258 Engine Rebuild Kits

[STSCowboy]

Who makes the best/economical AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l Engine Rebuild Kits? The engines got a hole in the #3 piston. Previous owners said a spark plug let go and somehow holed a piston. I’m not sure the cause because I haven’t investigated yet.

My plan is to yank the engine out and investigate damage and tear down the engine to see if more damage exists and clean out the engine and oil passages and pump. If the rest of the engine is salvageable I’ll just replace bearings, piston and hone and re-ring the pistons. I also plan on going with a 4.0L Head.

 

[RiverandSand]

Summit Racing lists several kits for AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , Federal Mogul kits are pretty decent, I've used them before with good results, however not on the 258.

 

[STSCowboy]

Summit Racing lists several kits for 258, Federal Mogul kits are pretty decent, I've used them before with good results, however not on the 258.

Those are the ones I saw too!

 

[caveman]

When I built my engine, I had all the parts priced out and ready to order before I tore it apart. I then took the torn down engine to an engine rebuilder that specialized in race engines to get the machine work done. He asked if I wanted him to order the parts for me and I was skeptical about pricing. I was trying to be as frugal as possible and still get the quality parts that I wanted. He priced it all out and came back a lot cheaper than I could get them myself. Just a thought if you have a reputable rebuilder in your area

 

[STSCowboy]

When I built my engine, I had all the parts priced out and ready to order before I tore it apart. I then took the torn down engine to an engine rebuilder that specialized in race engines to get the machine work done. He asked if I wanted him to order the parts for me and I was skeptical about pricing. I was trying to be as frugal as possible and still get the quality parts that I wanted. He priced it all out and came back a lot cheaper than I could get them myself. Just a thought if you have a reputable rebuilder in your area

Yes, I do. Bostick Racing is who I’m planning to do the machine work if it’s needed. I’m going to measure the bores and pistons and it needs more than just a ball hone I’ll have him go through it.

I have a SBC/SM465/300 I can throw in there but I’m not sure of what’s required to get by the Smog Police in California.