82 Cherokee project help

I am buying a 1982 Cherokee Laredo.

So the problem is it has a I6 and I know nothing about options for the vehicle.

Its not rusted as I am in California but it does need interior work.

I am a welder and fabricator so alot of aluminum is planned for the interior.

Engine and suspension options are my main concern.

Engine:
Smog will be an issue.
I plan on a newer smogable v8 to swap in but I am not sure what one to go with. Believe it or not I don’t want to have to do too much fabricating. I would like to keep the torque up there because I plan to use the ride. Not too new I want to avoid too much computer issues but I need to have an engine that is 1982 or newer. I would prefer a dodge engine, as it is a dodge to begin with.

Was the AMC401 in any 1982 Dodge vehicles???

Suspension:

I am not sure what driveline they come with stock but the plan is a min of 38" tires.


Advice needed

Thank you very much.

Well I did some more research and although it is taking forever to get logged on to the international full size jeep association I did find the river beast. (http://home.mchsi.com/~riverbeast/) Wow great site and basically solved all my suspension questions. I did also find information about the AMC 360 and although it was not my favorite choice based on limitations it looks like it is the easiest option so far.

What’s the max torque you can get out of the AMC 360?

Was there ever a fuel injected AMC 360 or do I need to go dodge?

Any ideas or leads on info would be great, Thanks.

have another question, lift laws in California?? Any way around them?

I see trucks lifted to the sky and clearly higher than the 30" I have seen posted as the frame down measurement allowed.

I have yet to contact the DMV but I figured at least some owners of lifted FSJ Cherokee’s that are around the same as the 82 Cherokee Laredo might be able to share there measurements with there suspension mods. Frame to ground measurement seems to be the issue.

Thanks

Engine info I found so far.


I did find the Howell fuel injection kits for the AMC 360 that can be made smog legal in California so I can have my cake and eat it too.
Not too bad price either. Around 1300.00 ish. They make systems for the v6 as well.
It looks like there is enough support for the 360 and the torque numbers are good enough with a basic cam mod.