lookin at a 360

[Rippin]

Found a guy whos got a j10 out of an old mans barn. It's got a 360. He said he hasnt tried starting it, the guy parked it when the water pump siezed up. Oil is clean and it's got nice green antifreeze in it. odo reads somewhere around 86k. What do you guys think? I'm only looking at a swap because I dont want the expense of the full rebuild my AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l needs. I'll probably regasket the top end just to be safe, but id like to stay away from the bottom end. The guy wants 200 for the motor

 

[Rippin]

Also, i'll need a tranny, thinking T-18 or T-176 . I have a Dana 300 , so what can I put in that wont need any adapters? Will the T-5 bellhousing work with either of these?

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Any AMC 360 that is not seized up and rebuildable is worth more than $200. All AMC I-6s and V-8s use the same motor to bell housing bolt pattern so they are completely interchangeable; just mix and match bell housings based on the Transmission you choose. (no adaptors required) Also know that the AMC V-8s must use an engine size specific flywheel as they are externally balanced. (Your AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l flywheel will not work on an AMC 360) If you use a T-18 an adaptor will be required to mate to your Dana 300 .

http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/adapters/transmission_to_transfer_case/kit_183.htm

 

[Rippin]

OK thanks for the info. Yeah the guy says it turns over, so im thinkin ill buy it. I saw in another post someone mentioned the flywheel thing, already bookmarked that for my knowledge base lol. good to know about the T-18 , think ill see if i can get a T-176 if they're close enough in performance.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

If the j-10 came with a Dana 20 Transfer Case I would use that and a T-18 . They are just as strong, easier to find and cheaper then a Dana 300 . Only difference I think is the 4 low ratio is a little bit higher then the 300. Have you ever seen a waggy or j-truck with a 360 and a Dana 300 ? Even the 401 powered J trucks got the 20. Find out what Transmission and Transfer Case came with the j-truck.

 

[Rippin]

So i was talkin to the guy today, and he mentions that hes also got 304s and 401s for sale. So, 360 or 401?

 

[Saddle Tramp]

So i was talkin to the guy today, and he mentions that hes also got 304s and 401s for sale. So, 360 or 401?

Depending upon the money I would take a 401 over a 360 any day of the week. It’s not that the 360 is bad, it’s not, it is just that the 401 is a little better. The crank and piston rods in the 401 are forged, not cast for example but again it comes down to cost. Also the early 401s had a little different head which prevents the exhaust from breathing quite as well as the newer ones. The other issue with the 401 is overheating when the cylinders have been over bored; keep them below a .030 max. Having said that if the price of the 401 is to dear just go for the 360, you will be happy either way.

 

[CJim7]

401. Hands down. For the reasons stated. The 401 block also has a higher nickel content making it desirable for longevity.
The power output isn't significantly different in stock condition (slight edge in torque and hp to the 401), but the 401 responds to engine upgrades like no other.