on these Jeeps. I am fine with that setup - or any setup that uses cast iron instead of the header. That way I should be able to source off the shelf exhaust parts. So it seems like we're not sure if a 81+ manifold setup would necessarily allow 81+ exhaust on my 78.

 

So I bought a stock exhaust manifold. I noticed the Jeep has an Edelbrock intake that looks to date from a long while ago. Goal is to make the 1 piece intake/exhaust setup and then run a clamp together stock exhaust out the back. Will update you guys when parts arrive!

 

I won't argue with KISS...but this engine responds well to fuel injection...much info supports same!