You can swap out that 6
banger with a AMC V-8.
Simple process with
virtually no engine mount
mods. I run a .030 over
360 cid w/401 heads in mine.
The main problem with the AMC
V-8’s are the crankshaft oil galleries,
(need to be chamfered) and the oil galleries
at the rear of the heads. The engine blocks
have a high nickle content and are
are a little tougher to machine, but
all in all, AMC v-8’s
are pretty durable. A
big plus for me is having
the distributor up front
eliminating mods to the
firewall. Just some stuff
to consider. AMC engines
are still out there, but
parts will be a little
higher priced.
Sticker shock is why an AMC V8 probably won’t happen but I haven’t ruled it out completely. I’d love a 360/401, don’t get me wrong.
Every AMC V8 seemed to have lifter problems eventually. A lot of them in the passenger rear and probably due in part to the oil galleries in the back like you mentioned.
The possibility of an engine swap is at the earliest end of the year so who knows by then what the bank book might allow?
That CJ7 is the lowest priority of the three since it’s the furthest away.