AMC engine swap 4.2l - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kcabbie · 02-11-2011, 12:52 AM

I have an '84 with a 4.1l inline 6 that Is holding me back in power. If it was an earlier modle, without the intrigated intake manifolds, i would be extremely excited to hook it up. But i'm not that lucky.
I found a '76 amc 4.2l 258 inline six. As far as i can tell, they look almost identical. But they were put in jeeps? If anyone has any info on this engine, please let me know. If it's a direct swap, and i can interchange parts from the chevy 4.1 or other L6's then It will be built up ready to drop in.
Thanks guys.

lilpoindexter · 02-11-2011, 12:57 AM

Why not just drop in a pre-integral head chevy straight 6? or a chevy big block?

kcabbie · 02-11-2011, 01:13 AM

This engine is complete and he doesnt want that much at all. That is what i plan(ned) on doing. Money is just kind of tight right now.
Also I was curious if these amc engines were better in performance/reliability wise.
Thanks for the reply!

cableguy0 · 02-11-2011, 01:20 AM

Your going to spend a ton in doing the swap. The bellhousing is different. None of the accessories will interchange. The mounts are different. Its definately not a bolt in deal. If your looking for more power why not dump the inline 6 and find a cheap 350

justinburnett · 02-11-2011, 01:41 AM

I just yesterday saw a running 350 still in a truck that he'd let you start and drive, then pull for you and send you on your way for 300 dollars. That's way less that you'd ever pay trying to do an off-brand swap. Just check the craigslist in your area and keep your eyes open. A good deal will come by. Also look for cars/trucks that have bad trannys, or have been wrecked but still run. You should be good to go under 500 for sure.

MalibuSSwagon · 02-11-2011, 03:34 AM

If money is tight, and your engine runs fine as-is, I would leave it be until your cash flow improves. Swapping a used engine that has possible hidden problems is just asking for trouble.

**N2TRUX** · 02-11-2011, 11:47 AM

Waste of time and money is the short answer here.

kcabbie · 02-11-2011, 04:29 PM

Thanks guys. And the reason i don't want to just drop in a v8 is because I like to be unique i guess. I don't want 300 hp or a blazzing fast truck. I just want something that will get up and go, and right now my 4.1l is having a hard time with that task sometimes.
Also, about the money and waiting. It's just how I am and probably am going to be for the next couple of years. Everymonth I have some extra to do with as i like, and i would like to get a complete other engine that i can start going through one task at a time until it's ready to drop in and go.
Thanks for all the replies guys, I will not be getting it!

Big Port Jimmy 6 · 02-11-2011, 10:04 PM

Find a 292 and start a long term build with that extra. Jay

1LowToy · 02-11-2011, 10:56 PM

I just got back from getting my taxes done. He did mention a slow car tax credit. I tried to go with my 82 mercedes but the tax man came up with his 62 Pontiac slant 4. I think mine may be just a lil faster.

02-11-2011, 12:52 AM	#1
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	AMC engine swap 4.2l I have an '84 with a 4.1l inline 6 that Is holding me back in power. If it was an earlier modle, without the intrigated intake manifolds, i would be extremely excited to hook it up. But i'm not that lucky. I found a '76 amc 4.2l 258 inline six. As far as i can tell, they look almost identical. But they were put in jeeps? If anyone has any info on this engine, please let me know. If it's a direct swap, and i can interchange parts from the chevy 4.1 or other L6's then It will be built up ready to drop in. Thanks guys.

02-11-2011, 12:57 AM	#2
lilpoindexter Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: los angeles Posts: 1,134	Re: AMC engine swap 4.2l Why not just drop in a pre-integral head chevy straight 6? or a chevy big block?

02-11-2011, 01:13 AM	#3
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: AMC engine swap 4.2l This engine is complete and he doesnt want that much at all. That is what i plan(ned) on doing. Money is just kind of tight right now. Also I was curious if these amc engines were better in performance/reliability wise. Thanks for the reply!

02-11-2011, 01:20 AM	#4
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	Re: AMC engine swap 4.2l Your going to spend a ton in doing the swap. The bellhousing is different. None of the accessories will interchange. The mounts are different. Its definately not a bolt in deal. If your looking for more power why not dump the inline 6 and find a cheap 350 __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

02-11-2011, 01:41 AM	#5
justinburnett Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: The Dalles, OR Posts: 392	Re: AMC engine swap 4.2l I just yesterday saw a running 350 still in a truck that he'd let you start and drive, then pull for you and send you on your way for 300 dollars. That's way less that you'd ever pay trying to do an off-brand swap. Just check the craigslist in your area and keep your eyes open. A good deal will come by. Also look for cars/trucks that have bad trannys, or have been wrecked but still run. You should be good to go under 500 for sure.

02-11-2011, 03:34 AM	#6
MalibuSSwagon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Weare,NH Posts: 1,592	Re: AMC engine swap 4.2l If money is tight, and your engine runs fine as-is, I would leave it be until your cash flow improves. Swapping a used engine that has possible hidden problems is just asking for trouble. __________________ Eric 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1986 Chevrolet C10\|5.3L\|TKO600\|Shortbed\|Custom Deluxe 1983 Malibu Wagon\|TPI 305\|T5 5 speed\|3.73 non-posi

02-11-2011, 11:47 AM	#7
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: AMC engine swap 4.2l Waste of time and money is the short answer here. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

02-11-2011, 04:29 PM	#8
kcabbie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: houston texas Posts: 64	Re: AMC engine swap 4.2l Thanks guys. And the reason i don't want to just drop in a v8 is because I like to be unique i guess. I don't want 300 hp or a blazzing fast truck. I just want something that will get up and go, and right now my 4.1l is having a hard time with that task sometimes. Also, about the money and waiting. It's just how I am and probably am going to be for the next couple of years. Everymonth I have some extra to do with as i like, and i would like to get a complete other engine that i can start going through one task at a time until it's ready to drop in and go. Thanks for all the replies guys, I will not be getting it!

02-11-2011, 10:04 PM	#9
Big Port Jimmy 6 Addicted to Rust Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Abbeville SC Posts: 1,030	Re: AMC engine swap 4.2l Find a 292 and start a long term build with that extra. Jay __________________ Current trucks: (48 GMC100 320 inliner) Gone (48 Suburban in pieces) Sold 87 GMC CCSB 5.3 4l60E Daily Driver ECTA National record holder XO/PP We never really grow up, we just learn how to act in public.

02-11-2011, 10:56 PM	#10
1LowToy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sonora California Posts: 860	Re: AMC engine swap 4.2l I just got back from getting my taxes done. He did mention a slow car tax credit. I tried to go with my 82 mercedes but the tax man came up with his 62 Pontiac slant 4. I think mine may be just a lil faster.



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