The time has come for me to rebuild the trusty old 258 in my CJ5. I also have a couple of early 80's Wagoneers with 360s in them that aren't ever gonna be driven. They are also due for rebuilds I suspect. I know this has been covered I'm sure, but some fresh input would be nice. Should I slap a 360 in front of my T18a four speed or stick with the in-line? My rig is a fg bodied CJ5 with Dana 44's running 36" Iroks with 96" wb. I'd like some impressions from some who've experienced this swap or one similar. I know my 258 made great torque down low and is very reliable. I'd like to be able to run a little mud, sand, and rock. I have been quoted 900.00 to 1000.00 to rebuild my six and haven't asked about AMC 360s yet. I'd bet it would be a little more. Would a 258 with a mild cam, header, MC 2100 carb, and light port and polish spinning 5.13 gears do the trick for all around versatility? Or would it be better to do a mild build on the 360 with cam and headers with less r and p gearing? I know the 8 will make more power obviously, but that's not all I'm interested in. How big an issue could breakage be from a mild 360 with my drivetrain combo (no Warn axleshafts yet)? Both these motors will need to be carbed due to cost constraint, but Motorcraft two barrels due pretty good. Let me know what you think guys. Feel free to flame, I need to know how to do it for when I am not a newb anymore :grinpimp: .

If the 258 has enough power right now, stick with it. Rebuild it as needed. The 360 might be a bit heavy but it would be a good swap. Personally I would stick with the 258 and has the cam ported etc. $1000 seems a bit much to rebuild a 258. Do it yourself and save the money for the parts.

I rebuilt my 360 (minimal machining) for just over $500. Of course if your paying for someone else's time prices may go up....'

Edit: to answer the question...I always thought bigger was always better :flipoff2:

Swap, swap, swap, swap, swap, swap, swap, swap, swap,!!!!!

Umm was that too subtle? :D

Cracker said it best:

"I dunno what the world may need
but a V8 engine's a good start for me."

:D

How many CJ5's do you have?? Your other post says you have a CJ5 with 33" comp muds and a d20 / d30 :confused: How about just build the 7 you bought for $50 like you want to. That sounds like a good start.

Read # 76 (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=241603) :D

I love my 360, and fuel injection makes them even better, but if you are doing a t18 swap and have jeep that sounds like its approaching buggy status, I'd throw in an SEFI 302. Factory fuel injection, easy to find parts, and lightweight.

I just finished a mild build on my 78 CJ5 and was going to get a little more extreme with it, then came across a deal on a 7. So to answer your question 2 total: one 5 and the recently acquired CJ7.

The reason I asked is because you described a CJ5 two different ways in two posts. Anyways I would build the 7. The extra room they have makes a big difference when trying to arrange how everything will work. Not to mention less stretching to get the desired WB. Good Luck on the project.

i rebuilt the 258 in my yj last summer, I have no complaints about it, great torque and it seems to be fien for they yj. on the other hand, if I had a few 360s sitting around i wouldn't think twice about the swap. i'd say go for the 360.

If you are thinking about a V8 swap, I would grab a 302HO from a PnP. I found mine on a half off weekend complete with wiring harness, ECM, taraus electric fan, all accesories for less than $200 :D

If not that, then definitly do the 360.