New 258

[BowHunt3r]

To make a long story short I need a new engine. Getting mine rebuilt is really not an option. The local machine shop has a less than stellar record and have been caught before doing shady work.

So I want to order one online. Who here has done so and where did you get it from. I want to get a 79 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l long block and just bolt on what I have. I also plan on putting in a new clutch and replacing my old Weber 38dges carb.
So who would you recommend?

Thanks.

 

[Belizean]

I'm somewhat in the same mode as you but going about it differently. I have a 4 cyl that I want to replace but is still running very well but has over 235 K miles and will need to be replaced someday. I want more power but not a V8 so I bought a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and already got it back from the machine shop. I read to many times about remanufactured engines so I decided to go this route. Probably if I had been in a hurry I would have chosen a different way

 

[Captainlance]

The absolute best quality reman. engines available are from JASPER ENGINES in Jasper, Indiana. I've used many of them over the years with 100% success. They are NOT bargain basement engines, like found on eBay, they are quality, and priced accordingly.
lance Alfieri

 

[mtnwhlr]

I have never heard anything bad about Jasper.

 

[hole]

Another vote for Jasper

 

[BowHunt3r]

It looks like Jasper and ATK are the top 2 in reman engines.
Would dropping in a 4.0 be better that a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l ?

 

[Captainlance]

As for ATK, many of their engines are Mexican made with less than great quality parts. FYI.

 

[BowHunt3r]

If I wanted to increase my HP and overall highway performance should I go with a 4.0L?
I think the head on mine is a 4.0. is the casting # just under the valve cover?

Also is it an easy swap, my 1979 w/3 speed AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l for a 4.0

 

[mtnwhlr]

It looks like Jasper and ATK are the top 2 in reman engines.
Would dropping in a 4.0 be better that a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l ?

Yes I think the 4.0 was the best motor Jeep ever used. I have owned 4 Cherokees with it and have loved them. Would still love to put a 4.0 in my '84.

 

[Belizean]

Yes I think the 4.0 was the best motor Jeep ever used. I have owned 4 Cherokees with it and have loved them. Would still love to put a 4.0 in my '84.

That's probably what I should do also but the wife is still driving it ! With less than 100 K miles on it also.

 

[hole]

4.0's definitely are runners. My wifes has just over 200k and runs like new and one of my buddies has 300k on his, still running strong

 

[mtnwhlr]

4.0's definitely are runners. My wifes has just over 200k and runs like new and one of my buddies has 300k on his, still running strong

Mine has 245000 and still runs strong and passes smog with ease.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

the 4.0l will have no problem going into your jeep in fact it is almost a direct bolt in however u will need the ecm for the motor because of the fuel injection system and you may or may not need an adapter plate for the Transmission to work with it but if you do advance adapters will have you covered. your other option is a good used AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l they are a dime a dozen online or in your local junk yard, hell i even have one or 2 laying around here id let go cheap. one is even a stroker motor but im in md.

but if you want new go with jasper dont throw your money away on some no name brand. the previous owner of my jeep did that and when the #4 cylinder gave out after only 1k miles he was told the 100k warranty was only for catastrophic engine failure and he had to pay to ship the motor back to them and pay shipping for the new replacement back to him. also that meant all the labor to remove and reinstall the motor was going to come out of his pocket. with jasper as long as you buy from them and have it installed by a jasper approved shop they will cover everything including labor but you do pay for that up front with there parts. but i have never had a jasper motor fail on me.

 

[BowHunt3r]

Thanks for the replies. I was out of town over the weekend and made no headway on this project.

I think I am going to stick with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . I am 17 miles from work, no more than 45 mph. I have had the jeep a year and been on the freeway once with it. Work and weekend logging roads and 4 wheeled trails is all it does.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Here is a good wright up on swapping in a 4.0
http://www.google.com/url?url=http:...ggaMAE&usg=AFQjCNEbD-pe4ZHV7Br4M2SML-ukuoDrgg

 

[BowHunt3r]

Thank you for the link, that is a good read on the swap. Still on the fence about what engine to get.
with my kids playing Lacrosse on a travel team and some big tournaments coming up my budget may be shrinking some.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

like i said AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l are cheap and easy to work on