go with the 360... there is no comparison between the 2 ..and i have a 304 in my jeep...every part of your 304 will bolt on the 360(except the flywheel), it will bolt straight in, and poof.. you have more power. if you can find one, bolt in a 401... the same as a 360, but better internal components and even more power.

~~Elusive~~
tj-7..tellico tested, uwharrie safaried, FOR SALE!/wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif..see it at http://www.jeepgod.net
oh yeah, and a 2000 tj, 4.0, dana 44, nv3550

 

Are the motor mounts the same between the 304/360/401? Do they also bolt straight to a TH400 tranny? I have a 304 also and had the same question? What extra things do I need whenever I swap in?

Muddynut
/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif'79 CJ7 "Issues"-304-35s/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif

 

Everything will be completely bolt in. The motor mounts and all are the same. You could also put some 360 or 401 heads on your 304 and add a better cam. I have a 360 in my jeep and it feels like it has twice as much power as a 304.

78 CJ5/360

 

Does anyone have an idea what a used 360 would cost? How about an engine rebuild. I need to do a cost analysis before committing any money. Good thing winter is comming....

Thanks

Archie Gallup
Bath, Maine

78 CJ-7 HT, 304 V8, 3spd, ? Lift, 33x12.5's, Rust. "JeepHeap"
79 IH Scout II, 304 V8 Auto, Stock.

Round Headlights have more fun.....

 

Go with the 360. IMO, don't put any money into the 304. For 4 wheeling you'd be better off with a 258/6, much better bottom end than the 304. The 360 has the best of both, lots more hp and good bottom end.

Brad
ORC Land Use Section Editor
http://www.off-road.com/land
Vice-Pres. Rock Garden 4 Wheelers, Farmington, NM

 

initial purchase price fora 360 can vary wildly, But something to keep in mind, the rebuild kit for the 360 is actually cheaper than the kit for the 304.

get the 360, the cost issue is a draw unless you have to give several hundred for a core, and you should be able to find a running one for $300-$700

you can buy a complete rusty wagoneer for a few hundred, use tranny engine, axles, and part the rest out!



OzarkJeep

"If I take a stand It will be my own"

 

Anyone know how to look at a used engine, especialy if you can't hear it run? I've never shopped for an engine before. Also, what do you do with the rusty waggy after you take the engine out? ps: I rent without a garage or yard......

Archie Gallup
Bath, Maine

78 CJ-7 HT, 304 V8, 3spd, ? Lift, 33x12.5's, Rust. "JeepHeap"
79 IH Scout II, 304 V8 Auto, Stock.

Round Headlights have more fun.....

 

Not much you can do without a garage or yard. I bought my 360 and TF 727 auto for $350, but that was from a friend. Realistically it should probably run you about $400 - $600 for the motor. Definitely have it rebuilt before dropping it in. If you buy the whole Waggy, you could then use the motor and the tranny, and take your time building the axles to fit your Jeep. The swapping comparison is not an issue. Direct bolt in, same as a Chevy 305/350/396(?). The 360 is a great motor for a Jeep. Plenty of torque, plenty of power. But the best part is, it's a real workhorse. It just gets the job done, plain and simple.

canis
'82 CJ-7/360/727/D300/M.O.R.E. shackles and lots of ideas!

Have you kissed your JEEP lately?

 

How much does an engine rebuild cost from a shop? I'll call to get prices, just want something to compare it to. If I have to rebuild the 360 that I buy, why dont I just rebuild the 304 I have and save the money?

Archie Gallup
Bath, Maine

78 CJ-7 HT, 304 V8, 3spd, ? Lift, 33x12.5's, Rust. "JeepHeap"
79 IH Scout II, 304 V8 Auto, Stock.

Round Headlights have more fun.....

 

Another way of getting a 360 is to call around to the machine shops/engine rebuilders in your area to see if they have an exchange reman 360 in stock, and ask them the cost, and how much you would have to pay for the difference in core value of your 304. They may do the installs too, or they may have a shop they deal with to recommend to you.

I'm not sure of the going rate in your part of the country, but in SoCal, a reman ATK outright (no core charge) engine with a 3/36 warranty costs around $2000. The local rebuilder gets around $1200 for a basic rebuild, with all new valvetrain parts (rockers, pivots, valve springs, retainers and valves) costing a few hundred more. He gives a 6 month warranty, unless you are willing to pay extra for an extended warranty. The Jeep dealer will get around $2500 for a Mopar reman 360.

The only parts you will need that are different than the 304 are the vibration dampner and the flexplate/flywheel. Everything else is identical externally. If the rebuilder asks you for a year on the 360, say '78 (or whatever year your 304 is), as there are some minor differences in the heads as far as the exhaust manifold bolt sizes and the size of the alternator mounting bolt hole.

Hope this helps, good luck!

 

Ok I am seriously considering this swap for my 78 CJ7.. I have a fair running 304 mated to a th400 tranny.. I would love to keep my current tranny since I just got it rebuilt (will be DONE MONDAY)..... the swap shouldnt take me very long.. I can use same distributor, wires, ignition, wires, ect.. So I need some adaptor or flexplate for my TH400 tranny correct? Also what else am I looking over?

Muddynut
/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif'79 CJ7 "Issues"-304-35s/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif

 

Hi Elusive.

On the flywheels , they are not interchangeable for what reason ? Internal/external balancing issue ? I`m kind of looking at getting a 360 in place of my 304 too . Just wanted to know if I have to look for a 360 flywheel or just get mine re-balanced .
I posted this same question about motors months ago and didnt quite get this response , it was more like " Theres not a whole lot of difference between the 2 " Now the gist of the conversations here is its like WAY more power than my 304 .
Just how much more torque and power are we talking about people ? Say both engines are running everything identical except the cubic inches. 20 , 30 , 90 more HP ? How much more torque ? I just would like to know if its worth the extra hassle and how noticeable will it be . Thanks !!!

Jeff

1979 CJ5
Almost finished /wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif ( Ya Right ! )

Why does everyone always ask " So what did you get done on your Jeep today ? "

 

it is a balncing issue on teh flywheel differences, without the proper one itll vibrate it self apart.

the power difference is night and day, sorry I cant find the specs right off, its a substanial differnce in torque and HP numbers.



OzarkJeep

"If I take a stand It will be my own"

 

I was just curious if its like the 401 deal , you can use a 304 flywheel but it must be re-balanced or does it require a new one . Just trying to understand fully what you mean by " the proper one " . Thanks .

Jeff

1979 CJ5
Almost finished /wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif ( Ya Right ! )

Why does everyone always ask " So what did you get done on your Jeep today ? "

 

proper one = one that has been balanced for that engines crank, either at the factory ( a factory 360 flywheel for example)

or by a machine shop, where they balance your entire rotating assy together, OR rebalance a nother weighted factory flywheel ( a 304 flywheel modified to 360 specs)

I have heard some can be rebalanced and some cant, youll just have to work with your local machine shop on this one, or find an aftermarket flywheel ( $250)
or find an original factory flywheel.



OzarkJeep

"If I take a stand It will be my own"

 

304- 150HP@4200, 245lb-ft@2500
360- 175HP@4400, 285lb-ft@2900
401- 215HP@4400, 320lb-ft@2800

 

the rebuild kit for a 360 is cheaper, and the 360 is better.

a shop will charge you close to $2000, and its a crap shoot as to whether youll get a good engine or a piece of junk.

It all depends on how much$$$ you can finda 360 for, better start looking.



OzarkJeep

"If I take a stand It will be my own"

 

Nice info folks! When my 304 gasps its final breath, I'm going to put in a 360. Guess I'll start looking now. My 304 may last 5 years, or 5 days (it is old, and you never know for certain).

Happy Jeepin' Turtle

"Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name."

 

I’ve been very impressed by my 304 in the five years that I’ve owned it. I have never seen an engine as reliable and solid. I’ve worked in a NASCAR engine shop and love the power those beasts can make, but I just don’t need that much power. I have enough trouble keeping my wheels from slipping with the torque I’ve got now. Besides, how many engines can bounce back from a near stall at 200 rpms? Also, my choke is broken so in the morning my 304 idles at 300 rpms!!! It may not be the most powerful, lightest, or fuel effecient, but I must say that a replacement would have to be good.

I’ve looked at Ford engines (I know them more) and have thought of using one when (if) my 304 dies. I thought it was dead, then I went out and tinkered with the carb and now it’s strong as a ever, though it has a noticeable sucking sound...maybe the high-hat intake mod (aircleaner lid turn upside down with oversized filter...bigger than custom intake filters). I figure it should be good for awhile. Does the 360 offer the same level of reliability of the 304? If so, I’m on it. Also, how can we squeeze the most mileage from these heavy beasts?

Extinct


Jeep...need I say more?

 

the only difference between the 304 and 360 are the heads ( 360s valves are bigger), Pistons ( 360 has more cylinder bore) and the flywheel ( even though IM confused why a 304 and a 360 share he same stroke and crank, but not he same flywheel, I guess its to offset the heavier pistons in teh 360?)

the intake, all the tinware, and the timing cover, all acceceries will interchange, as will the crank/cam/lifters.

so its the same engine basically but more of it.
.


OzarkJeep

"If I take a stand It will be my own"

 

So if it’s the same in all respects save for bore diameter and valve size, does the 360 weigh less than the 304? That increase in bore had to remove some weight!!!!!

Extinct


Jeep...need I say more?

 

less cylinder wall, but more piston, but pistons are aluminum, cylinder walls are lotta nickel alloy cast.

hmm, yes its exactly 1.7809 Lbs lighter

OzarkJeep

"If I take a stand It will be my own"

 

ok this question is for all the AMC engine out there. I've been trying to read all i can and get al the info on my AMC 304. from some of the things I've read it leads me to belive that the 304,360,and 401 are all the same block.is this true? I could be wrong but let me explain my reasoning before you shoot me down. i read that all AMS v-8 blocks are the same. the just have undersized and oversized componets. So if this is true would it be cheaper to have the 304 bored to 360 specs or even 401 specs? Thanks for the info. /wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif

Kyle

If you can't break it, Try Harder/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif
79 CJ-7/304/T-150 I think/Dana20/No tires(yet)/rust/wwwthreads_images/icons/frown.gif
KnightWrestling@aol.com

 

nope.. can't do it....the 304 water jackets are lots bigger and you would have to bore well into them to make it a 360... internally the blockas are slightly different..i heard there was an early 304 thats rare that could be bored that far.... but as a rule... it won't work.

~~Elusive~~
tj-7..tellico tested, uwharrie safaried, FOR SALE!/wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif..see it at http://www.jeepgod.net
oh yeah, and a 2000 tj, 4.0, dana 44, nv3550