AMC 360? Cost? Good/Bad idea?

[jpcobe]

AMC 360 ebay? $595


I've got a 79 CJ7 with a AMC 304 /T-150 /Dana 20 /AMC20 with single piece axles and Auburn Limited slip . Did all the gaskets, still leaks quite a bit, has a vacuum leak (I think) somewhere in the carb. I'm thinking of just replacing it instead of working on the AMC 304 anymore. Ebay has a 360 that's about an hour away from me. They want $595 for it. But, it has the carb, flywheel, and accessories, as well as the exhaust manifolds (my fenderwell headers are just too loud). Is this worth it? I haven't seen too many around on Craigslist, certainly none locally. I've been toying with the idea of a SBF, but think I need to stick to an easier swap for my first try at this. This thread has re-motivated me to give it a shot.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141876032164?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I live on an Army post and can use the local auto crafts shop to do the swap. Thoughts? Good idea/bad idea?

Jeff

 

[Petescj]

I loved the 360 in my CJ5 and its about the easiest swap you can do.

 

[mriplaybass]

As long as the engine is sound, seems like a pretty fair deal to me, I paid around $200 for a pair of new exhaust manifolds alone recently. Pretty straight forward swap.

 

[Posi]

I've sold a few AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , AMC 304 , and 360 engines and I've always did a compression test before pulling them to pass along the condition of the engine to a potential buyer. I also never advertised one for more then $300. Those engines were sold to Jeepers.

That being said, I think the price is high, but that's me. The condition of the engine isn't known to you, and just because it has a 14 day warranty doesn't mean much to me. It may be a good engine, or it could have more problems then yours.

You may be better off keeping what you have and understand then an unknown. If you do decide to buy at least do a leakdown test before you walk out the door with it. I'm sure the seller wouldn't appose, if he did, I'd walk away.

 

[Hedgehog]

This engine is most likely out of a Wagoner. You'll have to keep your AMC 304 manifolds or get some for a CJ I believe the left side manifold (could be the right) is configured differently for a CJ. Naturally you'll need a new exhaust system. Make sure to get a 360 flywheel. Run a compression check if you can. If the engine is out of the vehicle you likely won't be able to though. Keep the motor mounts from the 360, the AMC 304 mounts are slightly different. Keep the frame side mounts on the CJ.

 

[jpcobe]

So, to both points, these validate what I've seen. Looking at manifolds for the AMC 304 and they're used from $50 up (each), and new well over $100 (each). Plus, I'd need the flywheel, another $50-75. But, when I look at Craigslist (places well over a few hours drive from me) I see a 360 pop up every so often, and it's usually around $300-400. I don't want a problem, not for an extra couple of hundred. Good points, so thanks. That motor was up a few weeks ago and I felt like it was high. It's up again with no bids.

Thanks gents.

Any thoughts on doing this over a 351 SBF? Those are already fuel injected. But then I'm getting into new motor mounts, new radiator probably, and fuel lines...just don't know if I'm up for all that. But, whatever I end up with will be used and will probably need some kind of work. I figured a 360 would give me all the power I'd ever need, and if it ever did take a dive, it would be a better platform to build....anyway, thanks again.

 

[Woolyworm]

I don't know why you'd ever need more than the AMC 304 in a CJ (that's what I have) although if I was going to replace it I might go 360 for the forged stuff it includes. You don't need FI, just get a MC2100 carb.

I would stay AMC just because.

Good luck whatever you choose and thanks for helping to keep me and my family safe [emoji106].


Wooly

 

[Hedgehog]

Wooly - The 360 has standard connecting rods. You get into the forged parts with the 390 and 401. Nice idea, but since we aren't generally drag racing with our CJ's I'm not so sure forged parts are necessary.

 

[jpcobe]

So, I've done a lot of internet reading, and most recommendations say to just skip the AMC 304 rebuild and drop in a 360. Torque/HP gains are worth it and barring a couple of items, like the flywheel, it will drop right in. I'm not saying the AMC 304 isn't enough, but if I'm going to drop the time and money, I figured now is the time. Since I'm also not made of money, a full on ford/chevy swap is probably a lot more than I want to sign up for.

I figure a stock 360 will last a lot longer since I can leave it bone stock and still have enough to do more than I'll ever likely tackle. It was down a lot of the summer for a number of issues, I moved was one. I'm wanting to get it going enough this summer long enough to take the top off and get after some trails.

I'm new to this stuff. I've loved Jeeps all my life, and just got this one not long ago. It's been a lot more frustrating than what I was expecting...but I've enjoyed it all the same.

Thanks again for the input. I'm not biting on this one until I get more information from the seller. If it goes it goes. I just don't see many of these (or at least haven't) so I thought I'd see what you all thought.

 

[Fastatv]

The 360 has significantly more power and torque than a AMC 304 , but this somewhat depends on the year. Its a used engine so who knows....you can't hear it run...right? But if I had to choose between a good running AMC 304 and a good running 360....I would always choose the 360....or even better, a 401...lol

 

[jpcobe]

Right, can't hear it run. Seller doesn't know how to do a leak down test as recommended (I had to look it up). What you're saying about 360 vs AMC 304 is what I keep reading. Folks with good 304s don't have a great reason to switch, but when they do, it seems the general consensus is to go with the 360.

I'm gonna sit this one out I think. I'll see if he lists again and might drop the price, or I 'll keep looking.

 

[Woolyworm]

My AMC 304 will twist out any joints I have if I want to, not sure what the 360 push is about other than its got "more". Big mud, giant tires, towing, drag racing, sure - maybe I'm just getting old......OMG that's it! But yes, if I had them both sitting their I'd go for the 360 as well.


Wooly

 

[Woolyworm]

Arghhhh!

Wooly

 

[Posi]

It's the second time the seller listed at that price with no takers. If you really want it (and it sounds like you do) then shoot him an email and offer him $450. All he can do is say no.

 

[Fastatv]

Arghhhh!

Wooly

Yikes!!!!! Love it....

 

[CJim7]

Arghhhh!

Wooly

I know that Jeep (the top one) From Years ago and a user name I cant remember any more....

Edit: I just remembered......Fuzz401

 

[CJim7]

Wooly - The 360 has standard connecting rods. You get into the forged parts with the 390 and 401. Nice idea, but since we aren't generally drag racing with our CJ's I'm not so sure forged parts are necessary.

 

[Woolyworm]

Yes! That's correct! The local drag strip has an AMC days and our club usually hits it for the weekend. They let us run a slowest crawl race in the strip which is pretty funny. Slowest jeep with no brakes that doesn't stop wins


Wooly

 

[HackFabrication]

Any thoughts on doing this over a 351 SBF? Those are already fuel injected. But then I'm getting into new motor mounts, new radiator probably, and fuel lines...just don't know if I'm up for all that.

I put a 5.0L SBF in my 76 CJ5 :



Not a difficult swap, but definitely not a 'drop in', when compared to going from an AMC 304 to an AMC 360.

The 351W/5.8L is slightly bigger than the 302/5.0L, but should pose no serious problems in regards to fitment. The truck EFI isn't the best way to go. A better route is to convert the intake to the Mustang 5.0L stuff using a manifold for a Lightning pickup. Ditch the truck wiring harness and also use the Mustang version and computer.

I'd also consider swapping out the T-150 for a T-176 .