What upgrades should I include in rebuild?

**1981BlackCJ7** · 01-26-2005, 04:51 PM

I am getting my AMC 258 rebuilt very soon and was wondering what I should replace with high performance parts while she is out. I was thinking of a clifford cam maybe even the whole clifford rebuild kit. Anything else worth replacing while its apart?

**Boiler** · 01-26-2005, 05:04 PM

I was in the same boat as you last year. I found it cheaper to go with a 4.0L than rebuild my 258. Plus, you get about 90 more hp and fuel injection.

Just a thought

gosupes · 01-26-2005, 05:39 PM

A 4.0 head on the 258 with FI would be preferable, but if you don't want to mess with having an ECM, slap a good carb on it. A good cam in the 260* to 264* range, a header and well made exhaust. A HEI or TFI style ignition is a good cheap upgrade. IMO, Clifford might have some good stuff, it can get expensinve. The head and ignition upgrade really wakes up the 258.

**1981BlackCJ7** · 01-26-2005, 10:50 PM

the only real upgrade I have on the engine right now is the Weber 38 carb the rest is stock. Not sure where to go from here for cheap. I want the 4.0 head but for now I am looking to get a stock 258 running good ( I like the light weight and low end torque).

gosupes · 01-27-2005, 07:24 AM

If you want cheap and easy, look into a ignition upgrade with TFI or HEI or a hybrid setup. Maybe if you can find a header for cheap but if you are planning on a 4.0 head, I wouldn't drop a lot of coin on it.

badron · 01-27-2005, 09:26 AM

I helped with the 4.0L swap. In to a CJ. It came for a Ch 92 totaled. We didn't even open the motor. trailed it home. Get the hole Jeep and keep it till you know you done. Lots of little parts need to be moved. wireing is the biggest part of the job. A clean neat job is my big thing and this one looked like it came from the factory

01-27-2005, 09:26 AM	#6
badron Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 456 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I helped with the 4.0L swap. In to a CJ. It came for a Ch 92 totaled. We didn't even open the motor. trailed it home. Get the hole Jeep and keep it till you know you done. Lots of little parts need to be moved. wireing is the biggest part of the job. A clean neat job is my big thing and this one looked like it came from the factory Last edited by badron; 01-27-2005 at 09:28 AM.. Reason: bad spelling

01-26-2005, 10:50 PM	#4
1981BlackCJ7 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Virginia Posts: 22 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	the only real upgrade I have on the engine right now is the Weber 38 carb the rest is stock. Not sure where to go from here for cheap. I want the 4.0 head but for now I am looking to get a stock 258 running good ( I like the light weight and low end torque).