Just when I think I'm headed in the final direction for the Jeep, something comes up.

[cuban11182]

So I haven't had my CJ for very long, but after debating about keeping the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l or betting a 4BT I decided to stay with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . Since then an OFFY dual plane, Holley 390 after the MC2150, the DUI distributor, Jeepair setup, powermaster alternator, and now a used T-176 that I'm going to rebuild someone throws a wrench in the works.

A buddy of mine is selling a 360 with less than 50K for cheap.......what to do, what to do.....:drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:

 

[mtnwhlr]

A buddy of mine is selling a 360 with less than 50K for cheap.......what to do, what to do.....:drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:

Sounds easy to me why is it not at your place yet? You know the term " you snoze you lose"

 

[cuban11182]

I've spent so much so far, I just didn't want to do the V8 since I have a V8 in my truck. Its too late to start searching now to see what the options are, and what I can do as far as the build goes.

Is it really that much better of an engine over the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l ?

Besides, I know where it's at, and it's not moving from it's location. Since I live in an apartment here it's sitting where I would rebuild it.

Tomorrow I'm going to do the research and see what the options are. Is this a better engine than a Chevy 350?

 

[jdcaples]

<snip>
Is this a better engine than a Chevy 350?

I ran 350s in my first three cars. The engine lasted me longer than frames, doors, trunk, front coil springs, leaf springs... For longevity - as long as I did regular oil changes - I gave 'em an "A+" but I truly hated where GM put the spark plugs. I suppose they don't get water in the spark plug wells, but it was hard for my small stature to change plugs.

For that reason alone - irrational as it may be - I don't want to own another one.

Oh, and the distributor in the back of the engine behind the air cleaner? Really? I could barely see in there to figure out if the feeler gauge was where I needed it.

-Jon

 

[hdgapeach]

I ran 350s in my first three cars. The engine lasted me longer than frames, doors, trunk, front coil springs, leaf springs... For longevity - as long as I did regular oil changes - I gave 'em an "A+" but I truly hated where GM put the spark plugs. I suppose they don't get water in the spark plug wells, but it was hard for my small stature to change plugs.

For that reason alone - irrational as it may be - I don't want to own another one.

Oh, and the distributor in the back of the engine behind the air cleaner? Really? I could barely see in there to figure out if the feeler gauge was where I needed it.

-Jon

EXACTLY! The engines are reliable as can be, but why they had to locate the dizzy in the back at the firewall is the reason I stay away from them now. When I was young and flexible, no problem. Now, I'd rather play with the Ford and Jeep blocks.

 

[duffer]

Is this a better engine than a Chevy 350?

The short answer is no. Yes, the Chevy has a rear distributor and in some cases, that can be a clearance problem. But certainly not with any post 71 CJ with the longer engine bay. I've had many decades experience with both sbc's and AMC's and it boils down to parts availability and parts options, along with efficiency and in each of those the 350 wins hands down. I never could make a 360 get anything better than 12 to 13 mpg-and I did try. With a 350 optioned right, 18 mpg is easy.

Parts? There really isn't much anything you can't purchase off-the-shelf for a sbc and those pieces are cheaper than for any other engine platform. My take on the AMC's is they had most of a decade to look at sbc's and Ford small blocks and still didn't get it right. They were certainly a big leap forward from AMC's first V8's (250, 287, 327), but, IMO, leave a lot to be desired. If you don't want a sbc with a rear distributor, a crank trigger, and coil on plug system will fix that-all available off-the-shelf.

 

[PaRenegade]

It depends on where you'll be driving your Jeep. A v8 isn't really needed in a Jeep and a 360 can be fun but it's way overkill. A AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is probably the best engine out there for it's low lugging ability in a Jeep sized vehicle. And you can always improve the stock AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l if desired. IMO

 

[jdcaples]

<snip>
If you don't want a sbc with a rear distributor, a crank trigger, and coil on plug system will fix that-all available off-the-shelf.

My solution to small block Chevy ergonomics was to start exclusively driving diesel powered vehicles. My Jeep broke my 28 year diesel preference.

Never heard of a crank trigger, but I vaguely remember coil on a wire.

cuban11182, are you going to stay with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l ?


-Jon

 

[cuban11182]

It depends on where you'll be driving your Jeep. A v8 isn't really needed in a Jeep and a 360 can be fun but it's way overkill. A AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is probably the best engine out there for it's low lugging ability in a Jeep sized vehicle. And you can always improve the stock AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l if desired. IMO

That's what I'm beginning to feel as well. I've already purchased so much for the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and it runs really well. It's one of those the grass might be greener on the other side of the fence.

I can say what I want to do with the 360 is going to be more than what I paid for the jeep. With the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l I'm happy with what it does so I'm unsure as to why I would change it.

 

[007]

Most of the folks who desire a 360 are those that have a AMC 304 with a problem. Those (like me) who have a good running AMC 304 are fine with it. If mine failed I'd either fix it or get a 360 as it would be the path of least resistance.

If I were you, I'd honestly keep what I had as it is a good, reliable, well built setup.

I didn't buy my Jeep because it had a V8, it just had one.

 

[cuban11182]

My solution to small block Chevy ergonomics was to start exclusively driving diesel powered vehicles. My Jeep broke my 28 year diesel preference.

Never heard of a crank trigger, but I vaguely remember coil on a wire.

cuban11182, are you going to stay with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l ?


-Jon

I think I will. Unless I find a decently cheap 4BT then that'll go in. I'm a diesel mechanic for the coast guard and that would be a very sweet engine.

 

[jdcaples]

I think I will. Unless I find a decently cheap 4BT then that'll go in. I'm a diesel mechanic for the coast guard and that would be a very sweet engine.

That's something I day dream about too. I have a few favors I could cash in towards help I'd absolutely need, but right now there's too much work in my life to pull off such a conversion.

I do love diesel, though.

-Jon

 

[IOPort51]

I think keeping the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is the good thing to do. Keep your Jeep a Jeep. Nothing wrong with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . Lots of ways to hot rod, dependable and is in the game for a lot of miles. 200K easy.

Everything I have read about Diesel Jeeps is that they are for the diesel not the Jeep. Does not do a lot for the performance, on or off the pavement. It does take all 10 cool points in the big game.

 

[jdcaples]

I think keeping the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is the good thing to do. Keep your Jeep a Jeep. Nothing wrong with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . Lots of ways to hot rod, dependable and is in the game for a lot of miles. 200K easy.

Everything I have read about Diesel Jeeps is that they are for the diesel not the Jeep. Does not do a lot for the performance, on or off the pavement. It does take all 10 cool points in the big game.

I absolutely agree that a diesel power plant in a Jeep is for the diesel, not the Jeep.

I just prefer diesel-power plants. The 4BT is simple, reliable, durable, is not finicky and tolerates neglect better than anything "modern."

I think it would shake too much for crawling, but on the road or trail, you'd go a lot further a tank of fuel.

-Jon

 

[Fastatv]

The AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is capable of doing about anything a person would want or need. Back in the day....many years ago, lots of jeepers preferred the 6 because of the torque, it was really great off road. Me, I have a 360 and that's what I prefer. I really enjoy the power, and the V8 sound and the fuel economy doesn't matter to me. I would upgrade to a 401 if I had the money and time but....I'm an addicted V8 man.... The other thing to consider....the more power, the more one is apt to break the other weaker points in the drive train.

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l or 4.0 with fuel injection. Great performance, reliability, and easy to work on.

 

[rons75]

I had a 7 with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l long ago, loved the way it ran. Split header with glass packs, had everyone convinced it was a built big block, Like they say, you dont buy a Jeep to go fast!

 

[cuban11182]

I'm going to stick with the 6.

 

[IOPort51]

I'm going to stick with the 6.

I hope it wasn't something we said.

 

[cuban11182]

It's all you guises fault!! [emoji22][emoji22][emoji22][emoji22][emoji22]

LoL