[CJ-7]

First timer here so be gentle with me!!

I put a Chevy 4.3 in my CJ-7 about 6 years ago, using a manifold from a Safari on one side and one from a Jimmy on the other. I have a hard time getting a good seal (aka noisey) between the custom exhaust pipes and the cast iron manifold, the bolts are almost impossible to get to. Wondering if anyone makes any headers specifically for my setup? I read where there are a lot of folks using the combo for rock crawling.

Ole Anderson


By the way I was happy to see this format for the forum, I think it is the best message board engine so far, same as Arboristsite.com where you can find some insane chainsaw posts (check out the Predator aluminum V-8 hot saw)!

[TN_CJ3A]

Just an FYI that may or may not help your situation. I put a 4.3L in my CJ3A. I originally went w/ the stock exhaust manifolds which were a PITA. I wasn't happy and wanted outside the framerail headers. I got to looking around at what V6 headers were available. I found that Buick V6 headers for a CJ5 were the closest I was going to get.

The spacing between the header tubes was very close to the spacing on the 4.3L V6 heads (tried to minimize the amount of fabrication and tube bending). I went ahead and got the headers, cut the head flanges off the headers, made new flanges, using a FelPro 4.3L V6 exhaust manifold gasket as a template for the exhaust ports and bolt pattern. The exhaust ports were rectangle shaped on the Buick headers, so I rounded out the header tubes where they were rectangled and welded the new flanges to the header tubes. Worked like a charm! Granted you can't run out and buy exactly what you want, but it is possible to fabricate them. I bet I only had 5 to 7 hours in the whole project. Now I have the headers I wanted and decreased the exhaust routing complication. I just had the headers ceramic coated this week so they would last.

TN_CJ3A

[CJ-7]

Thanks for the info. While I now know I could go the same route based on your experience, I was hoping there was a mfr which saw the need and put together a package. I bet there are a lot more 4.3 Chevys going into CJ's now than Buick V-6's.

Again, thanks for the reply.

By the way I just replaced the steering column when the steering got real stiff, the local shop was telling me I needed a rebuild on the stering gear. Turned out it was the bearings in the steering shaft within the column siezing.

[CJ-7]

By the way, I am a little embarrased about using CJ-7 as my handle as though I am THE CJ-7. It's just that I have been using it for years on other forums and I just stumbled on jeepforum.com. When I first posted here I was suprised there wasn't another CJ-7. Is there any etiquete problem with it?

[TN_CJ3A]

Originally posted by CJ-7
By the way, I am a little embarrased about using CJ-7 as my handle as though I am THE CJ-7...... Is there any etiquete problem with it?

My theory is, if it works, don't mess with it! I don't have a problem with it. Anyone who does have issues with it probably need to find something else to worry about....!

You'd think they would make more 4.3 conversion parts since they are popular. I love mine!

TN_CJ3A

[NaeKid]

Originally posted by CJ-7
By the way, I am a little embarrased about using CJ-7 as my handle as though I am THE CJ-7. It's just that I have been using it for years on other forums and I just stumbled on jeepforum.com. When I first posted here I was suprised there wasn't another CJ-7. Is there any etiquete problem with it?

Etiquette problem with the name? Naa .. as long as the name you choose isn't contraversial, it should be quite alright.

As far as headers go for the 4.3l engine, its a great engine with almost as much aftermarket support as the 5.7l engine .. meaning you can walk into virtually any speed-shop and get a set of headers (look for headers for a 1/2ton 4x4 with 4.3l engine) ..