info please on a 360 swap?

I have my 79 frame ready for the wire wheel and would like more info on the 258 swap to a 360. Would I be able to install the 360 frame mounts exactly where the 258 mounts where? If I can’t, would I install the trans first then drop in the 360 for placement? What degree angle should a 360 have? Should I increase the size of my radiator to aid in cooling a bigger engine? Any other helpful hints would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Chuck,
My friend just put a 360 into his '78 CJ7. His was a ground up build with a lot of personal modifications to the suspension. He kept the engine and trans/transfer bolted up. He used the mounts from the donor jeep ('73 jeep cherokee). To make sure all was right, all mounts were tacked in place and tub was placed on the frame, to check for interference's. This went on at least three times untill all close fitting areas were addresed. The angle is about 5-7 degrees, (didn't have a gage when his went in) it's not much though. He has the two core radiator from the inline six. He's been driving it around for a while without any cooling problems, but today we were talking, (I just picked up my modified radiator for my CJ5, two core to three core) he has not pushed it hard at low speeds off road yet and we live in a northern climate so it is cooler.
After the build he was told by seasoned Jeep people that putting that Jeep running gear into his CJ was much more difficult than dropping a small block Chevy in!!
Good luck!
Joe

 

You can still get factory style bolt in v-8 jeep motor mounts. The short side of the 258 mount IIRC is the same for both motors.

 

I did the 360 swap in my 75 and I only replaced the passenger side mount. Also, you'll be better off with the 3 core radiator.

 

With the help of Joe, fourtrail, Colin and other web sites I have gathered this info for my swap. I hope this may help others. Again thanks Joe, jourtrail and Colin for your reply.

1) All AMC/Jeep V8s and all 1972 and later 258 I-6s have the same bell housing pattern and share the same mounting bases.
2) The frame holes are universal for the various mounts (4cyl, 6cyl, V8. That way the factory only makes one frame that every model uses, lowering production costs.
3) Like the small block Chevy, the AMC block (290/304/343/360/390/401) all have the same motor mount positions so anything that fits a 304 will fit the 360.
4) Try to keep the engine level or no more than 2* tilt for a carb engine. Use grade 8 bolts w/the aircraft nylon nut backing.
5) - I6 radiator outlets match the V8's.
- It's best to use an I6 heavy-duty radiator (3 core).
- A CJ V8 fan shroud must be used, application is for a 1981 CJ7 with a 304 V8 (part No. J5355678).
- Or you can replace the mechanical fan, with an electric one, and then forget
about the shroud.
6) The AMC V8 fuel line is on the driver's side while the I6's in passenger side.
7) 1980 and up SJs (Grand Wagoneers), J10/20s have the rear dump left exhaust manifold (to clear the front driveline better). All the 1970+ V8 AMC cars, CJs and 1979 and earlier SJ/J10s/20s have the center dump left manifold. There is only one style right manifold after 1970.
- The 2 1/8 inch "Y" exhaust pipe from a 304 powered CJ will take care of the exhaust, If you can find one and it matches your exhaust manifolds.
- Use 2 1/2 inch pipe from "Y" on out.
- Try to get the manifolds with engine... especially if using earlier rectangular port heads (1966-1969).
- Hedman, among others, makes headers for AMC V8s in CJs. Headman headers that are fenderwell exit for the 304, will work on the 360, with the automatic, you pretty much have to run side pipes though.