amc engine vs dodge

[Wagoneerlover]

Ok everyone a buddy of mine is putting a new engine into his 1987 wagoneer. We have found a good deal on the following engines. An amc 360 engine for the 1987 or a dodge 360 engine from a 1995 suv. Ok tell us which engine is the better of the two? I have heard that the dodge engines are not that reliable and dont hold up as well as the amc engine. is this true? Which is the better engine and which one has the most torque, horsepwower, reliability record, and upgradeability/aftermarket parts? please let us know as your tips and post will help us to decide on which engine to go with. Thanks all.

[andy d]

the amc 360 is a direct bolt in. the dodge 360 isnt. regardless of specs or reliability, being what fits makes the amc the better engine. other than they are both v-8s with 360 cubic inches of displacement, there are no similarities.

[Elliott]

Mopar 360 2002 245hp - 335ft/lbs
AMC 360 1985-86 144hp - 280ft/lbs 2bbl

Swap a performer manifold and 4bbl onto the AMC and it'll push your torque up close to the Mopar and be a lot simpler/cheaper to do. If you want a bigger increase, balance it and run 9.5:1 pistons with a decent cam.