from a 304 to a 401....oboyyyyy

I went to the local junkyard to get a good used 360 they sent me to a 77 Cherokee,when I got the motor up in the air I noticed it said 401 on the engine block. The yard hand didn't see it and I wasn't going to say anything.:twisted: :twisted: :twisted: What are the pro's and con's here?

 

No cons. Great motor. Add $1500 to the resale value of your Jeep. Do it!

 

Seriously, you'll need a 401 flywheel, because the external balance is different from the 304 or 360. They are available aftermarket. The 401 is a terrific motor - special block alloy, steel rods, steel crank, very powerful. Because the bore size pushes the limits of the block size, they cannot be overbored very much - 30 is safe and 60 is only possible, maybe if you have a block where the core was well centered. 60 over 401s tend to overheat.

Otherwise the swap couldn't be easier - a total drop in. Do it if you can.

 

I'm glad you told me about the flywheel, the motor was hooked up to a automatic and I was just going to put my pressure plate and clutch on and go....

 

I knew you'd need a flywheel, since the 401 was only available with the TH400 in Jeeps. Some special order 401 T-18 trucks are rumored to exist, but they weren't on the option list.

 

If my flywheel and clutch from my 304 wont work,any advise where I should look for a 401 flywheel?

 

401 in a 5? oh my ;D I did a 5 and a 7 with a 401. Very impressive! Find a strong trans.

 

I don't know specifically, but you need a replacement flywheel for a '70s AMC muscle car, say a '73 AMX with a 401 and 4-speed? A good parts store should be able to get it.

 

I agree! I have a couple of buddies who had them in their rigs and ran the absolute crap out of them for years without any problems. I could have bought one of them a year or so ago that was still running with a four speed trans for $300 but passed on it because I thought it would be more weight than what I wanted. Since then I have quit drinking.

 

Ok come on lets not be irrational.

 

The clutch should be ok - they are all neutral balance. Pretty sure there's a 10.5" and 11" clutch available, and that the stock 304 is 10.5". Both should bolt up, but you may want the larger clutch.

 

Here is a flywheel from Jegs with free shipping.

 

I'd better stop reading threads here. I've spent so mcuh money on my Jeep and I have done so many projects, and now Iwant a 401. You guys should be ashamed of yourselves, imprinting my poor, naive mind with your carnal Jeepish lusts

 

A billet flywheel is pretty expensive, and overkill for a Jeep IMO - American Performance lists a stock-style cast flywheel PN 3212625 for $177. You may be able to get one cheaper through your local parts store.

 

I see this one on Ebay all the time:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AMC-...009QQitemZ190007170022QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

Thanks for all the help,the jeep nerd saved my butt. I found a flywheel at Tellico 4x4 for $120 to my door. I will take your advice and go with the 11" clutch. As far as the 304 goes the bottom end is in good shape, it has a flat cam. It was starting to loose oil pressure so I think cam bearings are worn to. But it's free to anyone that wants it.

 

Okay i have a few questions.. So you must upgrade the flywheel if your upgrading the motor? I had a inline 258 with the T18 tranny. I just bought a Jeep Waggy with a 360 in it so i can put it in my 75 CJ5.. Im guessing that i will need a 360 flywheel to install my motor correct?

 

Yep.