AMC 401 or AMC 360: Newbie install first engine swap

[Deerejeep]

New to the site here and glad I found y'all. I've started my 81' CJ7 restoration and currently I've decided not to waste anymore time working with my 2.5 liter.

I have an opportunity to acquire a couple of AMC 360's from '79 Cherokees and an AMC 401 from a '74. My understanding is that either would be a relatively easy swap. I've never rebuilt an engine before so I'm not really sure what questions I should be asking or looking out for as I look to make a deal on one.
I've done suspension work, basic electrical etc. In building up my '08. Essentially I read a lot, have decent tools and no fear!

My use for this Jeep will be to drive to work on Fridays, head to the hardware store on the weekends and keep it forever.

The 360 was pulled 10 years ago and has been stored on a pallet inside. The 401 is disassembled. Any reason to not go bigger? I'm looking to pair it to a T-18 or T-176 . I appreciate the help and hope to also contribute here too. I was super encouraged on another forum With help in building my jk and hope y'all have a similar willingness here too.

Thanks

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Welcome from Texas. Glad to have you here! Folks are more than willing to help with your questions here.


This won't be too expensive Dear! That's what I keep saying. Over and over again.

 

[Deerejeep]

Welcome from Texas. Glad to have you here! Folks are more than willing to help with your questions here.


This won't be too expensive Dear! That's what I keep saying. Over and over again.

That's what I said with the JK! She's well prepared for this one! Appreciate the welcome.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

If it were me I'd use the 401.. 360's are a dime a dozen, a 401 is kinda hard to find. Even a motor that's been sitting assembled for 10 yrs should be torn down to a short block, and have all the gaskets replaced and new bearings. I'd look into having the 401 professionally rebuilt. When it comes to motors it's a shame to half *** a shady motor into a jeep only to find out its shot to begin with. Since its torn down you may be able to take the 401 block to a shop and have them inspect it and make sure it's good. He'll if the price is good for the 401 I would grab both. You can toss the 360 and hope for the best while having the 401 built.

The 360 sitting on a pallet inside can still get moisture I side the cylinders if its missing the plugs. Then there will be cylinders with exhaust and intake valves open.

I'd go 401 all day long.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

My vote is to use the AMC 401. They are rare and not only does it have more cubic inches for the same block size as the 360 but the 401 has a few upgrades over the 360 such as forged crank and rods rather than cast. Regardless of which engine you rebuild as long as you have it down, do the oiling upgrades to supply the back cylinders and don’t overbore the 401; only take out as much of the cylinder walls as need to round things up as punching them out by .060 will lead to overheating.

Although this video is geared to horse power rather than crawling torque it does show some oiling upgrades. http://www.powerblocktv.com/episodes/HP2012-04/amc-other-engine-build-up

Remember that the AMC v8s are externally balanced so the flywheel has to be balanced for the engine size; a 360 will not work on a 401 for example. All of the AMC V8s and I6 use the same engine to bell housing bolt pattern and are interchangable, so if you want to use a T-18 then a 1977 to 1979 CJ bell housing will let you use either a CJ T-18 or a Ford T-18 . However, the T-18 used in the jeep world generally is mated to the Texas patterned Dana 20 Transfer Case while the jeep version of the T-176 will come adapted for the Dana 300 .

 

[CJim7]

I would go with the 401 also. The forged parts make the difference, but what many people don't know is the 401 block has a higher nickel content than other blocks....this is very desirable for longevity.

Keep it simple with this engine...as was stated already, the 401 tends to run hot anyway, and over boring will contribute.

You will want to mate this to a T-18 . Given the choice between a T-176 and the T-18 , its a no-brainer.

 

[Deerejeep]

If it were me I'd use the 401.. 360's are a dime a dozen, a 401 is kinda hard to find. Even a motor that's been sitting assembled for 10 yrs should be torn down to a short block, and have all the gaskets replaced and new bearings. I'd look into having the 401 professionally rebuilt. When it comes to motors it's a shame to half *** a shady motor into a jeep only to find out its shot to begin with. Since its torn down you may be able to take the 401 block to a shop and have them inspect it and make sure it's good. He'll if the price is good for the 401 I would grab both. You can toss the 360 and hope for the best while having the 401 built.

The 360 sitting on a pallet inside can still get moisture I side the cylinders if its missing the plugs. Then there will be cylinders with exhaust and intake valves open.

I'd go 401 all day long.

My vote is to use the AMC 401. They are rare and not only does it have more cubic inches for the same block size as the 360 but the 401 has a few upgrades over the 360 such as forged crank and rods rather than cast. Regardless of which engine you rebuild as long as you have it down, do the oiling upgrades to supply the back cylinders and don’t overbore the 401; only take out as much of the cylinder walls as need to round things up as punching them out by .060 will lead to overheating.

Although this video is geared to horse power rather than crawling torque it does show some oiling upgrades. http://www.powerblocktv.com/episodes/HP2012-04/amc-other-engine-build-up

Remember that the AMC v8s are externally balanced so the flywheel has to be balanced for the engine size; a 360 will not work on a 401 for example. All of the AMC V8s and I6 use the same engine to bell housing bolt pattern and are interchangable, so if you want to use a T-18 then a 1977 to 1979 CJ bell housing will let you use either a CJ T-18 or a Ford T-18 . However, the T-18 used in the jeep world generally is mated to the Texas patterned Dana 20 Transfer Case while the jeep version of the T-176 will come adapted for the Dana 300 .

I would go with the 401 also. The forged parts make the difference, but what many people don't know is the 401 block has a higher nickel content than other blocks....this is very desirable for longevity.

Keep it simple with this engine...as was stated already, the 401 tends to run hot anyway, and over boring will contribute.

You will want to mate this to a T-18 . Given the choice between a T-176 and the T-18 , its a no-brainer.

Thanks all. I'm looking into making the 401 deal, we'll see if it works. I'm also looking at an engine stand and picker and looking at Harbour freight. Also, need to find a engine shop. Thanks for the link saddle tramp.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

I'm also looking at an engine stand and picker and looking at Harbour freight.QUOTE]

Best $300 I have spent in a while was on the engine hoist. Makes a one man job out of a lot of stuff when working on a vehicle.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Spend the money on a stand that has 4 wheels.. Trust me. I had a engine flip off a stand, destroy the valve cover and crack the block.. Not what you want to happen.

 

[CJ]

Spend the money on a stand that has 4 wheels.. Trust me. I had a engine flip off a stand, destroy the valve cover and crack the block.. Not what you want to happen.

This!
And also if you can, get one with crank handle (gear box) for rotating the engine - you'll be glad you did once you start assembly as rotating the engine once a crank, rods, pistons and heads gets VERY heavy.

 

[CJim7]

This!
And also if you can, get one with crank handle (gear box) for rotating the engine - you'll be glad you did once you start assembly as rotating the engine once a crank, rods, pistons and heads gets VERY heavy.

And a leveling bar...invaluable when setting the engine

 

[Deerejeep]

Here is the stand and crane I'm looking at. Thoughts?


1000 Lb. Engine Stand


Shop Crane, 1 Ton Capacity Foldable

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Here is the stand and crane I'm looking at. Thoughts?


1000 Lb. Engine Stand


Shop Crane, 1 Ton Capacity Foldable

for $15 more bucks, get the two ton crane. Worth the money and the extra reach you get.

 

[CJ]

The hoist works but please look at a stand like this...

-->> JEGS Performance Products 80059 JEGS Rotating Engine Stand

 

[Old Dog]

listen to CJ on the stand advice. The crank is worth the extra money.
Also read the revues on the cranes, a lot of people said the boom wasn't long enough on one of them. (can't remember which one I was looking at awhile back)

 

[CJ]

listen to CJ on the stand advice. ~~~

Yea! Someone agrees with me!

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

listen to CJ on the stand advice. The crank is worth the extra money.
Also read the revues on the cranes, a lot of people said the boom wasn't long enough on one of them. (can't remember which one I was looking at awhile back)

The only "issue" I have had with with the 2 ton hoist I got was that it BARELY fits between the front tires on my narrow track CJ5 . The length of the boom overcomes that by allowing you to stradle one of the front tires and still be able to reach things.

This purchase was made AFTER I pulled my engine. I took the head off the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and that block was all I wanted to pick up with the crank and all still in it! That took me a while to recover from, I'm not 17 anymore!!!!

 

[Deerejeep]

for $15 more bucks, get the two ton crane. Worth the money and the extra reach you get.

Took the advice. Actually got it for $162! Built the crane and took a fender off. Probably going to look at a 360 running in a Cherokee today. 401 lead has gone cold. I did not get an engine stand. I figure I would use the 1000 lb. dolly I purchased to hold the 4 cyl and maybe get the stand when I get the big engine.

 

[rr41mag]

I have that same hoist. Be careful of the legs folded up cause they will fall on you. Wrap a tiedown strap around them when they are folded up. I took a short piece of 2" steel tube and stuck it in the boom then picked up my body. I like the hoist myself. My hydraulic cylinder was bad right off the bat. I took it back (wearing my orielly shirt and hat) they exchanged it no problem.

 

[Deerejeep]

I have that same hoist. Be careful of the legs folded up cause they will fall on you. Wrap a tiedown strap around them when they are folded up. I took a short piece of 2" steel tube and stuck it in the boom then picked up my body. I like the hoist myself. My hydraulic cylinder was bad right off the bat. I took it back (wearing my orielly shirt and hat) they exchanged it no problem.

Appreciate the advice.