Parts/Upgrades for early CJ5 (1963)

I'm working on a full rebuild/Upgrade for my 1963 CJ5 with the original 134 f-head, the T-90, stock seats, Front PTO Winch, etc. And I noticed while browsing and searching the threads that there are a lot of threads dedicated to individual parts, but not a thread devoded to just parts (aftermarket and stock) for the old CJ5.

I'm going to go through my CJ5 and make it as nice and new as I can and I'd love to know all the tricks and performance options that are out there for this model. I'm having the motor completely rebuilt with pistons, cam, valves, etc, and as many high performance parts as I can find I'd love to get. I'm definately dedicated to the F-head, even though I am definately finding out how hard it is becoming to find parts, especially H.P. parts.

So I thought it would be great (not only for my rebuild) to create a thread for all the masters and/or lucky people out there to share the wealth on info about improving/rebuilding the old CJ5's

 

I'll go ahead and start things off. The guy I have helping me rebuild my motor has found stainless steel polished valves for my engine, so if anyone is interested I'll try and find a way to get them to you.

 

Also, the Clifford Performance exhaust headers look really nice:

http://www.cliffordperformance.net

Has anyone tried these out? or does anyone know of other companies that make exhaust headers for the 134 f-head?

 

Here are some specific questions about parts and the rebuild:

There has to be a better carb than the stock one, which is the best and where can we get it?

Ditto the distributer/ignition system...

Anybody know anything about rebuilding the PTO and/or the PTO winch?

What about the seats? I'd love to get full bucket seats, which are the best? What about short bucket seats?

Ditto the rear seat...

The steering on the old CJ5 is a bit interesting, any modifications/improvements possible?

What about tops? My original top is in terrible shape as is all the framing, who makes a good soft top for the old CJ5's? I'd prefer one that had the zip-out windows, two piece doors, etc.

Anybody else have questions along the same lines? I'm sure a lot of these topics have been touched on elsewhere, but a compilation would be great for those of us who are trying to get through the process.

Thanks in advice for your replies!

 

Definately! F-head all the way!

I got my CJ out on the trail the first weekend I had it (all I did to it was change the oil and the spark plugs) and I went everywhere the rest went for 10% the cost of their High performance V6's and 8's!

Not only am I a fan, but I've made a few over the years with the tried and true performance of the f-head!

 

Sorry Sparky, guess I just got excited about finally finding some people who know what I'm talking about whe I say my Jeep's a Willy's!

 

When I started lookin to rebuild my Fhead, I happened to run across a guy that used to build drag motors. It was coming on winter, and he was bored bored bored. Said he would build my motor for me to give him something to do. Cost me 1200, but I got a ported, balanced, cam advanced little motor that, on his computer program, turned out 82hp. One change he did suggest, that I took, was to replace the oil bath air cleaner, and to get some headers. The oil bath is probably the best filter to keep your engine clean, but the air doesn't flow as good. I found a pleated filter at an auto parts store that matched up good to the existing air horn. I will attach a pic. I should be getting the headers within the next couple of months.

 

Hey another Fhead
Man now you got me thinking , that isnt good. Is that one of those ricer intake kits like from pep boys?

 

Hate to admit it, and I was really hoping no one would bring it up.. but yes, it is. What can I say... it fit, and I'm a big fan of pleated filters

 

Hey I looked at um but I they where just to shiny for my jeep R)

 

Regarding your PTO and winch, what kind are they? Ramsey?, Koenig? I've some experience rebuilding the Koenigs and I've played with the Ramseys as well as others. What info are you looking for? Nickmil

 

If you want to do something really different (and effective) to the F134, install fuel injection using junkyard parts. I don't think that anyone has done it on a F134, but it's been done on the IH Scout 4-cyl: http://www.binderbulletin.org/forums/showthread.php?p=285660#post285660 That would provide both fuel and spark control.

The Megasquirt is another option, using a junkyard throttle body and a ECU you build yourself: http://www.bgsoflex.com/megasquirt.html

 

That sounds really fun, any recommendations on the TBI to use and the other components. I've had a lot of experiance with PCBs, soldering, and electronics, so that Megasquirts sounds right up my alley. The tuning software looks nice to. My dad has been trying to find an inexpensive controller to put TB on his 82 CJ7 so I'll have to give it a try and maybe build him one.

Thanks for the tip, has anyone out there pulled this off on another motor, or a f134?

 

I've been researching TBI some, and have been reading the "book" from Custom EFIs. You can hack the GM factory computers, if you'd rather go that route. The GM computer gives you more features than the MegaSquirt I think (spark control, maybe knock detection). Desert Runner is in the middle of this project too http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35964 and will be using the GM 2.5L TB. I think there are several more here, using different combinations of parts... the only one I remember is HudsonHawk, who has MegaSquirt on his 258.

Look through the binderbulletin FAQ, and there are plenty of sites out there about hacking the GM ECUs. Check this one http://www.bustedjeep.com/projects/junkyardtbi.asp and another article on bustedjeep.com.

Not hard if you're willing to do the research, or so it seems.

<edit> At first I thought I'd use the Megasquirt for my truck, I'm leaning toward hacking the GM ECU now. The GM has a "limp home" feature built in, which the Megasquirt does not. You really need to carry an extra stuffed and tested board with the Megasquirt if you're going to drive far from home.

 

Have there been a lot of break-down's on the Megasquirt? or are they just as reliable as you are good at tuning them?

I'm planning on only driving my jeep on the trail and on the occasional drive to work (10mi away). I definately wouldn't want to be stranded on the side of a trail if it went down, but how likely is that?

Would hacking the GM ECU give me as many tuning options as the Megasquirt? What about the Megasquirt 2, does it have the functionality and realiability that I need?

 

It is the Ramsey winch, and I was just wondering if anyone knew of a service manual for it. I'm just wanting to make sure that if I end up having to change a seal or pull it apart to check it out that I can put everything back in the right place.

Also, what are the common wear points in that winch that I should check for?