401?

[vintagetrks]

I hope this does'nt upset anyone, but being new to the FSJ scene and having a wonderful new to me 76 Waggy. I have to ask what is they big deal with the 401 engine? I have a 360 in my rig and although it is a little tired it is still sound. I keep hearing how great 401's are and I cannot argue the fact that there is no replacement for displacement. Not to mention a higher nickel content in the 401 block is a good thing, but is it really that superior of an engine to the 360? I'm just asking not to be argumentative but just because I would like to know. The 401 seems to be a very sought after motor. So please do not be offended by my noobie inquire as I'm not trying to bash the 401 just wondering if it really is a more reliable and dependable motor than a 360 or if it's just a Horse power thing. Any advice on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

[maccj5]

the 401 is better in every way simply because it has a higher cid has forged lower end and is a torque monster ---but the 360 is a fine motor
and can be built very strong ,the 401 will hands down cost more to build than a 360; to build speed and torque are a question of money----- how fast do you want to go?

[maccj5]

ps. unless you need toTal stump pulling trailer yanking omg power the 360 is the best option and i run 401's for breakfast

[vintagetrks]

Well I don't really need my rig to go like a camaro. Speed is nice but I really want torque for when I'm off road and need the torque to get me over something or out of a jam. Reliability is the most important aspect. I'm not real impressed by the 360's hp #s somebody told me they put out 160hp stock with 260 ft lbs of torque but I have also heard they are very reliable. That being said I can live with lower hp and maybe get the hp up with some minor engine mods that won't affect reliability but I really don't know if it's worth the $$ if a 401 dropped in my engine bay would double my hp and triple my torque then maybe a 401 is the way I should go. Then there the issue of will a 401 bolt up to my th440? I gotta say I'm a typical guy and more power is always a good thing but breaking down sucks especially with wife onboard if ya know what I mean. LOL no offense ladies;) just want the best of both worlds I guess.

[vintagetrks]

Mac,
Don't really need stump pulling power (got a tractor for that) my rig is mostly just for getting my wife and I out into the country side for a little exploring and just fun. Not really a hard core wheeler but wanna build it to handle hardcore if need be.

[maccj5]

IF THAT IS THE CASE A 360 WILL DO YOU FINE THE RELIABILITY IS THE SAME IF BUILT RIGHT, EITHER THE 360 OR THE 401 WILL BE FINE-- I'D LIKE TO SELL A COUPLE OF MY 401'S BUT NOT FOR THE SAKE OF BRAGING RIGHTS-- FOR WHAT YOU WANT I DON'T THINK YOU NEED A 401

[vintagetrks]

IF THAT IS THE CASE A 360 WILL DO YOU FINE THE RELIABILITY IS THE SAME IF BUILT RIGHT, EITHER THE 360 OR THE 401 WILL BE FINE-- I'D LIKE TO SELL A COUPLE OF MY 401'S BUT NOT FOR THE SAKE OF BRAGING RIGHTS-- FOR WHAT YOU WANT I DON'T THINK YOU NEED A 401

Thanks I appreciate the advice and the honesty. I like my 360 but I was just wondering about the 401. Seems like alot of folks love em. But I think your right the 360 will probably work great. gonna put some minor mods to her to give me a few more ponies. I'd like to get at least 250 hp out of her would like 300 hp more but realistically 250 would be fine. don't know what type of torque I would get out of 250hp but I'm sure it would be in the 300ft lbs range or better which is good.

[MAPit]

Externally a 401 and 360 are the exact motor. At least when it comes to bolting everything right in.

[maccj5]

ANOTHER NOTE: A COMP CAMS 262, BASIC HEADMAN HEADERS ,A EDELBROCK PERFORMER MANIFOLD ,AND A HOLLEY 670 OFF ROAD TRUCK AVENGER WILL PROBABLY GET YOU EVERY THING YOU NEED ASSUMING YOUR ENGINE IS UP TO IT

[maccj5]

I HAVE A 73 CJ5 WITH A .30 OVER HIGH COMPRESSION FORGED PISTONS EDELBROCK RPM AIR GAP MANI--MSD 6 A WITH TIMING CONTROL
I DON'T NEED IT FOR TRAIL RUNNING BUT FOR HAULING MY TRAVEL TRAILER THERES NO MATCH FOR THE 401

[maccj5]

AND IT DOESN'T PASS GAS STATIONS:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[vintagetrks]

I plan on pulling the engine probably this winter and rebuiling it completly. when I re install it I want to switch to an HEI ignition and the edelbrock intake. Was gonna go with an edelbrock carb but I'm not sure how well those carbs perform off road.

[maccj5]

I HAVE USED MSD IGNITIONS WITH STOCK DISTRIBUTORS AND A TIMING CONTROL MODULE ON ALL MY JEEPS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM

[MAPit]

Go efi

[fulsizjeep]

just wondering if it really is a more reliable and dependable motor than a 360 or if it's just a Horse power thing.I would say they are equal when it comes to reliable. Any abused/neglected 401 or 360 can be troublesome. Then there is the HP/Torque thing... :fsj: