This thing has no power.

[Unsung]

My '77 Jeep CJ7 with it's '75 AMC 232 i6 i6, with 1bbl carburetor has absolutely no power. I put 31" tires on it, and it has 3.54 gears and struggles to get to 55mph, and doesn't want to go much faster. The engine was rebuilt a few years ago, and hasn't been used much since. The carb is rebuilt, and it has new plugs in it. It runs perfect. But I tried to drive it down the road to see how well it does and it's sure struggling. I have a friend with an '86 CJ7 , he has a 258i6 with a 4 speed as well, he gets 21mpg on the highway with his little all terrains, and runs 70mph all day long. What is wrong with this little guy?

Could someone with a Jeep of similar specs weigh in and tell me your experience?
'77 CJ7 , rebuilt 232i6 (stock), T-18 4spd, 3.54 gear ratios, 31" tires.

 

[Scooter402]

My CJ is nowhere near like yours, but my first inclination would be the ignition timing. Low/no power under throttle sounds like timing is a little too far back (retarded). You could try advancing the timing a few degrees (after checking it with a timing light, of course) to see if that helps. My next thought would be the 1 bbl carb, but I'm used to running 4 BIG barrels on mine.

 

[Unsung]

I really don't want to swap in a v8, I like the 6 cylinder. I don't need something fast, just something that'll take the highway and pull an aluminum boat if I want. It has a SOA lift on it, and a set of 36" tires, so I'll be regearing the axles for those tires soon. It drives good, although a bit drifty, but I might can tighten up the steering a bit.

Ideally I want to run 65mph pulling a boat with no need for downshifting. Putting those 31s on it, I expected a huge different in the power compared to the 36" with the 3.54 gears, but I was hugely disappointed.

So I'm thinking now maybe adjust the timing, headers, towing cam, and a small 4bbl. I'm going to calculate doing this VS swapping in a v8.

 

[IOPort51]

I feel your pain, and have walked the path to enlightenment. Yes your machine is gutless because it was never built to push those tires around.

I started with a change in manifold and a two barrel carb but I would suggest the team rush distributor swap as your first move. I think that, of all the engine tricks I have made, was the best bang for the buck.

I would recommend the 4.0 head as well. You have a lot of options, it's just a matter of throwing money and time at the problem.

how do you come to the conclusion you have a AMC 232 i6 ?

 

[Unsung]

The engine came out of my '75 CJ5 . It says 232i6 on top of the grille on the vacuum or emissions diagram (whichever). And the block has E on the plate in front of the distributor.

I was reading that these AMC 232 i6 have lower compression, as well as the slightly lower displacement. I love this engine and rather not get rid of it. I was just now looking at performance parts for it.

Hedman dual outlet headers; $250
Weber 2bbl carburetor; $300
Comp Cam; $AMC 150
Ignition system?

So far I'm at $700. And that doesn't include the improved compression. Do you think these upgrades, as well as adjusting the timing would fix my 55mph rut?

I'm calculating over $750 to improve this engine, but it will be a lot less work. No engine pulling, no engine rebuilding, which is good since it's already rebuilt.

 

[csuengr]

Before you consider a swap, you need to determine the health of your engine. As stated before, start with the timing. Once the timing is good, do a compression check. There is no use throwing headers and cam at a dead engine.

My CJ originally had a 4 cyl with 4.10 gears and it would do 70 mph all day long, as long as it was below 9000 ft.

 

[hole]

Unsung, take a look at this thread http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/teamrush-ignition-upgrade-11416/

 

[IOPort51]

first off, you do not have a 77 CJ5 , you have a 77 with a 75 engine. This makes a big difference with the team rush system.

Header is over rated, I have one. I am not a Weber fan, I do have an MC2100 that set me back about $75, but you need a manifold before you can even think about it. If you think you want a cam look for a high torque RV cam, a cam ground for a stock car or street racer will, maybe, not get you where you want to go. but there are a few things you can do before tearing the motor apart.

try the Team rush mod. let me know if you see a difference. I do not think you will regret it.

My 77 had a 1 bbl. carb and it was very anemic. pretty happy with it right now, with a couple slight modifications.

 

[Unsung]

first off, you do not have a 77 CJ5 , you have a 77 with a 75 engine. This makes a big difference with the team rush system.

Yes, a '75 232i6 out of a CJ5 . I've established this.

 

[coldair]

Everyone it talking upgrading your motor adding power. I beleave you need to see what shape your motor is in before you add any power adders. Plus the gearing needs address this is one of your biggest problems.

 

[IOPort51]

I'm sorry, it's the second half of the sentence that is important. you have a completely different ignition system than the 77. 76 and 77 were what they called transition years so there are some things that are unique to those two years. the distributor is one of them.

Yes, a '75 232i6 out of a CJ5 . I've established this.

 

[Unsung]

I'm sorry, it's the second half of the sentence that is important. you have a completely different ignition system than the 77. 76 and 77 were what they called transition years so there are some things that are unique to those two years. the distributor is one of them.

Ahh I see. I pulled the under hood wiring harness off the '75 as well, so it's all '75 under the hood.

Plus the gearing needs address this is one of your biggest problems.

31" tires, with 3.54 gearing is too extreme?

 

[rr41mag]

A DUI distributor made the biggest difference in my jeep. I have a dual collector header and I feel that helps too. I rebuilt the stock two barrel and I feel like it has the power/torque of a mild V8. I'm running 35's too

 

[IOPort51]

"31" tires, with 3.54 gearing is too extreme?"

Read more: http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/thing-has-no-power-19032/index2.html#ixzz2VdxR5X9M

I always put ratio changes as far down the list as possible, just because they are a lot of money and work. I think with the T-18 (close ratio??) you can pull off the 3.54 gears, I do with a T-150 .

I think we have hit all the high points, do the research, look at your bank account and let the games begin. I can't wait to see how this turns out.
​

 

[coldair]

IO is right I thought you was still running the 36's

 

[Unsung]

A DUI distributor made the biggest difference in my jeep.

I was just looking at these DUI distributors. I like that the coil and ignition module are included and built in. Much less wiring.

IO is right I thought you was still running the 36's

No, I said I put 31" tires on it, I knew it would be lacking in power with the big tires on it and high gears. So I swapped a small set on it just to see how the truck drove and what needed to be addressed. I didn't expect power problems, I was mainly checking the steering and things, and didn't want the oversized tires to exaggerate any problems.

I put 31" tires on it, and it has 3.54 gears and struggles to get to 55mph, and doesn't want to go much faster.

 

[Unsung]

Wow, it won't even spin the tires in gravel, while rolling in second. Which the second gear is geared around the same at 1st in a T-150 3spd.

 

[IOPort51]

I can at least "bark" the rear 33s in first with 3.54s and a T-150 .

start with the ignition, what ever ignition you like best. The one you have is like WW2 tech and is so easy to upgrade. I have the team rush with an MSD capacitor discharge. I get a spark that will light cord wood. The head swap will give you 35 or 40 more HP. and the 2bbl carb will give you more power, smoother idle and acceleration, dependability and not so likely to stall on an incline (if you think climbing a hill is exciting? it is nothing compared to coming down backwards, dead stick.)

Wow, it won't even spin the tires in gravel, while rolling in second. Which the second gear is geared around the same at 1st in a T-150 3spd.