AMC 2.5 upgrades?

[Lightnin 1]

Is there any upgrades that can be done at a reasonable price on a 1984 2.5L? Not looking to race it, but would like to have a little more power. Still a daily driver. In need of a rebuild, and would like a V-8, but life has kinda gotten in the way for right now.


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[craveman85]

You could do the basic header and a Weber carb. Or you could probably piece together a junkyard efi setup relatively cheap.

 

[Belizean]

You could do the basic header and a Weber carb. Or you could probably piece together a junkyard efi setup relatively cheap.

I have never found a header for the AMC 2.5. That being said, the 2 best things I have done for mine is Weber & MSD AL6 ignition. Just with I had done that 200K back

 

[Lightnin 1]

They claim that a header for a YJ 2.5 will fit mine...... I really haven't put a lot of thought into the 4 cylinder until I started using it for a daily driver. .i bought the thing thinking I was going to set a nice V8 in it for weekend use. Now it's my "go to" ride. Wife can't drive it so it's always home & got enough gas to get somewhere. The oil consumption is what's killing me. 1 quart every 100-AMC 150 miles....... Rebuild time..


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[craveman85]

If it needs a rebuild I'd spend the $1k ish on a good running AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l donor. Could probably complete the swap in a day or weekend and get roughly the same mpg. Unless you want to keep the 4 like me. I'm rebuilding my iron duke. If it's getting rebuilt anyways look into an aftermarket cam and Weber carb. And a better yj exhaust.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Do you have any SMOG laws to deal with?
IMO-Put your $$$ into a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , 6cyl.
LG

 

[Torxhead]

Lightnin 1, I see you have a fairly high axle gear ratio for the 2.5. I believe AMC offered a 4.10 gear ratio, going to a lower gear setup will help you considerably. Just what size tires are you using, as that is another major consideration when using that engine.

 

[Lightnin 1]

Running 3.54 gears & 31 x 10.50 tires. I can get my hands on a set of 4.10 gears but got to set up both sets of differentials....... Don't really wanna do that. I'm just looking to make it to the grocery store without burning more oil than I do gas!!!!!


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[Lumpy Grits]

Give us some details on this engine. Like miles on it, and have you done a compression test?
What weight oil do you use in the engine?
LG

 

[craveman85]

I'd rebuild then. Is it 4 speed or 5? If 4 I'd probably keep the 3.54. Otherwise you'd be screaming on the highway. You may find it has adequate power in normal running condition which it's obviously not in now. In my parts it costs about 600 per axle to swap gears. Including all parts. I'm not sure what the break is but at some point with both differentials you need new carriers.

 

[Lightnin 1]

Running a T-4 .. Engine has 3 good cylinders. #4 is pretty much shot. someone (father-in-law),put fresh rings in it but did not want to machine the block when he owned it. Compression is 125-130 on 1-3. #4 is pushing bout 75. That cylinder is so worn that the skirt will chatter at an idle. I'm running straight 30 weight with oil treatment in it.


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[craveman85]

Yeah best increase of power and simplicity in your case is a new engine or a rebuild. You're probably around 75-80 of your factory rated 120ish hp. 3 options. Compete rebuild, buy a reman engine with a warranty, or buy a good used engine to swap. I used to commute daily with a 2.3 ranger (105hp lima engine) with 3.54 and 31s. Ididn't use 5th much but with a fresh engine and a few of the minor mods you should be ok with it and the 4 speed. That T-4 has a 4.0x first which helps a little.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Pull that engine and have a shop tell you if it's rebuildable along with the cost.
LG

 

[craveman85]

I just took my iron duke in for machining, rebuilding the heads, and ordering the rebuild kit. Traded the shop a couple of amc v8s I got for free and I'm only in it for about 300$ amc v8s are getting hard to find around here.