232 to 360 Engine Swap

It looks like I'm going to do it sooner than I planned.
I've found a complete 360 Jeep engine that I'll be picking up in a week or so. I have a '73 CJ5 with a 232 and T18 that I plan on installing it in. I understand the bell housing should bolt directly up, but what about the flywheel and pressure plate (the 360 was in an automatic Waggoneer)?
Also where do I go for motor mounts? Do I need to change motor mount brackets? Will the 232 radiator be adequate (I hope so, it's new)? Any other insight/advice would be appreciated.

232 runs good if anyone needs one. Can have it just to pick it up (may have a few other freebies in the garage too...). New points plugs, condenser, wires. Houston, Texas.

 

I just saw an entire motor mount kit for the AMC engines! Probably 4wd.com or Collins Bros. catalog...I'll email you if I come across it again.

 

you need a flywheel from a 360 or 401

 

Yep, you will need the correct 360 flywheel. They are all different and you need the specific 360 flywheel. Also, you will need a passenger side frame mount from a CJ. Waggy mounts will not work. MORE sells a kit, if you want to afford it. I do not. If you have a two core rad, that will probably not do it. I have a three core because when the last one blew we put a three core in because a V8 swap was planned. Also, with regards to exhaust manifolds, you need one that has the driver side exit further ahead on the manifold. You will understand once you look at them. Some have the exit in the rear and that will run right into your clutch linkage.

I have a 360 in the garage that I am toying with right now. I have been doing quite a bit of research on this topic.

Good luck

High5

 

Thanks for the help. My radiator is a three core so hopefully it will work. It sounds like I need to start gathering up other parts though. Going to pull the front clip off to do the swap (installing power steering at the same time).

 

No no no. You must use a 360 flywheel - a 401 or 304 flywheel won't do. The AMC V8s are externally balanced and each displacement has its own flywheel.

You can buy a billet flywheel from Summit or Jegs ($pendy!) or get an OEM style cast flywheel from American Performance and probably others. A used flywheel would be ok too - try a WTB on the Wagoneer/J-truck forums.

The mounts for a 304 CJ will fit exactly; I'd suggest you put the engine in the stock location for the 304. Is this the factory close-ratio T-18 or a previous swap? You may have to wing it wrt the placement of the crossmember, shifter alignment and driveshaft length.

You'll need to get the throttle cable for a 304, move the fuel line to the left side, and use a 304 radiator. Should be pretty easy as engine swaps go.

 

Thanks again. Good to know on the external balancing. I made that mistake on another engine many years ago and had to pull it back out and find the right flywheel.
The transmission is the factory T18. It was an option on the '73 but apparently not a very common one? I'm happy with the transmission. It seems to be in good shape, shifts well, no noises...and the granny first gear is nice. It should do well paired up with the 360.

 

That's the close-ratio T-18; different ratios from the T-18 typically used in pickup trucks. It's not that uncommon - the dealership where I worked sold a lot of them. The customers really liked them. I had thought they were only available with the 258, but the 232 would have been the same except for the displacement.