curious whats a better engine?
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curious whats a better engine?
- Thread starter wdcarut
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3QuarterTon CJ
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I went with the small block Chevy, for parts availability reasons. Just about any parts store keeps stuff in stock for the Chevy mills, and needs to order everything for the AMC mills. And you can find Chevy motors in any junkyard, when you need one.
The other reason is you have sooooooo many more Transmission options with the Chevy motor, without needing adapters.
The other reason is you have sooooooo many more Transmission options with the Chevy motor, without needing adapters.
Purple77CJ7
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If you change out the engine to a Chevy you will have to change radiator and motor mounts,bell housing. You will have to compare costs of replacement compared to rebuild. I run an AMC 401 and am looking to rebuild this winter.
81laredo
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Q. I think that this is the old FORD and CHEVY question.
A. CHEVY
A. CHEVY
ken98k
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The chevy will cost you a little more up front but you end up with a much better engine that is easy and cheap to modify if you want more power.
Old Dog
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I went with a chevy for this reason.
It will cost you more up front to get it installed though.
BusaDave9
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Am I going to be the only one to vote for the AMC V8?
I think they are excellent engines. Sure they have areas that need improvement but how many after market parts are you going to need? The AMC engines can use a better ignition system but it's easy to find a good HEI ignition. Easy to get a carburetor. Now if you are set on EFI then I agree you have countless options on a Chevy V8 but you should still be able to find a good fuel injection system for the AMC V8.
What kind of mods are you planning on? That will help make the decision easier.
You already have a AMC V8 and they were made to fit.
I think they are excellent engines. Sure they have areas that need improvement but how many after market parts are you going to need? The AMC engines can use a better ignition system but it's easy to find a good HEI ignition. Easy to get a carburetor. Now if you are set on EFI then I agree you have countless options on a Chevy V8 but you should still be able to find a good fuel injection system for the AMC V8.
What kind of mods are you planning on? That will help make the decision easier.
You already have a AMC V8 and they were made to fit.
Purple77CJ7
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I agree with BusaDave, that is why I am going to rebild my AMC. I run a full MSD ignition system on mine. I think you should run what you brung to the dance!
wdcarut
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main reason is the block has issues and looks like it has been repaired before, so before I try and rebuild again I was just throwing out the idea of putting in a small block 350
CJ
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Nope! Me too... Gobs of torque and it fits. I never have any trouble getting parts. I don't think I have ever gone to a part store looking for common items an been told that they don't have it.
ken98k
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Saddle Tramp
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Keep your Jeep, Jeep. When I look at Craig’s List the CJs with a Chevy 350 seem to be the ones that never go away and in my opinion are worth less than a jeep with an OEM engine. I know jeep used Chevy motors on & off over the years and even owned the tooling to the GM V6 (Dauntless Buick 225 V6 ) before they sold it back to Chevy but……. The AMC V8s are great high nickel block motors. The best part, they bolt right in.
Kane
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Yet you have a scout Transfer Case . The point is you took a better part from a different vehicle because it fit your needs. I feel this way about a chevy motor conversion. The chevy motor fit my needs so that is what I did and i would do it again without question. I just think that most people to a terrible job with the conversion and that hurts the value in a big way. If done correctly than to me it would be a worthy purchase if I were looking to buy a Jeep. Plus no one can deny the parts availability.
ken98k
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{1990 yj 2.5L i-4 AX-5 NP231 Dana 30 front Dana 35c rear}
1996 XJ Cherokee 4.0 HO
{2000 silverado}
{1979 Cadillac Sedan DeVille}
The original question was " what's a better engine?"
I have mutiple jeeps and mutiple AMC 304 's and I can guarantee tha a sbc of equal age and mileage will have more power, more torqe, and be more dependable, and vastly easier to maintain.
That said, if you have a an AMC motor, it's a no brainer that it'll be a quick and easy drop in.
7D8CJ
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I like the AMC. Everyone has a chevy. Variety is the spice of life.
Kane
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I know but the post I quoted was saying keep jeep a jeep yet he had a scout Transfer Case in his according to his signature. That was all I meant by it.
jasonmark1993
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73 CJ5, 408W, Toploader, Dana 20, 9" Dana 30 5.38 gears, next purchase=slicks
Id vote AMC if you already have one. I cant find one close by so Im going Ford.
CJim7
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Put me down for the AMC also.
And I disagree with the 350 having more torque. AMC V8's were built for torque, they suffer at the higher end for power, but that is the price. Stock SBC's were built for higher rpm performance. I'll take my 401 at 600rpm's over any sbc any day as far as torque goes
Any question about AMC V8 performance and capability over the SBC should be directed to Bulltear.com
I've never had difficulty finding parts...but then, I know where to look. Granted, parts are a bit more expensive then Chevy's and rebuilding can run you some money.
AMC powerplants tend to have oiling issues....but you find those issues with people running built up blocks and high rpms....do the research
And I disagree with the 350 having more torque. AMC V8's were built for torque, they suffer at the higher end for power, but that is the price. Stock SBC's were built for higher rpm performance. I'll take my 401 at 600rpm's over any sbc any day as far as torque goes
Any question about AMC V8 performance and capability over the SBC should be directed to Bulltear.com
I've never had difficulty finding parts...but then, I know where to look. Granted, parts are a bit more expensive then Chevy's and rebuilding can run you some money.
AMC powerplants tend to have oiling issues....but you find those issues with people running built up blocks and high rpms....do the research