Better than new

[cywagoneer]

I am planning on doing an engine rebuild this summer and need some insight. What are some modifications I could make to the engine that would increase performance without breaking the bank. I would love to be able to build the biggest and the baddest but in reality it's not going to happpen. I will be using the Jeep as a daily driver also so please keep that in mind. Thanks for the help and I am open to any and all suggestions.

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Stock '86 Grand Wagoneer.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

I would have to say, its a safe bet we all would like to build our very own version of the BIG BAD POWER PLANT in town. I did a lot of specing, looking, and pricing. The sad truth was I could not rebuild a 360 as cheap as I could buy a rebuilt short block $795.00 exchange. I had a good set of heads that I took to my machine shop had 3 angle valve job and planed ect. ect. for $150.00. Then purchased 2131 (non EGR) Edelbrock performer intake and Edelbrock 1406 4 bbl. I replaced the stock cam with a 214/224 and a double roller timing set. I would like to say it runs great but I have no idea as I still have it on the engine stand. My J10 is not quite ready for the engine yet. GONNA HAVE TO SHOOT MY BODY MAN! take a look at what I mean here is my J10 in black. http://images.honesty.com/imagedata/h/292/81/32928169.jpg

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Making a Career Out Of Restoring My 1979 Jeep J10 360/T18/D20 44s Doing The Turning
And For True Adventure! Driving Daily, An Ugly 70 Wagoneer! Dauntless 350/Th 400/D20/44s. Posi In My Rear. The To Do List Is Longer Than The Wagoneer Is!!!!

[This message has been edited by Crazy_Jeepman (edited May 16, 2001).]

[cywagoneer]

Crazy_Jeepman
I have thought about going the rebuilt engine route but I have seen too many posts from those who haven't been happy with the results. If anyone has a positive experience feel free to chime in. I certainly haven't ruled it out.

By the way, I wish I had the time, space and ambition to approach it like you have. Good luck!!


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Stock '86 Grand Wagoneer.

[Kimbrough]

WOW!!!
Crazy_Jeepman, you actually just made my day! http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/wink.gif
Thanks man!

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74 Wagoneer (still for sale)
360 v8
TH400 w/low range
dual exhaust
Marvin the Martian floor mats.

'88 Grand Wagoneer
4inch lift
31x10.5 mud tires
http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/contrib/blackeye/hippy.gif

[This message has been edited by Kimbrough (edited May 16, 2001).]

[Gregorio]

Given it all to do over again I'd do the same thing except more.

I built one and had it line bored, decked and balanced. All QUALITY parts. This is one smooth running engine. I think the bill was about $1200.

There is an oiling modification for the 360 that I would have done had I known about it then.

No rebuild mill engines for me. I want one built by a race car shop with top of the line parts.

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Gregorio
Austin, TX
'87 GW "Big Grin"
http://www.smartgroups.com/picvault/388474.jpg/ittybitty.jpg

[243]

I've bought two longblocks from a motor remanufacture and both were decent; however, neither went five years before they started smoking though.

Both were well know in the Houston area and neither company offered more than a 12mo/12K mi warranty.

My best luck was tearing down a 350 Chevy myself, taking the block and heads to a machine shop that dealt with the drag racing crowd and let them machine the block and heads.

I assembled the motor myself with the exception of valves and springs checking clearances as described in the book.

It cost a couple of hundred more than a mass machined and assembled longblock but I could turn that baby to 5200rpm every day with confidence.

If I were to do it again, I would pay a few hundered dollars more for a complete reciprocating assembly balance.

Putting a motor together does not take that many special tools and it's not that hard. Yes, you can save a few hundred and only you can make that decision.

Good Luck,



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243

Ol'e Blue
79 Wagoneer 401/T400/QT

http://www.0hassleisp.com/dwilk/79sig2.jpg

Red 75 Wagoneer (project)
Mean Green 76 Wagoneer (parts car)
99 Dodge Ram TD

cummins_isb@hotmail.com

[Snakeyes_Tx]

Wouldn't happen to be A-Guaranteed Motors was it? Because so far my 360 is running awesome. I had mine built there and I've only got about 6000 miles on it so far.

I paid $810.00 bucks... long block rebuild with 10:1 flat top pistons, RV cam, 3-angle valve job on the heads and heavy duty springs.

If you wanna spend a little money.. find yourself a 401 crank and rods, do a little head work, make yourself a 393 stroker motor. Use Forged dome pistons about 10.5 - 12:1 range. The 401 crank is forged steel already. grab a .268 crane cam and go full roller! <droooooool> CHA-CHING!
Cost sucks!



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http://www.virtue.nu/yazahx/rand/sig.jpg

Snakeyes_Tx
86 J-20 "The Rusty Dinosaur"
360/727/208/44HD/60 <- 2nd of all of them.
"If you don't know what the numbers mean, you don't need to be here!"

[243]

No, it wasn't A-Guaranteed Motors

Vilven did the first job in the early 80's, a 327.

Second was a 350 in the early 90's by the shop in Pasadena that advertises on the back of the Auto Trader.

243

[cywagoneer]

Thanks for all of the input. What I am currently planning is to take it to the local machine shop and have them do the machining and reassemble. I am just too leery about buying one of the mass produced engines. I guess either way you go there is no guarantee but I feel better knowing it's a local shop that I can always go back to if there is a problem. I definitely want to have the oiling mod done. What do you all think about the cam? I don't plan on towing anything at this point, can't afford another toy.

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Stock '86 Grand Wagoneer.

[fas2c]

If you decide to rebuild, do yourself a favor and spend the extra money to have the oiling modifications as previosly mentioned by Gregorio. It will pay off in the long run.
good luck,
fas2c

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The Big Orange
1974 Wagoneer
360-THM 400w/QT
31-10.5's
Super Saggy Springs
135,000 miles
Soon to have:
Performer Intake w/4bbl carb & low range QT gears

[fas2c]

If you decide to rebuild, do yourself a favor and spend the extra money to have the oiling modifications as previosly mentioned by Gregorio. It will pay off in the long run.
I am in the same boat you are. Comtemplating a rebuild or a good 350 crate motor.
good luck,
fas2c

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The Big Orange
1974 Wagoneer
360-THM 400w/QT
31-10.5's
Super Saggy Springs
135,000 miles
Soon to have:
Performer Intake w/4bbl carb & low range QT gears

[millerlo]

How about turn me on to all of the oiling modifications for the 360. Thanks, Mike