Need someone to rebuild my 360

[CH]

My right exaust manifold is busted. The engine has 200K + miles. Jeep dealer wants $600+ for just the right manifold. My mechanic says that he will bet the bolts will ring off in the head when he goes to fix it.

I wanted to rebuild the engine when I got some tax money back anyway... I have not found anyone local that wants to rebuild. They would rather drop a factory rebuilt in.

I am interested in a mild performace rebuild with aftermarket parts not stock. Something aimed at towing and getting the best mileage as possible without adding fuel enjection.

Please give me some leads on someone that has experience rebuilding AMC 360s. I am in NC close to teh VA border and need someone in NC or SW Va.

please email me at: carolina_homesteader@excite.com

I don't have the expertise, tools, or place to do it myself and don't want to get over my head with something I need to drive...

Thanks!

[mrclean]

I'd check into a Jasper motor. It will cost about the same as a mild perf rebuild, after parts purchase and machine work and assembly. And you can't beat the warranty. This would be tailor-made for the use you have in mind. Plus you just take it out of the crate and bolt it in. Just something to consider.

[Gladi8r]

Don't remember the guys name, but there is a guy in W. VA that is supposed to be great with rebuilding AMC motors for performance. I am sure someone will jump in with his name and contact info :D

[Thomas DeBusk]

I know the person you need. His name is Herman Lewis. He's in Beckley, WV, which is probably within a 3-hour drive of you. And well worth it. I can give directions if you need. I went to college nearby, but heard about him first in a Mopar magazine.

Herman drag races an AMX with a 401 and has lots of world records behind that motor. He's just cast an all-aluminum version of that motor. He ships motors all over the world and was just sending one to Sweden recently. That's the sort of machinist he is.

He just finished building a 360 for my J10. He made adapter plates from scratch to mate a Chevy EFI tuned port intake to my AMC heads. He also custom-made a bracket to mount the crank wheel pickup and machined the crank wheel (a Ford 302 wheel) to fit. And he didn't charge me a world record price. About $2600, which, when you consider all the custom machine work I had done, is very competitive with the cheap crate motors. And that included all new pistons, rods, etc.

The original price he quoted was much lower without all the custom work. But it did include lots of attention to the heads and other stuff you won't get buying an auto parts store rebuild or just going to a local rebuild shop. Herman really knows these motors.

Here's the contact info:

Herman Lewis
207 Prosperity Road
Beckley, WV 25801
304-253-6493(w)
304-255-1292(h)

My brother had a 300 six rebuilt by a local shop and it poured oil out the main seal from day one. So I know a little about lousy rebuilds. By the way, no financial interest here. Just a very satisfied customer.

Thomas

[Gladi8r]

Yup, he be the man I was talking about :D :D