engine swap

I currently have a 232. Do they make a crate 304? I would like to put a new engine in my jeep. I am guessing a 304 would be simpler cause the transmition / mounts / transfer case would all line up. Is my assumption correct?

how about a reman 304? http://www.powerpro2000.com/lb_amc.htm

 

What's a crate 304 - a new motor? No, not for something like 30 years. Reman, yes, though finding a 360 is probably easier.

If your Jeep came with a 304, and you want to put it back, sure. Depends on what all has been hacked to acomodate teh 232 though.

 

If you get a rebuilt 304 that comes as a long block you'll still have to track down all the power steering brackets, alternator brackets and miscellaneous pieces and parts to make it work. The stuff on your 232 won't bolt on. Best bet is to look for a junkyard 360 out of a FSJ and pull everything you need. They can be found for cheap, then if you decide to go with a rebuilt 304 (why bother?) or a 360 (better) you will have all the accessories to make it work.

 

Get the whole Wagoneer private party - that'll be the cheapest route. A rusty Wagoneer with a running 360 should be nearly free, and if it doesn't run, free. The 304 and 360 are the same externally, just different bores.

 

And balance....

I agree with what's said.... 360 is physically the same size, same externally, more cubic inches, best way to go. Nickmil

 

Oh, I found a few shops that reman 232's. That would make things easier....

 

I have a 232 if you want it just come get it out of a 74 gremlin e-mail me for more detailes

 

Going that route, find a running 258 and swap it in. It is literally a direct bolt in replacement that gives more HP and torque.

 

direct bolt replacement!! thats what I am looking for.

I dont want to get to far over my head

 

You could buy a 258 long block or short block and everything that's not included can be used from your 232. The 258 and 232 are interchangeable.

Don't pay for a 232 - you should be able to pick up as many as you want for the cost of gas to get there. Nothing wrong with the 232, except there's no demand.

 

Don't expect a neck-snapping HP and torque increase when going from a 232 to a 258. 26 cubic inches ain't enough to make much difference. The difference in HP and torque ratings between the two was only around 10-15hp and 30 lb/ft. You could pretty easily make that much by modifying your 232 (add a good 2bbl carb if you haven't already and call it good).

AMC engine ratings: http://www.javelinamx.com/JavHome/articles/amc-hp.txt

 

Thanks for the post. I am not interested in power to much. I am more interested in clean , reliable, and leak free.

 

Just a comment - leaks can be fixed.

The pre- and post-70 232s are different, so make sure you get the later one if you look for a replacement engine. If you want a 'fresh' engine, you could get another 232 and rebuild it while you drive the one you have. Lots of advice available here if you want to go that route. If it doesn't work out, you can go back to the original engine.

What's the oil pressure of your current engine? Have you measured the compression? If all you want is a reliable engine, you may want to keep the well-tested one you have. As long as you have good oil pressure, an engine will very seldom fail catastrophically. Usually they run and run, but get so worn that the performance suffers... blowing smoke, fouling plugs, that sort of thing.

A compression checker is about $25 at Pep Boys - comes with instructions.

 

I'd probably go the 258 route. Simple, easy, inexpensive swap. And anything you can do to a 232 can be done to a 258 with greater effect.

Longer stroke is a big benefit when you are interested in torque more than HP. HP is very much RPM dependant. To increase PEAK hp make an engine spin faster with better high RPM breathing. Useless for a trail rig, and probably detrimental because low RPM performance generally suffers with those kinds of recipes. Stroking an engine is a whole different matter. Torque peak increases and happens at lower revs, down where you want them. It'd be interesting to see a dyno chart of 232 vs 258 with comparable cams, carbs, compression ratio, heads, etc.

You should have little trouble finding a great running recently rebuilt 258 for $200 or so. Much less if it hasn't been rebuilt or has no documentation proving it.

Chilly

 

With no internal changes, you'd expect an increase of power of about 258/232 = 1.11 or about 11%. For minimal difference in price, and no additional labor, that's a big increase.

A 232 in a CJ is not that common, since the 258 option was so cheap (ca $50 IIRC), that no one except maybe government agencies would order one equipped that way. I remember one of the last 2 CJ-6s that Brian could get had a 232, and the other had a 258 (which I bought). Otherwise they all were ordered with the 258 (except for the beach cities Jeeps).

 

My friend just got a 258 from the junkyard for 100 bucks, and they pulled it, though they punctured the oil pan getting it out. it runs great.