1974 CJ5 w/ 304 -- Upgrades?

emeraldcite · 11-25-2009, 06:56 PM

I have a 1974 CJ5 with a 304 V8. I have a Motorcraft 2100 carb (which I just rebuilt) and Delco Points distributor.

Two things I want to do in the immediate future (as in, I’m now collecting the parts):

1. I need to replace my alternator and voltage regulator. Jeephammer suggested a Delco Alternator with an Internal regulator (to remove the need for the voltage regulator).

How do I know which Delco model fits?

What ampage do I want? I just need to run the engine, the lights, and eventually a small stereo.

Any other good and inexpensive suggestions on an alternator that you’ve installed? I know I can get parts cheap through autozone ($85 for alternator and regulator), but if there’s something better…well then, I’d rather do that.

2. I want to Teamrush. I know I need a new distributor for it.

Is the Motorcraft style from the 78+ V8 a drop in?

Would the Cardone Reman from Autozone be an acceptable replacement?

Or would it be more worthwhile to get something of a higher quality or from a “you pull it”?

From there, I think I can follow the upgrade instructions. I want to make the upgrade as simple as possible.

I’m looking to keep the jeep mostly stock (with some quality of driving upgrades). It’s primarily my daily driver, so my first priority is making sure it runs fairly soundly. I also have to keep it cheap. I’m not looking for high performance stuff as much as just reliable.

Down the line I can go full msd, but for the time being, I need to keep it reasonable.

Thanks for the advice!

**thantos858** · 11-25-2009, 07:13 PM

There have been a couple threads on both subjects. For 2 do a search for team rush upgrade should provide you a parts list of whats needed. 1 try a search for alternators or just pm jeephammer and ask him what kind fits since hes probably the one that posted the size already. You could also just search through his posts and find the info.

emeraldcite · 11-25-2009, 07:22 PM

I've been through most of the Teamrush threads, but I was just confirming I was on the right path.

madhappy401 · 11-25-2009, 07:26 PM

When you replace the distributor use your old gear or replace the cam gear and the distributor gear as a set

emeraldcite · 11-25-2009, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madhappy401

When you replace the distributor use your old gear or replace the cam gear and the distributor gear as a set

Have you swapped out your distributor? If so, did you keep delco points or change it out with something else?

madhappy401 · 11-25-2009, 09:23 PM

I went with the ignitor it replaces the points.you just take out the points and put it in. had good luck with it so far about 6 yrs.JEGS has it. that way you don't have to mess with the gears.

emeraldcite · 11-25-2009, 09:30 PM

I'll take a look at that. Thanks!

Dad03 · 11-26-2009, 11:02 AM

I have a 75 w/ the 304. Definitely go with the Team Rush. My Prestolite system always had something to fix. I did the Team Rush and not one ignition issue since.
I have also added Hedmann headers, Edelbrock Performer intake, Holley Projection Fuel Injection.
Don't think the headers did much for performance. actually was a pain in the butt. Probably would not do it again and may put the stock exhaust manifolds back on. As far as the Intake and FI still tweaking so time will tell.
The MC 2100 did really well offroad. I am just an upgrade addict.

emeraldcite · 11-26-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dad03

I have a 75 w/ the 304. Definitely go with the Team Rush. My Prestolite system always had something to fix. I did the Team Rush and not one ignition issue since.
I have also added Hedmann headers, Edelbrock Performer intake, Holley Projection Fuel Injection.
Don't think the headers did much for performance. actually was a pain in the butt. Probably would not do it again and may put the stock exhaust manifolds back on. As far as the Intake and FI still tweaking so time will tell.
The MC 2100 did really well offroad. I am just an upgrade addict.

Thanks!

I'm thinking I might go pull a distributor or get the cheap cardone one through autozone or advanced auto. Then grab all the other parts. When you did the Teamrush, did you put in a new distributor?

What distributor did you use?

Dad03 · 11-26-2009, 12:58 PM

You will need to use a motorcraft distributor from a 79+ Jeep CJ with the 304. I got mine from advance auto for around 54 bucks with core exchange. The Team Rush is really easy to put together.
I had all kinds of issues with the engine running/iding that I thought was due to the carb or vacuum leaks. Turns out it was a weak spark from the Prestolite. The Team Rush took care of all those.

If you need mufflers look into flowsound. They are flow master knocks offs but a lot cheaper in price (not quality). I got 2 shipped to my door for less than 50 bucks. I got single baffles and they sound bad azz.

emeraldcite · 11-26-2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dad03

You will need to use a motorcraft distributor from a 79+ Jeep CJ with the 304. I got mine from advance auto for around 54 bucks with core exchange. The Team Rush is really easy to put together.
I had all kinds of issues with the engine running/iding that I thought was due to the carb or vacuum leaks. Turns out it was a weak spark from the Prestolite. The Team Rush took care of all those.

Yeah, think i was looking at the same thing. Was it drop in or did you have to do any mods? Seems like a drop in job.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dad03

If you need mufflers look into flowsound. They are flow master knocks offs but a lot cheaper in price (not quality). I got 2 shipped to my door for less than 50 bucks. I got single baffles and they sound bad azz.

cool. i'll check those out. i have th PO's glasspaks on there now, but they're due for a change.

Thanks for the info. i want to do things right the first time and without breaking anything important.