Cj engine swap

[mattp1788]

I need to replace my AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l that blew up on me and was wanting to get some input from you guys on what you think I should put... It was going to be between amc 360, Chevy 350, or Chevy 5.3? I was wanting something with more power for the highway since this is a street driving jeep and mild trails! I was also looking for availability since 360 engines and parts are hard to find around where I live that's why I was leaning towards the Chevy side... Any advice would help thanks! For reference the jeep has a T-150 and Dana 20 Transfer Case also!

 

[CJ]

There is a lot of info on the site about a conversion. I would try and find a 360. They as close to direct bolt on as possible.

If you don't mind a Transmission and adaptor, different radiator, wiring, drive shaft mods, wiring, throttle cable and a few other items the Chevy is a popular swap.

Just a few of the many threads.

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/need-suggestions-1986-cj7-swapping-v8-350-a-9350/
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/1985-cj-7-chevy-350-swap-question-11318/

 

[mtnwhlr]

There is a lot of info on the site about a conversion. I would try and find a 360. They as close to direct bolt on as possible.

If you don't mind a Transmission and adaptor, different radiator, wiring, drive shaft mods, wiring, throttle cable and a few other items the Chevy is a popular swap.

Just a few of the many threads.

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/need-suggestions-1986-cj7-swapping-v8-350-a-9350/
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/1985-cj-7-chevy-350-swap-question-11318/

but keep it Jeep find a AMC 304 ,360 or a 401 and it would be the easiest swap.

 

[mattp1788]

thanks for the info guys I would love to keep it "jeep"... I have search all around the junkyards near me and on ebay and cant find any amc 360s or 401s, but i will keep looking it may be a while before I find something. I have found rebuilt ones but they are around $2200... I wasnt looking to put that much into it right now, but looks like I might have to!

 

[Scooter402]

Here ya go...

AMC 360

 

[CJ]

I bet if you swap in a sbc you'll be at $2200 or more after all the custom parts you will need. Read through the threads I linked to and also the sub threads they link to to see the extent of the sbc conversion.

 

[Scooter402]

Or this --

Jeep CJ7 Rare Levi's Edition

:drool:

Nice project for the price

 

[CJ]

Here ya go...

AMC 360

A Texas 360...

 

[Old Dog]

I like my sbc 350, but as cj said you will still have a couple grand in it by the time you done. But engine parts are cheaper and easier to find.
check out Novak or Advance Adapters for more info.

 

[Scooter402]

I'll play devil's advocate here, being on both sides of the fence. Yes -- an SBC swap could possibly cost you more than an AMC V8 swap, depending on parts machining and what all you need for a rebuild (speaking of an AMC engine and their respective parts availability)...but I am in love with my SBC 402...Gobs of power, and parts are cheap...well, all except the go-fast goodies I like to play with. I might tame the engine down a little while I am re-working the jeep to be more useful all-around, so I could have a rather large solid roller camshaft and associated parts up for sale, if there be any takers.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Look, most of you know where I stand on this issue; keep your jeep, jeep. I freely give all the accolades to the SBC, heck there are probably more of them on Planet Earth than anything else short of H2O and dirt. However, around my neck of the woods the SBC CJs stay on Craig’s List longer than the Jeep powered ones. But more important to me is the fact that there aren’t that many CJs left that haven’t been castrated to the point of no return. With three viable OEM V8s available that will just drop right in or at worst require very little work, if power is what you seek it can be had using all OEM parts and no aftermarket adaptors.

 

[CJim7]

Look, most of you know where I stand on this issue; keep your jeep, jeep. I freely give all the accolades to the SBC, heck there are probably more of them on Planet Earth than anything else short of H2O and dirt. However, around my neck of the woods the SBC CJs stay on Craig’s List longer than the Jeep powered ones. But more important to me is the fact that there aren’t that many CJs left that haven’t been castrated to the point of no return. With three viable OEM V8s available that will just drop right in or at worst require very little work, if power is what you seek it can be had using all OEM parts and no aftermarket adaptors.

Completely agree.