In Dec. of 2000 we put a totally rebuilt 81 258 in my 1985 CJ-7, the old motor had 140,000 on it and was starting to feel a little tired, but ran OK, at least I was used to the way it ran. I had put only about 1200 miles on it since the rebuild, just wheeling in the Rock Garden and Chokecherry and a few short runs to the San Juans. Anyway, I drove it to Tucson and back this weekend, total trip about 1000 miles. Boy, does that new motor run strong, was able to do 75-80 on the interstate with no problem, pass or keep up speed going uphill. MY point is, if you are contemplating rebuilding, the stock 258 in fresh form is actually a very fine motor, I had forgotten how strong they actually are. And they are cheap and easy to rebuild. The only mod on this motor is a Weber 32/36, stock cam, exhaust and ignition.

75-80 in a CJ wow!

glad the engine rebuild went well. How is your fuel economy since the rebuild?

Tony

Fuel economy seems about the same, I've never checked it, but I'd say around 20 at a sane speed.