whats a 258 worth?

[El Jefe]

I decided to replace my Chevy 350 with a 258, or maybe a Ford 300 if I could find one. but just wanna know what is a good price for a 258? and also is there certain years that are better then others? is there any differences between the ones in the FSJ's and the CJ's?

Thanks in advance.

[Voodoochiled445]

Not sure about your question but I give you props for yanking out the same ol same ol V8 for the underated Inline 6s.

I love straight 6s:thumbsup:

[El Jefe]

ever since my first truck which was a 77 ford f 150 with a 300 straight 6 i loved em

[grand_wag_85]

I just picked one up for my J10 for $200. Came with a Weber 32/36, HEI, new clutch and OEM aluminum valve cover.

Just keep an eye on the oil pan, car & Jeep oil pans are different. Also starting in '87 258's came with a factory aluminum valve cover, if you find one with a plastic cover ditch it asap and get an aluminum. IIRC the heads are slightly different from the 70's up to '80(?) then to '86 then '87-'90 so valve covers will not interchange.

[DerekTJeep]

There should be plenty of current and prior auctions for 258 engines on E Bay. I would check them out if I were you.

[[]V[]AXX]

I found several running 4.0's on ebay. I considered buying one. The 258 is a good engine. It's very durable. I don't think it's quite as durable as a 300-6, because the 300 doesn't have a timing chain, is meatier in the mains, and has a slightly better head for flow. Though stock, neither is built for high flow. The 4.0 is basically the same as the 258, with some casting differences, and a better flowing head. You may consider a 4.0 swap in with the EFI still attached. These engines are pretty easy to find, and range from stupid expensive to almost given away. Decide what you really want, then go on the hunt. I like the 300-6, but I think it would be more difficult to adapt.

[tgreese]

The only downside to the 300 I can think of is its length (long).

If you are going with an AMC inline 6, you should be able to find a good running 258 for a few hundred bucks, at most. If you want the torque of the 258, the best years are probably from mid 70 (introduction) through 1980. These engines are bout 80 lb heavier than the later engines, with more crank counterweights, a heavier block and heavier manifolds. Most you'll find will be from '81 on however.

The 4.0LHO with the Mopar MPI will provide a lot more power than any factory 258, with significantly better economy. Won't have as much low-end torque as the 258 becasue of the shorter stroke, but IMO the 4.0LHO would be better all-around than the 258. Lots of 4.0LHO donor vehicles around here; maybe not so many in UT.

[joe]

Last 258 I sold was $200 complete carb to pan, fan to flywheel. The Ford 300 is also a good motor but as Tim mentioned, it's a looong mutha.

[El Jefe]

Thanks for all the info guys. it really helps out. I called on a 258 out of a 81 CJ. guy wants 600 bucks for it. I think I'll keep on looking.

[ricdiculous]

a couple of weeks ago a guy here in richmond had a running 258, carb to oil pan, for 75 bucks.

just keep your eyes peeled. they're out there and they're cheap.

[El Jefe]

I know it sounds funny going from a Chevy 350 to a straight six. but I've always wanted one, and my chev is in sad shape.

a guy I went to high school with lives next door to my parents. he has a Honcho with the 258 in it. its just sitting there rotting in his back yard. I haven't talked him into selling it to me yet. The engine needs a rebuild, but thats ok by me. What I'd like to do is rebuild it with a higher compression ratio so I could run propane.

One thing I'll have to figure out is mating my Chevy th400 to the 258. I know advanced has the adapters but they ain't cheap. I'd be willing to change tranny's. This Honcho has a manual. t 15 I think it would be right? Funny thing is my Cherokee still has the clutch pedal in it from when I took out my t18. that was 13 years ago. Goes to show how slow I get things done.

[threepiece188]

I too looked at installing a 300 that I already have. One issue I think is intake/exhaust manifold clearance. Those are on the right side of the engine as opposed to the 258 and I believe will interfere with the heater box.
I install 258's in all my FSJ builds, including the J20 that I am currently building. It fits right with my driving and life style (I don't like breaking things).
Dan

[mike12]

love my 258 in my 80 j10 its got 108000 and doing fine:thumbsup:

[suzq044]

If I can find/afford the 4.0 that will go in my Cherokee, I could sell you my i6 cheap.

[jeepjerry]

I just picked one up last weekend with lower miles for $100, carb to pan, pulleys to flywheel. Im a big fan of 258s also!...:thumbsup: They arent powerful and fast but they will get the job done. Im putting a 4.0 cam in and head on and running the stock 4.0 header and an offy dual port with a 390 holley.

[El Jefe]

Thats me. I don't need to get anywhere in a big hurry. I loved my Ford with the 300. And if my Cherokee had a 258 when I bought it I would have never changed it out. I am going to go look at a Chevy 250 on saturday. guy says it runs great. and he only wants 60 bucks for it. So there maybe another option.

[jeepjerry]

yeah, a 250 would go right in place of the 350. decent aftermarket on the chevy inlines also.