curious whats a better engine?

[Saddle Tramp]

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.

Yes I do have a Dana 300 and it is from a Scout with the Texas bolt pattern so I admit my jeep is not Lilly white but CJs did come with a Dana 300 from the factory and I don’t recall seeing the Chevy 350 on the CJ power plant option list; the Buick version of the 350 was used briefly in the Waggoner however, so I guess you can hang a hat on that as a case for the 350. I will also concede that parts for the SBC are plentiful and can be cost effective (if there is such a thing in the automotive world); if there was an award being given out for the most versatile engine ever built the 350 would win hands down. I also agree that a lot of hack job transplants are out there too. But…… In spite of the quirks the AMC V8s have there are a lot of good qualities too and can be built to make as much HP as a Chevy if that’s what you want.

I stand by my statement about the discounted value of a CJ with a 350 but for those who want to make boo-koo power and fly their jeeps at low altitude go for it if that’s what floats your boat; this is America and for the moment we still have that right, except for the smog Nazis restrictions already in place. However, there is something to be said about the old iron and OEM equipment. Sure there aren’t many CJs out there without mods of some sort; springs, carbs, ignition systems, tires & wheels, etc. and I have some of that on my CJ too, all improvements, but I take pride in the fact my CJ is built using no aftermarket adaptors; but that’s just me. Heck, I still shoot a film camera using black & white because it’s cool and can give you results the new digital equipment just can’t.

 

[CJim7]

if there was an award being given out for the most versatile engine ever built the 350 would win hands down.

That's the big misconception. A 350 is no more and no less versatile then any other engine. It's just the simple fact that Chevy used the damn thing in almost everything it built....makes them plentiful and parts cheap because everyone needs parts for them, thus everyone stocks parts for them

It's just another hunk of metal...not the holy grail of engines by any means. There's nothing magical about it, and it puts out around the same power and torque as many engines of comparable displacement.

They are also no more reliable then any other well maintained engine....they get rebuilt just as often and for the same reasons.....once again, its a simple matter of the parts being cheaper and more available because everyone and their sister has one in their Bowtie.

Personally hate that engine. It's comparative to hiring illegal mexicans to harvest your crops because they are cheap and plentiful.

 

[priceg]

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.

Nope, I am for the AMC. I like to keep apples with apples. If I want a 4x4 with a 350, I will go buy a old K10 pick up.

 

[Canadian CJ 7]

AMC 360 out of a 1973 Javelin going into my Jeep. I like Chevy engines but for a Jeep it's got to be an AMC V8 for me.

 

[jeepboy45]

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.

I'm in as well !!!
Stay true to the AMC.. There is absolutely no reason you cant make as much power as with a Ford or a Chevy.

I started with a AMC 304 , and moved to a 360 and would love to move again to a 401 but dont have the $$ to do so now.

The AMC blocks have more nickle content than Chevys or Fords. And from what I understand are actually more durable because of it. You can run the heck out of them with virtually no oil pressure too !!! Not that I am advocating that !!!

Yes, parts are a LITTLE mor expensive, but not much. However parts are definitely more available for a Chevy.

With an AMC there are several tranny options you can go with and still be very happy.

Just my 2 cents.
brian

 

[jeepboy45]

Personally hate that engine. It's comparative to hiring illegal mexicans to harvest your crops because they are cheap and plentiful.

I saw this quote and had to comment... I dont HATE the engine as you do, but love the comparison you made!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

 

[AussieCJ7]

That's the big misconception. A 350 is no more and no less versatile then any other engine. It's just the simple fact that Chevy used the damn thing in almost everything it built....makes them plentiful and parts cheap because everyone needs parts for them, thus everyone stocks parts for them

It's just another hunk of metal...not the holy grail of engines by any means. There's nothing magical about it, and it puts out around the same power and torque as many engines of comparable displacement.

They are also no more reliable then any other well maintained engine....they get rebuilt just as often and for the same reasons.....once again, its a simple matter of the parts being cheaper and more available because everyone and their sister has one in their Bowtie.

Personally hate that engine. It's comparative to hiring illegal mexicans to harvest your crops because they are cheap and plentiful.

In addition to the use of SBC in almost everything that ever rolled out a GM door GM were one of the very few that made a full line of business in selling crate engines ready to go covering a wide range of budgets and uses/power output. Ford and Mopar have tried but never replicated GM's success in the crate engine business mainly due to not covering all budgets not everyone can afford a squillion $$ for a 7 million HP mopar engine

I think this is the biggest reason its the most common swap in many automotive circles

 

[jasonmark1993]

Im starting to notice that alot of things on the Jeep are compatible with Fords.

Fuel level sending unit appears to operate (resistance) the same as a Ford unit.

Starter solenoid is the same.

Some models use Duraspark which is Ford.

My friend bolted his Ford Toploader Transmission to his AMC bellhousing--just had to change the pilot bearing.

When I install my 408 Im hoping the accessories bolt on but not counting on it.

Just something to think about if you aren't able to come up with an AMC engine.

 

[coldair]

I havent heard anything about putting a ford 302 in a jeep i love mine!!

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Im starting to notice that alot of things on the Jeep are compatible with Fords.

Fuel level sending unit appears to operate (resistance) the same as a Ford unit.

Starter solenoid is the same.

Some models use Duraspark which is Ford.

My friend bolted his Ford Toploader Transmission to his AMC bellhousing--just had to change the pilot bearing.

When I install my 408 Im hoping the accessories bolt on but not counting on it.

Just something to think about if you aren't able to come up with an AMC engine.

Well let’s see… Ford designed transmissions, Ford carbs, Ford distributor/ignition system, Ford style starter solenoid, and that’s just the ones off the top of my head; all proof that jeep begged, borrowed, and stole parts from anyone that they could. Even my 1980 CJ5 had a little, ever so tiny bowtie in the middle of the steering wheel.

 

[Bassic1967]

it's a matter of personal opinion, but i am buying a 360 A.M.C. crate engine from R.P.M. machine with tax return, later, when finances allow, I am going to get the Howell TBI fuel injection and fenderwell headers for it. I am also looking at a '72 J2000 to get the 4 speed and Dana 44 's. this combination should be reliable, have more than enough power and torque, and be pretty much unbreakable in a fiberglass bodied CJ5 .

 

[1986cj7]

In my opinion the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is one of the best and most reiliable engines ever made. Its not a power house but it has enough power and plenty of torouqe to get the job done. High horsepower a good trail machine does not always make. Now if I was to up grade to more power I wouldn't even bother with a AMC 304 unless going from an inline 4, I would just go straight to a 360 or the rare 401. For me going from a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l there just isn't enough jump in horsepower and torque to waste time and money on the switch. Just my opinion. SO my vote goes for the 360 or if you can find it the 401.

 

[CJim7]

Well let’s see… Ford designed transmissions, Ford carbs, Ford distributor/ignition system, Ford style starter solenoid, and that’s just the ones off the top of my head; all proof that jeep begged, borrowed, and stole parts from anyone that they could. Even my 1980 CJ5 had a little, ever so tiny bowtie in the middle of the steering wheel.

Lol...true. Not to mention, GM seatbelts, GM based steering columns, Volkswagon wiper fluid motors, Ford Mustang radiators, French transmissions, the list goes on...

 

[johnbilt]

I like my amc360 and I like having a factory V8. But that's just me. Novak Conversions has an excellent website concerning conversions.

Once setup, either V8 will work excellent for you and provide more power than needed. If your current AMC block is junk, you can probably find another one around for a decent price. I suspect that rebuilding an AMC is the most economical way to go since it all fits. The chevy provides the best parts availability by far, and the aftermarket list is just about endless. But do you need this?

I'd put the hotrod 350 in the sweet restored 66 Chevelle!