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Well to be honest this is my first ever V8 build. I have built several ATV and small gas engines but nothing like this. I have started this post to ask for help when I need it and to also document the build for others who may find it helpful.
First off my 1973 CJ5 heep has a AMC 304 in it. I realized it was not hitting on one of the cylinders before I went to Disney for Rocktober 2011. I changed the spark plugs prior to departure for Disney and it did not pick up the other cylinder while I was their. Once I got home and got around to it I checked for fire on that cylinder and the plug was firing which lead to a compression check of the cylinder. That cylinder tested at 60lbs with a cold engine. Testing of three other cylinders revealed they were at around 70lbs each with the engine cold.
A squirt of oil in the dead cylinder lifted compression to around 130lbs and similar numbers were found in another cylinder when the same treatment was applied.
I determined the motor was ready for a refresh and after reading and researching I decided to track down a AMC 360 to rebuild instead of spending basically the same amount to rebuild the inferior 304. I also opted for the AMC 360 because it will bolt right into the place of my 304.
I picked up the early 80's 360 for $250.00 from a local self proclaimed junk yard. The guy was really nice and threw in a Motorcraft 2100 carb of the proper size (1.21) for the engine and he left the flexplate attached. :smokin:
BTW I am running a auto tranny and a twinsticked dana 300 behind it and D44 axles.
First question I have is what is a good manual to pickup for this rebuild? I have researched and read that there is a good book I should pickup called "BJ Builds an AMC V-8" it is by Brian Johnson. Knowing the name and author you think I could find a copy of the thing but I have had no luck. Anyone know where to find it at? I have followed a few links on other forums but they were out dated and dead ends.
Suggestions for any other books/manuals worthy of a purchase would be appreciated.
Here is a pic of the heep in action at Disney running on 7 cylinders :laughing:
Still went everywhere I asked it to. Running 36's with 4.88 gears. I will post a pic of the greasy 360 as soon as the wife gets it downloaded...:grinpimp:
First off my 1973 CJ5 heep has a AMC 304 in it. I realized it was not hitting on one of the cylinders before I went to Disney for Rocktober 2011. I changed the spark plugs prior to departure for Disney and it did not pick up the other cylinder while I was their. Once I got home and got around to it I checked for fire on that cylinder and the plug was firing which lead to a compression check of the cylinder. That cylinder tested at 60lbs with a cold engine. Testing of three other cylinders revealed they were at around 70lbs each with the engine cold.
I determined the motor was ready for a refresh and after reading and researching I decided to track down a AMC 360 to rebuild instead of spending basically the same amount to rebuild the inferior 304. I also opted for the AMC 360 because it will bolt right into the place of my 304.
I picked up the early 80's 360 for $250.00 from a local self proclaimed junk yard. The guy was really nice and threw in a Motorcraft 2100 carb of the proper size (1.21) for the engine and he left the flexplate attached. :smokin:
BTW I am running a auto tranny and a twinsticked dana 300 behind it and D44 axles.
First question I have is what is a good manual to pickup for this rebuild? I have researched and read that there is a good book I should pickup called "BJ Builds an AMC V-8" it is by Brian Johnson. Knowing the name and author you think I could find a copy of the thing but I have had no luck. Anyone know where to find it at? I have followed a few links on other forums but they were out dated and dead ends.
Suggestions for any other books/manuals worthy of a purchase would be appreciated.
Here is a pic of the heep in action at Disney running on 7 cylinders :laughing:
