DILEMA: 360 VS. SBC 350

[BigGreenMonstaWagoneer]

Ok guys, some of you know me, some don't. Let's just say i've had my 73 Wag for a year and it had a rebuilt 360. Upon driving it i noticed the rear main leak (BAD DUDE!). OK, so i lifted it six inches, added new 33x13.50 Swampers on 15x10 AR Outlaw wheels. I figured i would drive it until i had time to tackle the rear seal. Well, last weekend i did just that! I took the seal out and noticed it had no wear. So i still went to O'Reily's and bought another along with pan gasket, filter and oil. An hour later i buttoned it all up along with spinning on a new filter. Low and behold i started the engine and noticed it still leaked! Now i have checked valve covers, intake manifold, anything that would cause this to no avail but the seal itself. I Also noticed that the crank bearing was 30 under-sized. Mind you i am originally a Bow-tie type guy. I have a 78 Malibu that runs in the high 6's.
I build all my engines but this one in the Wag i didn't.

Someone give me the "story" on these beasts. I am at a dilema. I am almost ready to go SBC! I know..I know! But ease and ability of parts. I must add that i have access to a 130k 360 for $395 that is in a truck locally that the dude said he would pull. I have purchased a set of Hooker headers, Edelbrock Performer Manifold, Edelbrock 1406 600cfm carb, Edelbrock EDL-2132 Cam and Lifter combo. All new in box from Summit for the 360. I love this Wag and love the 360. But may send all back and build the SBC 350 i have in my garage. Someone give me a direction. This stuff has kept me up at nite...ASK MY WIFE! Thanks for the input and Godspeed! ~ Andy

[thomastenn]

well look at it this way if you go amc any amc v8 the newest you can get is 19 years old!! the technology is from the 60s and parts are getting more scarce each year. a gen 1 sbc is a old platform aswell but parts are still plentiful i myself say go with a gen 3 ls engine i got a running 5.3 for 300 on ebay last year and they are more powerful and efficient then the other 2 mentioned

[AMC-J/20]

I would find yourself a nice 350TBI/4L60E or 454TBI/4L80E combo and enjoy life . . .15-19mpg's turn key and drive reliability ;)

Mike

[BigGreenMonstaWagoneer]

Ok, i found an '01 5.3 LS that was out of a AT/4WD Silverado on eBay for $600. I asked about the computer. No reply.


Question: Did you get your LS 5.3 with computer? Im just asking because it is still cheaper than rebuilding the Gen I SBC 350 i have. Thanks guys!!! This is maybe the best i've felt in WEEKS!

[AMC-J/20]

I think you'll like the peace of mind and power of running a V-8 GM with 4spd auto trans . . .

I'm an AMC fan :thumbsup: But some times Repowering is for the better ;)



Mike

[BigGreenMonstaWagoneer]

Dude, im so siked on this swap!!!. I got the engine! Now...Im gonna do a carbed intake swap but trying to find a trans. Ive got my AMC TH400. thinkin adapter?? C'Mon help me out guys!

[joe]

What's your goal here ???? Building a rod to run in the 6's is comendable(show's skill and money) but building a hot rod 4600 pound FSJ 4x4 is another game (one you can't win. You building a driver, mud runner, crawler, sled puller, big tired streetposuer rig?
I'm no big fan of the 360/401 AMC motors either but built to spec they are reliable adequate steet motors with skill and money added can be beefed. I do like the SBC motors in Chev's but everyone and their aunt has a swapped in SBC. Get creative or leave it all AMC. Sorta like a 351 swapped into your Chevelle..doesn't feel right eh? If ya wanted a SBC monster 4x4 build a Blazer or a Burb?

[BigGreenMonstaWagoneer]

Ok dude, my Jeep Wag weighs in at 5600 lbs...my Malibu weighs in at LESS THAN half that. I agree with everyone going SBC and it's common practice. I love my 360's power but remember i have to DO something drastic no matter what. Pulling the engine is childsplay. But rebuilding a 360 is pricey and a headache. I know..ive build a 401 and a 390 for a friend in his CJ. I won't bash a bro or make a spectacle out of you backing me. I am merely thinking "easibility and parts replacement". I am not an uneducated metal fabricator from TN. I happen to have many years of swaps and snots under my Deftones belt buckle! I just needed insight...that's it and this forum lets everyone who loves these less-desirable Monsta's a place to "bleed" and rebirth so-to-speak. Sorry you took my post the wrong way or misdirected as i was wanting a competition rig. Me and my family wanna use the Wag as a play toy but with the "options open" idea. Sorry again and Godspeed to you and yours. ~ Andy

[joe]

Sorry you took my post the wrong way or misdirected as i was wanting a competition rig. Me and my family wanna use the Wag as a play toy but with the "options open" idea. Sorry again and Godspeed to you and yours. ~ Andy
No prob I'm good at that. :)
Granted SBC parts are cheaper easier to find than 360 stuff but considering all the other swap expenses, mounts, radiator, adapters etc rebuilding a 360 is a whole lot easier and prolly less money in the long run. If you were talking AMC 327 then it's a whole nuther crap shoot there. I like keeping AMC's AMC, Fords Ford, Government Motors GM etc.

[FSJ Guy]

Go with what's comfortable for you.

I'm familiar with AMC 360's, so I will eventually swap my 401 into my Wag. I also have a Chevy 350 in my Burrito Truck (Flatbed dually) that pulls nicely, too. With TBI, it starts up at any temp. I'm slowly getting the TBI on my AMC 360 dialed in, too.

As for price, I think you'll find it's not much more for an AMC 360 rebuild after you consider motor mounts and labor for swapping a Chevy 350, as well as any transmission mount mods needed.

[BigGreenMonstaWagoneer]

Man, you make me slap myself! See, i believe a challenge is that in itself..a challenge. Maybe it takes one to make ones'-self (thirdperson) to see ones'self to get crammed into a corner and think the obvious. Like i said. 395 for an AMC 360 and him pull it, me pick it up...just clean it and put my new stuff on..i got it in a win-win situation. Then i will go Government.... LMAO! love that Joe! Thanks for keeping me grounded man! love ya bro!

[Bobbo]

I have had many 360s over the years (most of them in stock form) I have found them to be as good as any other engine out there. I wouldn't brag about a 360 either, but I wont bash it. The SBC is a good engine. I say do what you like. If you know the ins and outs of the SBC (i am guessing you do) that might be better if your more comfortable with it. I vote AMC still, if this is not a serious rig, but just a play toy, I would bet you would have it on the road quicker and cheaper if you rebuild what you have. From the sounds of your skills, I bet you will have no problems figuring out how to make the AMC a great engine. The work involved with a drivetrain swap is time/money consuming. (sounds like you know this as well)

[joe]

Man, you make me slap myself! See, i believe a challenge is that in itself..a challenge. Maybe it takes one to make ones'-self (thirdperson) to see ones'self to get crammed into a corner and think the obvious. Like i said. 395 for an AMC 360 and him pull it, me pick it up...just clean it and put my new stuff on..i got it in a win-win situation. Then i will go Government.... LMAO! love that Joe! Thanks for keeping me grounded man! love ya bro!
I'm surprised with your past building experience (6 sec Chev etc) you'd even consider a used old motor over rebuilding what you have. I can see it if you're broke down and stranded but... I'm sure I'm not at your level of expertise but I've managed to muddle though so far but for a family driver
"I'd'" rather rebuild it myself and "know" what I've got.

[BigGreenMonstaWagoneer]

Ok, you guys will be here with me through all this AMC 360 snuffnisishness? I have just read alot about the engine and it seems to be expensive...but like you guys and i too have stated, by the time i do fab/ buy the mounts and plate for the adapter...I HATE CROSSBREEDING! Ask my friends..i see a guy with a Mustang...pushing it with a SBC i laugh...guess say the same to me??? I am learning guys..AMC in itself is a BEAT of History. Along with headaches and many nites pissin the wife off, lol. She just tells me to do what i wanna. But i thank God for this forum and you guys that make it like an encyclopedia of good chatterish! Thanks guys! I will take pics tomorrow of the parts and goodies for the 360.

BTW~ My dad (died when i was 14 in Mobile, AL.) used to tell me that when you start something...finish it, no easy road to perfection...you'll never find it except in the way you live YOUR OWN life! Well said i must say myself. :-{>

[jaber]

WELL! Theres just one thing that needs said here...




























:worthless:

[joe]

BTW~ My dad (died when i was 14 in Mobile, AL.) used to tell me that when you start something...finish it, no easy road to perfection...you'll never find it except in the way you live YOUR OWN life! Well said i must say myself. :-{>
Wow, I'm 62 and didn't even know there was a road there.
Good luck with your project and the perfection thing. Personally I'm happy with googley moogley good.

[AMC-J/20]

:eek: Hey now, don't be harshing the AMC-V8's ;) . . .

But IMO the AMC-390 is the way to go:thumbsup: tho my opinion mite be a bit bias :o . . .

I personally like the high compression version's of AMC-290 10.2:1 & 390 10.2 & 12.5:1 V8's :cool:

290 = Good MJ/XJ engine.

390 = Great in everything else.

Mike