AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Altered Eagles => Topic started by: eaglefreek on August 18, 2014, 12:03:17 AM

Title: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on August 18, 2014, 12:03:17 AM
I'm just brainstorming here. I should be getting my 81 wagon back soon, but I won't start the project till next year. I gave it to a friend when I moved to TN, but he didn't do anything to it and said I could have it back. I just have to get it from Denver to TN. Here's a pic of what it looked like when I owned it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/svoman2300/Eaglewheels001.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/svoman2300/media/Eaglewheels001.jpg.html)
It was a 6cyl. 4 speed car. The engine is actually in my 86 Eagle. I got a T5 for it before I gave it to my buddy. Since I already have an off road capable Eagle, I want it to be a 100% street vehicle with an emphasis on performance. I'd like to shave some weight off by not reusing the heavy 258. I'd be happy with 200 hp. I don't want to go to high because the front cv axles might not be able to handle much power. To go through the hassle of doing a major engine swap, the new engine needs to be a bit lighter to make it worth while. I would love to put in a Vortec 4200, but it is quite tall and I don't think it will fit  under an Eagle's hood, plus it's not much lighter but has a close to 300hp.  I'm leaning towards a Ford 3.0L Duratec V6. 200+ HP and weighs in the mid 300's complete. There is a bellhousing to use a Ford T5 which should work with the AMC T5. I would even consider a 4cyl turbo engine. I realize some major fabwork will need to be done, but I don't like average. I'd love to get some input, besides just stick a 4.0l in it.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: 1985amceagle on August 18, 2014, 01:45:22 AM
Some people stick the GM 3800 in place of the stock 2.8 in xj/mj vehicles that had the engine. I'm not sure what transmisionsthey used, but the Amc 4 cyl has the same bellhousing bolt pattern. the later 3800s seem to be a long lived engine, and GM also supercharged some of them, so it may make a decent swap candidate
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on August 18, 2014, 09:53:46 AM
Some people stick the GM 3800 in place of the stock 2.8 in xj/mj vehicles that had the engine. I'm not sure what transmisionsthey used, but the Amc 4 cyl has the same bellhousing bolt pattern. the later 3800s seem to be a long lived engine, and GM also supercharged some of them, so it may make a decent swap candidate
Thanks for reminding me. That's on my list also, but it's all iron and not a huge weight savings over the 258. The GM Ecotec 4 cyl turbo is also on my short list since it has a lot of aftermarket support. I looked at so many different options including Japanese engines and the Australian Ford 4.0l straight 6.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Nightpath on September 28, 2014, 07:44:39 PM
Holy sweet lord I love the look of that color scheme.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on September 28, 2014, 08:12:03 PM
Holy sweet lord I love the look of that color scheme.
Well, it will probably be changed, though.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on September 28, 2014, 08:25:13 PM
Just for fun, I was playing around on website that you can try different wheels on your car. I don't want the donk look with huge wheels and rubberband tires, but I do want some 17's with some sidewall on the tires.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/svoman2300/LoweredEagle_zps1ef652c6.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/svoman2300/media/LoweredEagle_zps1ef652c6.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/svoman2300/vrimz_PDW__C-Spec_zps40e7056d.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/svoman2300/media/vrimz_PDW__C-Spec_zps40e7056d.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/svoman2300/vrimz_PDW__Kaiser_zpsddb0dfa5.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/svoman2300/media/vrimz_PDW__Kaiser_zpsddb0dfa5.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/svoman2300/vrimz_Speedy_Wheels__Territory_zps7ad73080.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/svoman2300/media/vrimz_Speedy_Wheels__Territory_zps7ad73080.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: rollguy on September 29, 2014, 02:00:20 PM
The GM Ecotec 4 cyl turbo is also on my short list since it has a lot of aftermarket support.
That is a great concept, having a small turbocharged 4 cyl engine. They get great fuel mileage, and really move the car quickly when asked to do so.  You might even think about the Buick Grand National engine (turbo V6?).
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Prafeston on October 06, 2014, 09:47:37 PM
Very interested to see where this project goes! ;)
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: BenM on October 07, 2014, 01:24:17 PM
I like to see people go new directions in engine swaps. I've always wondered if a Subaru flat four would fit under the hood of an Eagle.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: DownwardFlame on October 07, 2014, 03:24:18 PM
Could also consider a ford 2.3 turbo. I'm trying to find good 2.3 for my Sx4. I haven't decided if I'm going turbo or not yet.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on October 07, 2014, 07:20:25 PM
I like to see people go new directions in engine swaps. I've always wondered if a Subaru flat four would fit under the hood of an Eagle.
I thought about that for a split second, then I saw one in the junkyard and didn't look very easy to work.

Could also consider a ford 2.3 turbo. I'm trying to find good 2.3 for my Sx4. I haven't decided if I'm going turbo or not yet.
I considered that also, but they aren't much lighter than the 258. Plus, I had one for over 22 years in my Mustang SVO and I want something different.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on October 08, 2014, 12:24:40 AM
I had a turbo 2.3 in a Tbird. Motor lasted only 100,000 careful miles. Rebuild parts were crazy expensive too. Block and pistons are special to them only. I considered a reliable Peugeot turbo diesel (BA 10/5 trans came stock with them but I can't drive stick anymore) If I didn't have a 4.0L as backup, a 5.2 from a Grand Cherokee might have jumped in mine. I can get a good running one with a core 42RE trans for $300. The O/D packed it in.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: IowaEagle on October 08, 2014, 12:19:46 PM
You may want the weight of the I-6 as the car was nearly perfectly balanced front to rear.  That is important for 4WD traction.  If it was me I would go with the 4.0 as you can easily boost them a few more HP from their 180 to 200 and save yourself a lot of fitment hassles.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Nightpath on October 08, 2014, 12:24:47 PM
I think a Subaru drivetrain from a turbo WRX would be pretty hot. Only issues I can see coming up is that you'd have to use everything from the Subaru...even the axles are part of their system IIRC. There's a tonne of them around here with decent KM and rotted bodies.

They will go for 300-400,000 miles without much problems.

I'd love to see a Subie drivetrain an SX/4...or a Chevette ;)
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on October 08, 2014, 12:30:15 PM
Problem is the width of the axles and IFS system are made for a much lighter rig.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Draekon on October 08, 2014, 01:05:31 PM
Problem is the width of the axles and IFS system are made for a much lighter rig.

Imprezas and SX/4s are about the same weight
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Nightpath on October 08, 2014, 01:10:20 PM
The curb weight of the early Eagle Wagon is 3500 pounds, same as the older Foresters. Take into account that the engine was made light in '81 by about 90 pounds and you may as well say 3400 pounds, take off 100 for the Sedan and another 100 for the SX/4.

I think a Subaru drivetrain would be fine for an Eagle. They are pretty well all the same drivetrain (mid 90's - 2003ish) in all their vehicles, except for a few differences in suspension and possible axle shafts. They have a 2.0 and a 2.5L if I remember right, I wouldn't go below the 2.5L in an Eagle.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: DownwardFlame on October 08, 2014, 06:17:37 PM
I had a turbo 2.3 in a Tbird. Motor lasted only 100,000 careful miles. Rebuild parts were crazy expensive too. Block and pistons are special to them only. I considered a reliable Peugeot turbo diesel (BA 10/5 trans came stock with them but I can't drive stick anymore) If I didn't have a 4.0L as backup, a 5.2 from a Grand Cherokee might have jumped in mine. I can get a good running one with a core 42RE trans for $300. The O/D packed it in.

The only difference between a n/a and a turbo 2.3, is that the turbo has forged pistons. The block is exactly the same.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: captspillane on October 10, 2014, 10:26:14 PM
They have a 2.0 and a 2.5L if I remember right, I wouldn't go below the 2.5L in an Eagle.

I threw up a little bit in my mouth reading this post. The Subaru Forester 2.5L engine is a horrible engine. The '98 and early '99 motors blow their head gasket every 100K to 140K and immediately overheat, The late '99 to 2002 engines blow them too but don't immediately overheat and can limp along for awhile, and the newer engines are marginally better and still fragile. The CV shafts as an example are not even a third as strong as the Eagle equivalent. The under chassis has worst rust issues. The best part is that the stickshift '99 Subaru Forester with its puny little 2.5L gets worse gas mileage than a stickshift 1981 4.2L Eagle. (26 mpg versus 29). Ugh.

Then you go to drive the Subaru in the snow. What a useless death trap. The ABS is way too aggressive and it makes the car very dangerous to drive by itself and the all wheel drive traction is also pitiful compared to an Eagle. I'd rather drive a Spirit or Concord in the snow than a Subaru.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on October 11, 2014, 02:10:15 AM
I had a turbo 2.3 in a Tbird. Motor lasted only 100,000 careful miles. Rebuild parts were crazy expensive too. Block and pistons are special to them only. I considered a reliable Peugeot turbo diesel (BA 10/5 trans came stock with them but I can't drive stick anymore) If I didn't have a 4.0L as backup, a 5.2 from a Grand Cherokee might have jumped in mine. I can get a good running one with a core 42RE trans for $300. The O/D packed it in.

The only difference between a n/a and a turbo 2.3, is that the turbo has forged pistons. The block is exactly the same.


The Turbo and SVO blocks are the same (regular blocks are a different part number and get webbing cracks if you go over 10 lbs boost). Pistons and rods are beefier (and different compression ratio of course than N/A)  You want the turbo head or at least the head gasket. EFI is different too. Making a non-turbo motor into turbo is a ticking time bomb (so says Ford Racing and these guys)

http://www.stinger-performance.com/faq.html
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Eagle Groupie on October 13, 2014, 04:48:52 PM
I think a Subaru drivetrain would be fine for an Eagle. They are pretty well all the same drivetrain (mid 90's - 2003ish) in all their vehicles, except for a few differences in suspension and possible axle shafts. They have a 2.0 and a 2.5L if I remember right, I wouldn't go below the 2.5L in an Eagle.

They had a 3.0L H6 back in the day as well.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Nightpath on October 14, 2014, 10:04:25 AM
They have a 2.0 and a 2.5L if I remember right, I wouldn't go below the 2.5L in an Eagle.

I threw up a little bit in my mouth reading this post. The Subaru Forester 2.5L engine is a horrible engine. The '98 and early '99 motors blow their head gasket every 100K to 140K and immediately overheat, The late '99 to 2002 engines blow them too but don't immediately overheat and can limp along for awhile, and the newer engines are marginally better and still fragile. The CV shafts as an example are not even a third as strong as the Eagle equivalent. The under chassis has worst rust issues. The best part is that the stickshift '99 Subaru Forester with its puny little 2.5L gets worse gas mileage than a stickshift 1981 4.2L Eagle. (26 mpg versus 29). Ugh.

Then you go to drive the Subaru in the snow. What a useless death trap. The ABS is way too aggressive and it makes the car very dangerous to drive by itself and the all wheel drive traction is also pitiful compared to an Eagle. I'd rather drive a Spirit or Concord in the snow than a Subaru.

I've had several Subarus. Not bad cars IMO, even wheeled a bit with one and it was surprisingly good (Forester springs/structs modified to fit an Outback w00t). With a bit of clearnance and good tires they were surprisingly good in the snow, mud and woods. Rock crawling wasn't optimal though :(  I never had issues with their CV / driveshafts out on the trails, even hauled wood out at one point with the back loaded and a trailer full.

In 99 the Foresters received a "new" engine, the rest of the Subies were stuck with the old headgasket exploding head gaskets  till 01. The newer ones leaked externally, Subaru's fix was putting in a type of sealant into it. Haven't looked at the newer engines though. There's a lot of Subies around with blown head gaskets that can be bought for a song, and it's a easy to do fix as well. Their heads didn't warp too fast or too much to boot, which was a bonus.

Rust eats all cars. Keep them undercoated. I live on the north east coast (Nova Scotia). Undercoating and a monthly wash keeps it at bay (except on Kias...holy sweet lord...)

Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on October 14, 2014, 10:36:12 AM

 Haven't looked at the newer engines though.

Not looking good. http://wot.motortrend.com/1407_subaru_faces_class_action_suit_for_excessive_oil_consumption.html
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Nightpath on October 14, 2014, 10:44:15 AM
Yeah, they use crap for gaskets and seals. I had pretty well the whole engine worked over. Guy who has it now has over 400k on it now, still going strong.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Eagle Groupie on October 15, 2014, 08:39:03 PM
The newer ones leaked externally, Subaru's fix was putting in a type of sealant into it.

Yeah, that didn't work.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: AMCLOVER258 on November 11, 2014, 02:21:51 PM
An acura 2.4 puts out about 201 hp that'd be a neat swap... or the hyundai 2.0 turbo charged 4 thats putting about 270 hp!
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on November 11, 2014, 02:33:36 PM
An acura 2.4 puts out about 201 hp that'd be a neat swap... or the hyundai 2.0 turbo charged 4 thats putting about 270 hp!
Mating those to a longitudinal transmission would be quite difficult though. Not to mention getting around the electronics. It is amazing the amount of reliable power they are getting out of smaller engines today.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: AMCLOVER258 on November 11, 2014, 02:44:11 PM
Oh i know. It drives me nuts when i here people knock 4 cyls in these new cars  :o Im like that 4cyl turbo is walking on your v6 and even some v8's!  Im not a ford guy but my edge has the twin turbo 3.5 eco v6 and she GETS IT i mean off the line shes slow but you give her full throttle at about 25-30 and shes up to 105-110 before your eyes leave the road and view the Speedometer lol
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: amcfool1 on November 11, 2014, 11:45:05 PM
hi why not consider an AMC 304? or 360, can save weight if you use aluminum heads intake, and easily hotrodable. thanx gz
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on November 12, 2014, 08:35:46 AM
hi why not consider an AMC 304? or 360, can save weight if you use aluminum heads intake, and easily hotrodable. thanx gz
Old technology, plus I want to have something different.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: AMCLOVER258 on November 12, 2014, 02:04:02 PM
The big down down fall with going with a v6 or some kind of imported 4 is the exhaust tune.. its not going to sound anywhere near aggressive as a muscle v8 or even the 258 or 242.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on November 12, 2014, 06:29:02 PM
The big down down fall with going with a v6 or some kind of imported 4 is the exhaust tune.. its not going to sound anywhere near aggressive as a muscle v8 or even the 258 or 242.
Sorry, I accidentally hit modify instead of quote on your post. I actually like the sound of a 4cyl. or V6. Not the :censored: can sound, but a good throaty sound. My Mustang SVO that I owned for several years sounded pretty darn good to me.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: AMCLOVER258 on November 12, 2014, 06:50:09 PM
Yeah theres some out there that will suprise  you when you find out its a 6 or 4 but its all about the right exhaust combo some will sound like a coke can in a bicycle tire.. hahah
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: DownwardFlame on November 12, 2014, 07:53:56 PM
I just ran into a similar topic over on the mustang forum. Some interesting suggestions were a mitsubishi 4G63 dohc 4cyl, a BMW inline six with a turbo, or a Toyota 2JZ six.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Nightpath on November 12, 2014, 10:39:18 PM
Take a look at the boner inducing engines Ford has coming. That 2.7L V6 Turbo going into the F150.

(http://data3.whicdn.com/images/13567961/large.jpg)
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: priya on November 13, 2014, 10:30:12 AM
Yeah theres some out there that will suprise  you when you find out its a 6 or 4 but its all about the right exhaust combo some will sound like a coke can in a bicycle tire.. hahah

I'm having a hard time imagining what a coke can in a bicycle tire sounds like.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Eagle Groupie on November 13, 2014, 01:25:00 PM
Yeah theres some out there that will suprise  you when you find out its a 6 or 4 but its all about the right exhaust combo some will sound like a coke can in a bicycle tire.. hahah

I'm having a hard time imagining what a coke can in a bicycle tire sounds like.

Its the sound of somebody who needs a new bicycle tire.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: AMCLOVER258 on November 13, 2014, 02:05:05 PM
I guess that means none here owns a honda hahah
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: 1985amceagle on November 13, 2014, 08:27:41 PM
id like to try something with a Chrysler 2.5 turbo someday. it came from a time period when Chrysler still had a talented engineering department, and from my experience with a naturally aspirated 2.2, they seem like a durable and reliable engine. only downfall is the fact it uses a timing belt. there are videos on youtube of people racing minivans with the turbo 2.5 against v8 cars. I think it could have potential in something lighter, I would have to go with a rear wheel drive though myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Gdm_e_hxs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Gdm_e_hxs)
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on November 13, 2014, 08:53:32 PM
funny you should mention the Mitsu 2.5L. I had a '78 Plymouth Sapporo and a Dodge Challenger with that style motor. 2.5 broke a rod and the Challenger had the 1.6L OHC with timing belt and oil pump drive belt. The oil pump belt sheared off and it ran till it seized. I replaced the Sapporo one with a 318 and 904 and the other with a 340 4 speed std with O/D (A833?) from a Volare wagon that was supposed to go to Iraq but the deal was cancelled during Jmmy Carter's admin. ;)
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: 1985amceagle on November 14, 2014, 08:39:09 AM
funny you should mention the Mitsu 2.5L. I had a '78 Plymouth Sapporo and a Dodge Challenger with that style motor. 2.5 broke a rod and the Challenger had the 1.6L OHC with timing belt and oil pump drive belt. The oil pump belt sheared off and it ran till it seized. I replaced the Sapporo one with a 318 and 904 and the other with a 340 4 speed std with O/D (A833?) from a Volare wagon that was supposed to go to Iraq but the deal was cancelled during Jmmy Carter's admin. ;)
i dont think i was talking about the mitsu 2.5, chrysler had a 2.5 that was based off the 2.2 in the later 80's and mid 90's. the last place the engine was used was in the dodge dakota, when it was replaced by the amc 2.5.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on November 14, 2014, 01:42:07 PM
Faulty memory cells. It's not the same motor. In Mitsubishis it was the 4G58 series then it kept getting changes like the belt drive cam but it was 2.6L not 2.5. Like the VW based 1.7L, they modded an already in production motor to make it "theirs".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_2.2_%26_2.5_engine

The turbo version is worth playing with. The regular 2.5 was lucky to break 150,000 miles with EFI (less with carb)
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: 1985amceagle on November 14, 2014, 11:24:20 PM
K cars had some sort of mitsubishi engine offored. I wouldn't bother with the naturally aspirated 2.2 and 2.5s. They make a 258 powered eagle seem fast. They are at least a decent running engine, they just don't have any extra power.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on November 17, 2014, 05:20:27 PM
The Audi 2.0 was used in Postal Jeeps and some small AMCs 78/80 and I considered using the auto trans (904) from one with a few beef up parts and putting a Porsche turbo 2.0L (same block) to it from a 924 (I found 2 for $200 each local in '02).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_924
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: amcfool1 on November 25, 2014, 01:27:55 AM
hi how about an AMC 304 or 360, can be lightened and infinitely hotrodable, plus its been done before so advice should be available. gz
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on November 25, 2014, 02:34:01 AM
I dug up the Nissan SD33 std bellhousing (to T19 from my collection)
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: captspillane on November 25, 2014, 09:51:26 PM
I need that. Do you have the both halves, the ring by the starter as well as the bell down to the trans?
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on November 26, 2014, 11:57:45 AM
I only have the bell to the trans and clutch linkage. Well that and a valve cover and intake manifold. I think the bell is an SAE #5 size. It's a bit smaller than the one I had for a Chrysler 383 RB truck motor to Allison automatic.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on November 29, 2014, 08:03:03 AM
 I appreciate that Carnuck has the parts you need but maybe you guys can talk about it via PM instead of in this thread to keep it relevant. Thanks.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on November 29, 2014, 02:06:21 PM
On a related to thread note, I found a Nissan diesel pickup with SD22 4 cyl and 5 speed for $750 locally. That would be great for an SX4 swap. Too bad I can't score an LD28 autotrans from a 84/85 Maxima wagon (they used AW4 2 years only with O/D but most are Jatco) or this would be the new drivetrain for SOTE.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on November 30, 2014, 01:37:22 PM
Found the perfect swap for a wagon (sort of) An '82 Nissan Rear wheel drive Maxima (aka 810) 2.8L inline 6 diesel with O/D auto. I just can't tell if it's the Jatco or AW4 (they used both till '84 when the wagons went front wheel drive for '85) I had one with the AW4 on a gas motor. I could have swapped the flexplate, converter and bell with a Jeep AW4 to make it practically a bolt in setup. It even had a remote trans controller like Jeep, but under the hood so it was sealed.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: recomer on November 30, 2014, 05:43:24 PM
I've searched a bit and found this company http://www.mercedesdiesel4x4.com/ that makes Mercedes Turbo-Diesel conversions for various vehicles. They have jeep kits for putting the Mercedes engine in front of various jeep transmission. All the rest of the stuff (mounts and in our case oil pans) would have to be figured out but an interesting idea.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on November 30, 2014, 11:50:08 PM
123 HP and 181 ft/lbs isn't bad. 4400 RPM redline for the Mercedes motor.

The LD28 is 90 hp and 125 ft lbs torque with 4400 redline as well.

I don't know if the Mercedes adapter is cheap enough to make it worthwhile.  26 mpg with AW4 vs 35 with the Nissan motor.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: rollguy on December 01, 2014, 01:01:23 AM
123 HP and 181 ft/lbs isn't bad. 4400 RPM redline for the Mercedes motor.

The LD28 is 90 hp and 125 ft lbs torque with 4400 redline as well.

I don't know if the Mercedes adapter is cheap enough to make it worthwhile.  26 mpg with AW4 vs 35 with the Nissan motor.
Finding the Nissan engine is like finding a needle in a haystack.  Finding a Mercedes Benz Diesel is like finding hay in a haystack (ask me how I know). Also, the OM617 with an AX15 behind it is what I have planned for my former SX4 frame.  The body will be a 300D, but the frame and differentials from my old SX4 (avatar photo) will live on.  For Rick's (Eaglefreek) project, the OM617 just may be the best engine choice in my opinion...Rich
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on December 01, 2014, 04:53:09 PM
All the Mercedes diesels with turbo around here they want $2500+ USED! For $1500 I get a whole Datsun with the diesel and AW4
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: AMCLOVER258 on January 28, 2015, 02:28:22 PM
I seen an ad by me, a guy selling an old Dussy inline 8 now that would be quite the swap..
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Vgrizzw on October 07, 2015, 09:08:01 PM
This post is a bit dated but I've got to throw in that a supra 2jz (turbo'd of course) would be sweet!  It's an inline 6 and renowned for making big power and withstanding abuse!
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on October 07, 2015, 10:09:00 PM
This post is a bit dated but I've got to throw in that a nissan 2jz (turbo'd of course) would be sweet!  It's an inline 6 and renowned for making big power and withstanding abuse!
That was on my list also, but didn't make it on this thread for some reason. The car has a Ford 5.0l now, not exactly what I was going for in the beginning, but it's fun to drive. So someone else is going to have to it. A full Skyline swap with  AWD  would be cool, but rather expensive.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Vgrizzw on October 09, 2015, 02:16:24 AM
As amazing as LS engines are, I believe that the ford v8 has always been one of the greatest sounding engines and I know you've got to be enjoying it!  But I guess now I have to keep my eye out for a 2jz for mine....
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on October 09, 2015, 09:09:16 AM
As amazing as LS engines are, I believe that the ford v8 has always been one of the greatest sounding engines and I know you've got to be enjoying it!  But I guess now I have to keep my eye out for a 2jz for mine....

(http://media.giphy.com/media/wi8Ez1mwRcKGI/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on November 01, 2015, 12:09:36 PM
In retrospect, I would put a 5.0L Ford in with a T5 and just use a beefed up Jeep T5 trans with Ford input shaft and bellhousing.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: Nightpath on November 22, 2015, 12:36:49 PM
All these VW diesels around with the Dieselgate scandal. I wonder if there are any 3.0L diesels in the junkyard with AWD that are still useable from a Tiguan or similar. Would be a pretty cool swap.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on November 28, 2015, 11:40:14 PM
Anyone want to do overkill? I have a '94? Isuzu NPR with 4BD2TC motor (needs a headgasket) and Jatco automatic. I was using it for storage, but things changed BIG time and I'm getting a pair of 20 foot storage containers (or one 40 foot with middle and end doors) so I'm going to sell it.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: AMCLOVER258 on December 18, 2015, 09:55:16 PM
Looking through craigslist for rebuild-able cores i came across a 360, i wonder if a longer stroke built 360(built for torque) matted to a beefed  998, would be a great candidate for a swap...
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on December 18, 2015, 10:35:20 PM
Since the motor is offset, you might run into the same issues others have. I would still do a 727 from a Grand Wagoneer.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: AMCLOVER258 on December 18, 2015, 10:40:19 PM
Hmmm, what do you mean offset? like floor pan getting in the way or shafts not lining up properly?
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: amcfool1 on December 19, 2015, 02:41:50 AM
hi, I love this thread, what motor can we put in an Eagle? short answer, any one you want! The real question is, why? What will a foreign, (to AMC), motor do for your Eagle? Want to go faster? do an AMC  V8, has been done a few times. Or a GM LS1, last I heard this is being attempted, 3 years in now, still not done., both at great cost and unbelievable fabrication skills that most of us do not have. Want better fuel economy? No matter what motor, it still has to move about 3300 lbs of car, putting in a Honda Civic 1.8 ain't gonna cut it. How about a SAAB 4 cyl, they face backwards! That would be real cool! Want smooth, modern power, there are quite a few Lexus and Infinity V8s in salvage yards now, just drop one in! Want something freaky different, just because you can? How about an air cooled TATRA V8? Want retro? how about a Ford flathead, or Hudson 6? Want to go total 21st century? Pop in a drivetain from the Nissan Leaf. No gas to buy ever again!
Point being, the Eagle was designed for the AMC 6. the 4.2, and can be relatively easily upgraded to the 4.0, and really, nothing else, without major, major surgery. (not even talking about the 2.5 4cyl now) The TV show Eagle, Ford V8? really nice car, I mean that, it's a really nice car and i like it. But, it is now two wheel drive, so, no longer an Eagle, it's closer to a hot rod Concord now, still, a really nice car.
having said all that, any and all that want to try weird motors in an Eagle, GO FOR IT! and post pictures. good luck, gz
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: jpgreen on December 19, 2015, 01:31:51 PM
http://www.bankspower.com/news/show/77-The-Three-Latest-Diesel-Engine-Projects
Says it all.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: mo.eagles on December 19, 2015, 05:44:19 PM
Hmmm, what do you mean offset? like floor pan getting in the way or shafts not lining up properly?
With the weight of the front diff on the drivers side they moved the engine a little to the passenger side to balance it out . V8s have been installed in Eagles but all that I've seen had straight axle swapped in for the IFS .
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: eaglefreek on December 19, 2015, 05:56:57 PM
Hmmm, what do you mean offset? like floor pan getting in the way or shafts not lining up properly?
With the weight of the front diff on the drivers side they moved the engine a little to the passenger side to balance it out . V8s have been installed in Eagles but all that I've seen had straight axle swapped in for the IFS .
Hyper Eagle makes the mounts to install a AMC V8 with the IFS. His Eagle has/had the 360 with the IFS installed quite a few years ago. There was a 318 powered Eagle with IFS.  There was a member on another forum who said he worked at an AMC dealership in Alaska and they installed a couple Chevy 350's in some 4 cyl Eagles when they were brand new.
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: amcfool1 on December 20, 2015, 02:50:35 AM
yup, says it all, that Gale Banks 866T, nice motor! STARTS at $15,980., love to see one in an Eagle! post pictures! gz
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: AMCLOVER258 on December 22, 2015, 03:28:20 PM
Hmmm,  i may reach out to him  to get a set for the "just in case" moment of swapping a 360!
Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on January 06, 2016, 01:28:47 AM
Hmmm, what do you mean offset? like floor pan getting in the way or shafts not lining up properly?
With the weight of the front diff on the drivers side they moved the engine a little to the passenger side to balance it out . V8s have been installed in Eagles but all that I've seen had straight axle swapped in for the IFS .

The Offset Clearance is for the front driveshaft on driver's side. They moved the whole drivetrain 2.5" to the right, which makes the AMC V8 not an easy fit with an Eagle front diff unless you get a custom motor mount design and custom RH exhaust header plus you need the XJ style starter. (same as '87-'91 Grand Wagoneer)

Hmmm,  i may reach out to him  to get a set for the "just in case" moment of swapping a 360!

Or a 304 or 401.  >:D

Title: Re: Engine Ideas
Post by: carnuck on January 06, 2016, 02:03:38 AM
yup, says it all, that Gale Banks 866T, nice motor! STARTS at $15,980., love to see one in an Eagle! post pictures! gz

I have a 4BD2TC Isuzu NPR diesel truck engine that was going to go into a Grumman van but since he flaked and dumped 4 of his cars at my place, I guess it's not going to happen.