Hi, I'm *probably* going to get the shope manual and rebuild the AMC inline 6 engine in my CJ7. However, it occurs to me that now would be a good time to consider putting in a Ford V8 instead. I've never done this before. I understand that this type of thing is possible. Anyone here ever done this? There must be hundreds of things to keep in mind while doing the swap. Got any info to pass my way? thanks again. Jeff

You should also consider putting in an AMC V8 as well….

 

It just bolts in.

 

mrjeep

 

Charles Mineo

 

www.mrjeep.com - apparel, local trail rides, garage tips, Treadlightly ethics, offroad video clips- website coming soon

www.mrjeepparts.com - online jeep parts store - website coming soon

 

Lots of good reading on sites like pirate4x4.com
Just dont post questions until you have searched and read..then only do so in the newbie areas.
Otherwise you will be flamed mercilessly.
Dan

charles

Well, I have no idea what I will end up doing. To tell you the truth though, the AMC product line scares me a little bit. They are out of business these days. Should I really consider putting in one of their V8's? The inline 6 I have now needs a lot of work. I thought of using Ford because I have some experience with their stuff. I rebuilt a big block 390 few years ago. I didn't have any problems finding parts or information about getting that job done. When I got finished, I had a reliable engine. Like I said, I don't have any experience with the AMC stuff. Any reliability issues there? Any problems finding parts? How about modern thrid party bold on parts (e.g. Edelbrock).

FEAR False Evidence Appearing Real. In this case you dont have to worry about parts availability. And remember, just the adapter for the ford engine to bell housing, or ford bell housing to tranny is going to cost you  $800.

You can go my route, get a ODBI  HO XJ, and take the 4.0 out and dump it in your ride. problably want to go 92 to 95. Pick up the whole vehicle for as little as $500, no more then $1000. You will need the wiring and CPS conversion and reroute the fuel lines. major major job. Took me a year...10 month of playing with it, a month at the beginning and a balls out month at the end. Still need to dial in the engine.

There are so many heeps being kept on the road and rebuilt that there is a thriving aftermarket for the rebuild parts. Besides AMC and jeep like to buy thier parts from everyone elses suppliers. So all the parts tend to come from Ford, and if not then Chevy ......

I have one of those books for my 65 mustang that tells me what other vehicles the parts are used on. It is amazing how many vehicles use the same starter, alternator, the starter relay is extreemly common and the uncommon ones are replaced with the standard one.

There is a company in the San Fernando Valley (name escapes me) that will supply your engine rebuild parts and peripherals for decades to come. I believe they are in Chatsworth. Parts are reasonable and of high quality.

Blathering on

Fist you have to consider what you are going to use your jeep for.  The inline 6 is a very good engine, lots of torque and will serve you well for a long time.

 

 That said, I have a 302 in my jeep and absolutely love it. It was a piece of cake to install. What transmission do you have?

 

If you have specific questions or want to see pictures let me know. tomdotuhlatverizondotnet

 

 

 

Well, after tossing the idea of putting a small block ford into my CJ7, I think it sounds like something I should put off until I find that I MUST replace my engine. I think instead I'll stick to my original plan of working on my current inline 6. It just seemed wasteful to simply trash the current engine for an expensive option. (even if I'm partial to Ford engine as opposed to AMC engines) OK. I'm going to go back to ebay and get my copy of the shop manual. Thanks again for all the replys.

There is a couple of options....a 4.0 HO (non odbII unless you want to swap in the tranny as well).
Another is a stroker 4.2/4.0. This is a mix of parts from the 4.0 and the 4.2. If you are good, you can do the swap with just a donor vehicle. But you might consider a painless wiring setup and such.

If Smog is not an issue, as it is for me, just get a rebuilt 4.2 and a superior after market off road