WOW! A stock J20 401 can MOVE!

[Jeepguy77]

Stock for stock the 401 is better, but IMHO that's because of the forged bottom end, and stronger block. But the 401 also came with a different cam, and was available in the 70s before all the extra smog stuff was added. I really don't think its only the cubic inches that gives it the extra go. It was a combination, of the extra size, the cam and the 4bbl. When my truck was stock, it would really move but a jtruck is a lot lighter than a wagon.

With all that being said, I would still like to have a 401

[austinaubinoe]

how is this even an argument. Who does not want a bigger motor? Only downside I see is that it cant be rebuilt as many times. Its the same motor, with stronger metal, with a larger displacement. Sounds good to me.

[Jeepstress]

Anyway, 401 guys will be 401 guys, no matter what.

And what about us 401 Gals, hhhmmmm?

Making blanket statements like that is just foolish.

And YES Blake. Stepping into a 401 will make you sit up and take notice when those secondaries kick in. Welcome to the club.

[PlasticBoob]

^^ Woo, the cavalry's here! I was starting to feel like one of those crazy street preachers.

Just kidding. As far as I can tell, no one here insulted the 360. I do not have a negative view of the 304/360 at all. I love all the AMC engines. But really, there is a definite difference in driving a 401.

FSJunkie is spoiled by his high-compression 360, which I don't doubt is a beast...but it's still making a few hp/ft-lbs less than the low-compression 401. I'm mainly comparing the 401 to its smog-era brethren, which would be '73 on up?

Sure, you can make smaller engines powerful, but they have to rev higher to do so. Larger displacement always wins if you just want to get up to speed without a lot of fuss.

[PlasticBoob]

My current project is rebuilding a jet boat with a Panther drive. I've had to do a lot of research, as this is my first marine engine build. One of Panther's OEM engine combos was an AMC 360 in front of their pump. There are a few of them still around. AMC V-8 were used in many power boats, and the distinctive exhaust note is always there. Many of those drives were upgraded to the 401. The torque is beautiful.

Of course the boat I'm working on has a 460 Ford, otherwise I might hit up the AMC gurus in off topic to see if any of them has experience with marine.

That's so cool! I had no clue, but then again I don't know much about boats at all. I'd love to see a marine AMC in action! My grandpa had a Reinell(?) with a Ford 351 that hauled the mail.

[joe]

Gearing plays a big part in that Grand Wags had 2.73 mostly, even 70's era wags had 3.07's in a lot of cases.

x2
Not knocking the 401 but I'm thinking your 3.73 gears are a major player in your thrill factor over a 360 wag.

[Blake]

x2
Not knocking the 401 but I'm thinking your 3.73 gears are a major player in your thrill factor over a 360 wag.

maybe

but my Waggy has 4:10 gears and 35's and my Honcho has 5.38 gears and 42's. Neither one of 'em could keep up with the J20

[Ristow]

FSJunkie is spoiled by his high-compression 360,

the high compression 360 never made it into a jeep. 8.5cr is what they got.

So far I haven't seen any 401's that can be shifted into gear and driven without stalling after a cold start which took less than one second on the starter, just a flick.

...

how many 401's have you just plain seen?


come over to my house. i'll show you one. it'll get better mileage than your 360 too. you can tell me how my tailights look.

Anyway, 401 guys will be 401 guys, no matter what.

no. i've actually stated,recently even,that i think the 360 runs nicer than the 401. but i'm not gonna degrade the 401 simply because i don't have,even if i didn't.

[BRUTUS]

Have you drifted it around any corners with oncoming traffic yet Blake? How does it compare to Brutus?

[Blake]

Have you drifted it around any corners with oncoming traffic yet Blake? How does it compare to Brutus?

Nope - not yet. I was taking it real easy. The tires on it are pretty old and worn...

[jeepjerry]

Blackbart was under the impression that AMC motors had no get up till he drove my Cherokee the first time, he was quite shocked as to how much power it had. He came back and said why have these idiots been replacing that motor with SBC all these years?

Hahaha....ive been saying that for a long time!....

[Revhendo]

Nope - not yet. I was taking it real easy. The tires on it are pretty old and worn...

I can't think of anything more fitting than a Valhalla* send off for those old tires.....

Great truck, by the way.



* smoke and flames

[The Colonel]

Gearing plays a big part in that Grand Wags had 2.73 mostly, even 70's era wags had 3.07's in a lot of cases.

X2, going from 2.73 to 3.73 made a HUGE difference in my GW.