Putting new 258 in my CJ7

**mmerlina** · 01-24-2008, 07:57 PM

Hey everyone, after a lot of thinking I've decided to put a remanufactured 258 into my cj7. I'm not going to get into my reasons cause it's not really what I want the post to be about.

My question is, while the engine is out, besides the obvious "clean it", is there anything else I can/should do to my jeep? I mean anything that is a whole lot easier while the engine is out? Any preventative maintenance I can do while it's out? I plan on keeping this jeep for as long as I can, so I'd like to take care as best as my novice skill level will allow.

Thanks folks!

White92 · 01-24-2008, 08:03 PM

Do you already have the engine? I was not aware of anyone re-manufacturing old AMC engines. Do you mean rebuilt?

Ok I love the 258 so don't get me wrong. If it was me I'd look for a virgin 258 (never been machined, over bored or any of that) and rebuild it or have it rebuilt. Both can be done for under 1k.

**mmerlina** · 01-24-2008, 08:07 PM

Hey man, well the word the guy used on the phone was remanufactured, but I suppose he could have meant rebuilt? From what I understand, they took the core of a 258, cleaned it up nice, replaced everything with new parts (he said everything, not just the broken/worn out stuff).

I did look at having my 258 rebuilt, but the quotes around here I got were just as much as buying the motor from this guy... plus most shops are saying 4-6 week turnaround. Which wouldn't be a big deal, if I was saving money by going that route.. but I'm not.

CJ Chet · 01-24-2008, 08:31 PM

I have a "remanufactured" engine in mine and I'm real happy with it. It was done by "Recon", purchased through Advance Auto. I'm told that Jasper also does it (and alot of others). Personally I don't think that you can get the job done, with new internals and machine work, for under $1000. I was quoted $1200 to $1500 on mine. I got the reman engine for $1300 with a good warranty and minimum down time.

**mmerlina** · 01-24-2008, 08:36 PM

Hey, first of all I'm glad to hear everything worked out for you in your switch!

Second off I'm glad you chimed in because I've been a little nervous about this whole switch, I don't know about what.. but just in general. How long ago did you do your swap?

I looked over many threads, and a bunch of people provided me with several engine shops including jasper, atk (I think it was?), marshall, precision, the list goes on... I actually bought from a local guy that had it shipped in from marshall. (He didn't tell me this, but I did my research.

-- Anyway it would have been the same price for me buying it direct from them and having it shipped as it would be buying from him.. so I didn't care.

When you did your swap did you do anything else while the engine was out that made life easier down the road?

Thanks again for your post,

HighCountry · 01-24-2008, 08:38 PM

Back to your original question, how about these?

Flywheel
Flywheel Ring Gear
Clutch Assembly
Transmission Input Shaft Seal

I hope you are getting the 'Long Block' version with the Head already reworked and attached. Usually, the warranty it at least 1 year and 12,000 on that setup and sometimes a LOT more!

Bruce

CJ Chet · 01-25-2008, 08:57 AM

I did mine about two years ago. While it was out I cleaned everything up, Herculined it and put in a new harness. Also installed a Weber with Borla headers and a TF999. Things really snowballed there for a while, but I figured it was the most opportune time.

Javelina · 01-25-2008, 09:02 AM

I'm running an engine from Marshall and I've been very happy with it. Once I got the old engine out, I took the time to clean up the engine bay and I also went ahead and replaced the worn out trans mount.

Bard · 01-25-2008, 09:16 AM

A couple of things I would look at are to replace all your heater hoses, clamps and motor mounts. Not sure on if you are just getting a straight block with valve cover, new waterpump, new thermostat, etc but these are all things I would put in new, I might even replace the plug wires, cap and rotor as well. Since it is all new, it should last much longer.

Might also be a good time to inspect the flywheel for wearing, replace it now if the ring gear is junk. You can have them resurfaced and new teethed if needed, I would replace the clutch and flexplate (usually $175), also a good time to replace the heater core if you have any issues. Good time to look at the starter as well.

Good luck.

**certifiablejeep** · 01-25-2008, 09:46 AM

Clutch is the main thing, the motor is out, might as well do it now... tranny stabilizer mount, tranny mount, heck even go hydraulic with the clutch...

Motor mounts is another route to go as well during the upgrade.

cb

**mmerlina** · 01-25-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighCountry

I hope you are getting the 'Long Block' version with the Head already reworked and attached. Usually, the warranty it at least 1 year and 12,000 on that setup and sometimes a LOT more!

Bruce

Hey Bruce, yeah I ordered the long block. I got a 3yr/36,000 mile warranty on it.

**mmerlina** · 01-25-2008, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ Chet

I did mine about two years ago. While it was out I cleaned everything up, Herculined it and put in a new harness. Also installed a Weber with Borla headers and a TF999. Things really snowballed there for a while, but I figured it was the most opportune time.

Hey.. how did that herculiner work out inside the engine compartment? I think I was reading one of your past threads and others were worried about it holding too much heat in? Have you had any problems in the summer time with over heating?

CJ Chet · 01-25-2008, 12:35 PM

Not a bit. I have a Flexlite fixed fan with OEM radiator and it runs cool as a cucumber!

White92 · 01-25-2008, 01:13 PM

Just saw colloins bros has 258's for sale, remaufatured.

**mmerlina** · 01-25-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ Chet

Not a bit. I have a Flexlite fixed fan with OEM radiator and it runs cool as a cucumber!

Hmm nice, and you probably even get warmer summers down in VA compared up to up here in boston... I might just be tempted to try this out!

How much Herculiner did you end up using? Reason I ask is because I also want to line the inside floor of my jeep and I want to figure out how much I will need to buy.

Thanks again for all the info.