Need a new engine

[thistle3585]

After having three mechanics look at my Jeep, the best guess is that the compression is too low for it to run. (See thread here for more if interested. http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/engine-not-starting-17866/ ) I am planning on putting a new engine in it, so my question is what would you recommend for a) a daily driver, b) a guy that is installing his first engine. I originally had planned on doing a full, frame up restoration next winter but I guess I'll be starting earlier than expected. What would be a good source for a new engine? What kind of questions do I ask in buying a rebuilt engine?

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

I am in the same boat as you with lack of mechanic experience and needing a new engine. Best advice I can give you is look for a reputable shop locally that will either rebuild what you have with machining and new odds and ends, or just look for a complete long block online.

I would stay away from complete crate engines just from a cost perspective. There is about $1,000 in labor and shipping included in an engine from ATK or others form what I can tell. That is money I would like to have for other things.

The place that my engine was taken to also sells long blocks and will ship anywhere. All they do is rebuild engines. The people working there have been in the business for a while and seemed very knowledgeable when I went over there. Look up Mabbco Motors in Tyler Texas.

Good luck with it!

 

[73CJ]

Lots come into play with this decision.

How much time can you be down with it? Long block is definately pretty fast.
If you have the time and desire, then maybe you want to learn to rebuild an V8?

A short block if you want to leave the tough stuff to the experts. Still plenty of things to learn at this level too.

Crate motor? I'm too cheap to do one of those. Maybe if I win the lottery

So it boils down to time and money.

 

[thistle3585]

I have no set time frame. I am going to put the Jeep in the shop and strip it down to the frame then rebuild it. I am guessing that I'll be ready for an engine in 2 months. That time frame is based on an engine that I don't rebuild but purchase to drop in. I figure I'd hold on to this engine and rebuild it over the winter. I can put it back in this Jeep or use it on my next one as I understand that this becomes an obsession.

I've seen some rebuilt 360s in the $1000-$1200 range but I understand that I need to change the flywheel and or bell housing to use a 360. Also, being in Columbus, IN makes a Cummins diesel an option.

 

[rr41mag]

I would rebuild it myself. get the head shaved etc. etc . but i've done several 350' and a couple of sixes

 

[thistle3585]

Anyone know anything about these guys? JEEP 1972-1982 8 cyl 304/5.0 Engine

 

[Kilo19]

not to highjack this, but on a side note is there a list, or a guide as to follow the best (best as in the way you guys here) way to rebuild a 350 in particular, i know i can search for it, but i trust you guys now a little more then "google" looking for a guide to start, cuz once i do it once, i never forgot.

"my mind is like a steel trap, whatever gets caught will never leave"

 

[thistle3585]

I can appreciate learning to rebuild a motor but at $600 for a rebuild kit, a couple hundred for machining plus whatever tools I'd need to buy then I figured I'm better off with a rebuilt 360 with a warranty.

By the way, would all the components ie: starter, ignition coil, ignition module, alternator, oil pan, valve covers etc on my AMC 304 work with a 360? I believe I'd need to swap the flywheel but could still use the same bell housing?

 

[jgjeeper]

Well I can't steer you to where to buy a 360 already built but I can tell you that replacing a worn out AMC 304 with a 360 is pretty easy/good swap. The blocks are virtually the same so things like the bell housing(and there fore starter), carb, exhaust manifolds all bolted right up. You do need a new fly wheel if your running a manual Transmission . I was convinced to rebuild a used 360 and keep using the old AMC 304 until the 360 was ready. Luck was on my side. For $175 bought a 360 out of 89 Wagoneer. Some previous owner must have decided to have the motor rebuilt cause when we opened it up you could still see the machining marks in the cylinders. My friend/teacher for me on how to do a rebuild led me through replacing a lot of small parts and assembly. It's been a great motor and now with a gm tbi on it it's even better.