AMC 360 rebuild or purchase

Ducter

New Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2015
Location
Durham, N.C
I am looking for someone reputable to rebuild an AMC 360 that's in my 80 Cherokee. I purchased the Jeep about a month ago knowing it hasn't really ran since 91 but was told it does fire up with a bit of gas poured in the carburetor, long story short it has 0 compression on a couple cylinders. Thinking valves at this point. I would like to find someone local that has experience with the 360's that can rebuild it at a fair price or perhaps pick up a used but good condition motor for it. I would also consider having the heads gone through but I can't be certain that's the only issues.

I am located in Durham but don't mind towing/dropping it off within a reasonable distance.

Thanks for any help given.
 
Like Tom said... Depending on your usage, a reman (with warranty) from the partshouse will be cheaper in the long run. Have several friends that went this route in various FSJs over the years and most are still going strong...
 
Alright, that might be the best route. I checked around and most are starting around 2k for the reman then depending if I do the swap or not another 9-1100. I just figured for 3k a better option had to be available. Thanks for the replies, if that's what is generally done in the past I'll just have to start saving.
 
The only person I let build my engines is a retired AMC mechanic in Archdale, NC. He has done 3 304s and 1 Chevy 327 for my '65 Corvette (he used to race corvettes). If you are interested PM me and I can provide his #.

FYI - mine have ran just shy of $5k but to have original AMC power in a CJ from a retired AMC engine builder to me is worth it. I will be taking the 258 out of my '82 Scrambler to him later this year.
 
AdamH said:
The only person I let build my engines is a retired AMC mechanic in Archdale, NC. He has done 3 304s and 1 Chevy 327 for my '65 Corvette (he used to race corvettes). If you are interested PM me and I can provide his #.

FYI - mine have ran just shy of $5k but to have original AMC power in a CJ from a retired AMC engine builder to me is worth it. I will be taking the 258 out of my '82 Scrambler to him later this year.
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That does make you feel better huh... from what I have gathered and part of my reservations are reading about those quick rebuilds failing with in a few years. I am not familiar with AMC motors but read about oiling issues. I suppose having someone that knows these motors is worth the extra. I'll see if I can afford that extra when the time comes. Thanks
 
Caver Dave said:
Like Tom said... Depending on your usage, a reman (with warranty) from the partshouse will be cheaper in the long run. Have several friends that went this route in various FSJs over the years and most are still going strong...
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If I end up going with a parts house motor, do you remember which reman they went? I see some ATX iirc and Jasper.
 
AdamH said:
The only person I let build my engines is a retired AMC mechanic in Archdale, NC.
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Went by there a couple times with @mbalbritton and had several bad-ass AMX's in various stages!

Ducter said:
If I end up going with a parts house motor, do you remember which reman they went? I see some ATX iirc and Jasper.
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Pretty sure they used Jaspers at the time and I have no knowledge of the parts-house accepting a blown 360 as a core for a 401 :eek:
 
AdamH said:
The only person I let build my engines is a retired AMC mechanic in Archdale, NC.
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That is a COOL old guy. He specializes in 390's, but builds all AMC V8's. Don't walk in unless you have enough money. but from what I learned from him and saw about him, He's just a retired old guy that still tinkers with building engines and he can build the HELL out of an AMC V8. I'd say if you want an AMC engine guy, He's worth the drive from any of the surrounding states.
 
mbalbritton said:
That is a COOL old guy. He specializes in 390's, but builds all AMC V8's. Don't walk in unless you have enough money. but from what I learned from him and saw about him, He's just a retired old guy that still tinkers with building engines and he can build the HELL out of an AMC V8. I'd say if you want an AMC engine guy, He's worth the drive from any of the surrounding states.
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Yea Jerry likes to pick on me for bringing him my "baby 304s". He's pushed me to let him build a 401 for my '82 Scram. I haven't said no yet. :)
 
surfwagoneer said:
From a full size jeepers experience. Don't waste your money on rebuilding a 360. Get yourself a 401 and rebuild or drop in an LS.
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I would do the swap, from what I have read tho, it is at least, from the initial stand point considerably more money to get it all functioning. Just saving money, once I have enough saved I'll probably get mine rebuilt.

I have read some pretty bad things on ATX/Spartan/Ironclad and the same for Precision/Thunderbolt/I.C.T engines. Honestly, the fact that they sell under so many different names troubles me unless it's a part house requirement or something. Think I'll feel better about doing business face to face and if issues arise, the rebuilder is the shop that did the install so it's all on them to handle it.

I was talking to the owner of a heavy duty truck shop that does the mechanic work on the trucks I work with and he gave me the number of a shop in... Clinton I believe it was, Warren engines, I am going to give them a call Monday. The guy I was talking with had nothing but good stuff to say about them.
 
AdamH said:
The only person I let build my engines is a retired AMC mechanic in Archdale, NC. He has done 3 304s and 1 Chevy 327 for my '65 Corvette (he used to race corvettes). If you are interested PM me and I can provide his #.

FYI - mine have ran just shy of $5k but to have original AMC power in a CJ from a retired AMC engine builder to me is worth it. I will be taking the 258 out of my '82 Scrambler to him later this year.
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Could I get his contact please?
 
Jkelley1122 said:
Could I get his contact please?
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Due to health issues he is retired now. THE last of a dying breed when it comes to AMC. Very fortunate to have known him all these years and to benefit from his engines. He signed the last engine he built for me in my current Scrambler. I made sure I put multiple layers of clearcoat on the signature before installing.
 
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If changing engine brands doesn't bother you, a Chevrolet motor is probably half the cost of an AMC. But! You have to add in the cost of adapters & mounts. But, again! With the Chevy, you have more HP, right out the door stock 4 stock! Go from a V6, on up to what ever you desire. Every Joe slaps together Chevy motors, & they seem flawless. AMC, is a different animal. I stuck with the AMC 360, & had it rebuilt for roughly $2000. Right off the cam or a lifter, failed. That can happen with any motor. Long story short, I had to get the same engine builder, to re do it again, at $1200. So far [1000 miles], it's running perfect. I did all the swapping the first time, plus replaced the bad cam & lifters, myself. Not realizing the motor was full of liquid metal & the bearings & crank, were destroyed. Physically, I couldn't swap the motor in & out again. I took it to a shop & had them pull it. I carried it to the builder & back. The shop installed it. I think the shop swap, was around $1500. Then once I got it home & looked it over, I had to change/correct/redo, about 10 things they ducked up! I Was running & driving, when I picked it up. Enough said. That's just What Can happen sometimes. :mad:
 
mbalbritton said:
That is a COOL old guy. He specializes in 390's, but builds all AMC V8's. Don't walk in unless you have enough money. but from what I learned from him and saw about him, He's just a retired old guy that still tinkers with building engines and he can build the HELL out of an AMC V8. I'd say if you want an AMC engine guy, He's worth the drive from any of the surrounding states.
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You couldn't have said it any better. Jerry is a man I will never forget and proud I have gotten to know him over all these years. He's hanging in there at the moment.
 
rodney eppes said:
If changing engine brands doesn't bother you, a Chevrolet motor is probably half the cost of an AMC. But! You have to add in the cost of adapters & mounts. But, again! With the Chevy, you have more HP, right out the door stock 4 stock! Go from a V6, on up to what ever you desire. Every Joe slaps together Chevy motors, & they seem flawless. AMC, is a different animal. I stuck with the AMC 360, & had it rebuilt for roughly $2000. Right off the cam or a lifter, failed. That can happen with any motor. Long story short, I had to get the same engine builder, to re do it again, at $1200. So far [1000 miles], it's running perfect. I did all the swapping the first time, plus replaced the bad cam & lifters, myself. Not realizing the motor was full of liquid metal & the bearings & crank, were destroyed. Physically, I couldn't swap the motor in & out again. I took it to a shop & had them pull it. I carried it to the builder & back. The shop installed it. I think the shop swap, was around $1500. Then once I got it home & looked it over, I had to change/correct/redo, about 10 things they ducked up! I Was running & driving, when I picked it up. Enough said. That's just What Can happen sometimes. :mad:
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THIS. As much as I love AMC in my CJs you can't argue with Chevy power for the money. I installed a couple crate bowtie engines for customers when I had my shop. A 350 almost ready to drop in with 375+ HP for less than $4500 with a core plus a warranty? Hard to beat
 
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