1971 CJ5 Build Thread

Ok,
After many months on the back burner, I am finally ready to start the rebuild...
When I was last on here I was gathering info on whether to rebuild the 225 or swap to a 4.3... After listening to many of you guys, I went with the 225 (The motor shop said it would be cheaper to rebuild a 454) of course thats because I wanted to give it a little more pep So after machine work and parts from TA Performance I'm around $1400 into it. Just to restate some of my earlier post, I have never rebuilt a motor so this is my first ( I do have my dad helping me, so its pretty cool to let an old hot rodder show me some tricks and its time I will never forget).

What I started with was a 225 that was locked up, and I mean locked up, I couldnt get it to spin until all the pistons were out (yes I tried diesel, murpheys, wd40, berrymans etc etc)

Last night I started putting the bottom end together.. got the crank floated in with all new bearings .010 over, new pistons .010 over, new cam, hottest one that TA Performance has heads with new valves, new lifters, all torqued down and ready for the top end... I am currently rebuilding a holley 660 center squirter (I thought that this would be to big, but pops assures me it will be fine) I am trying to purchase offenhauser intake and headers.

I will post pics asap and try to keep the momentum going.



I am looking for a couple of parts, the spring that keeps tension on on the cam gear, and the cam key....I got a woodruff key from Napa, but I'm not sure about the fit.. I had to do a little grinding to get it to fit low enough and tight enough


Other plans... Roll Cage, Steering Conversion, HEI, and a winch-worst case senario, I can pull the jeep around when it doesnt run

later
marc

 

Pic's???????????????????????

 

How great to get to spend that time with your father! Especially at a time in your life where you recognize that it is a gift!

 

The woodruff key is fine. If you put roller chains in for the cam timing you do not use the tensioners, so forget about them. You should put roller chains in if you have that much cam. As for the 660 center squirter that will be a lot of carb for this motor, especially the streetability. I used to run one of them on a street car, it would load up running real slow but would be ok at normal cruise or wide open, this was on a built small block mopar.

 

Other plans... Roll Cage, Steering Conversion, HEI, and a winch-worst case senario, I can pull the jeep around when it doesnt run


I envy you..!! I have to do the same thing but pay someone to do it....don't have the place for the teardown. Here's the HEI info w/instructions....

http://www.crtperformance.com/html/buick_hei.html

 

I just finished my build and before I started a guy told me not to jump around. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Also mark everything and build as area's. Tub, Frame, Front end, Engine, ect.
That is great that you are doing it with your father. My dad is always worrying about money and he would drive me nuts. You need to spend a little to make it the way you want.

 

Here are some pics, before I started the breakdown

 

During tear down

 

Got the frame sanded and painted, I will post pics of the body and motor build as soon as I can down load them

Thanks
Marc