1980 Jeep CJ5 4cylinder

[jdkkelly]

I am in the market to buy another CJ, that said I am looking at a stock 1980 CJ5 with AMC 150 ,000 original miles/original owner and a rebuilt 4 banger new carb. My research thus far shows it as the pontiac not AMC motor and fairly weak numbers. However; any experience with these as a daily highway driver and forest service road/trail vehicle? I am not into rock crawling or mudding but rather exploring, camping and driving to work in something differerent with Jeep style. Any thoughts or experience?

 

[BajaEdition]

Pontiac Iron Duke?

great engine

Jeeps are not high speed vehicles and they made their reputation with a 60 HP 4 popper
If you are into exploring that would be great
I have rock crawled several 4 poppers, remember it is all about slow an torque, speed has nothing to do with it.

 

[Jawbox]

I've got the GM 151 in my CJ7 and I wouldn't count on it as a daily highway driver. My speed tops out around 60 and I wouldn't expect it to do well in any kind of headwind.

I'm fine though until the speed limits get above 60mph, then I start feeling like an obstacle in the middle of the road.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

I use to have the exact same CJ. Although the 4 banger in any jeep is a little gutless, particularly with oversized tires, a situation that is compounded by the lack of aerodynamics inherent to a CJ/Wrangler, but we don’t buy our jeeps in lieu of a ragtop roadster. Headwinds on the freeway can be a bit of a b#ch as stated practically on a long trip, but as far as driving around town the Iron Duke will be just fine as long as you don’t have Andretti syndrome, however we don’t buy our CJs for their sports car like qualities. Now having said all of that naming your I4 jeep “Pokey Turtle” is just a good thought to hold. It’s all a matter of personal attitude.

PS: I4 jeeps are not worth as much as an I6 or V8 so don't pay too much.

 

[jdkkelly]

Ok so how much is a CJ or Wrangler 4 cylinder worth? is the value quite a bit less, the one Im looking at is $2500 firm but will need a new top, winshield wiper work and cosmetically it has surface rust and a few usual bad spots

 

[BajaEdition]

Ok so how much is a CJ or Wrangler 4 cylinder worth? is the value quite a bit less, the one Im looking at is $2500 firm but will need a new top, winshield wiper work and cosmetically it has surface rust and a few usual bad spots

Sounds good to.me

 

[Saddle Tramp]

$2,500 sounds good to me too.

 

[Jawbox]

That's about what I paid for an 81 with the GM 151 , good soft top, hard top, soft and full doors. Of course this is the rust belt so I had plenty of body rot to deal with though the frame is perfect.

 

[cass]

i do moderate trails and some mud with my 80 CJ5 with the iron duke. in 4 low it has plenty of power for most all trails and exploring. off road i love my little 4 banger but on the highway it sucks like everyone else says. when i got my jeep i was getting 20 mpg but now im low on compression on 2 holes and im only getting 10 mpg.

 

[Redman]

I have the same motor in my 82 CJ7 with 251,000 miles on it. Runs great and is my daily driver, works well hunting and fishing, 17-20 MPG. Other than the rear main seal leaking a bit it's a great motor.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Ive never owned one myself so I cant speak to much from experience but most of the folks I know that have a 4 cyl love em when they are stock but once you get into bigger tires and a lify they seem to be over whelmed. So if you plan on keeping it pretty stock and just daily driving it or easy trails the nit should be good.. but if you are planning a lift and 32' tires or better it might be better to keep the cash and hold out for a 6cyl or AMC 304