87 Eagle Wagon Engine replacement options

[Stomper]

I love my Eagle but had an oil pump issue that ended up killing the motor.. I saw oil light come on for a week but I had oil in the car and it wasn't leaking.. I learned a hard lesson. Everyone is saying to give up on the car but I just cant do it. I've done alot of work already and feel I am all in on this one. I am considering a re manufactured engine but still have questions about my specific options.. This is a link to new replacement in question 

http://tinyurl.com/6t3u4zw

Also wondering what other years and vehicles engines can drop right into place on my wagon
Thanks Alot
Stomper

[mr.mindless]

Pretty much any 258 will drop right in. I'd find a low mileage 4.0 donor, myself. The important parts will bolt up and with the correct complete donor you'd pick up all the benefits of MPEFI.

If you did a rebuild yourself on the murdered 258 you'd probably remember what the oil pressure light means next time 

[eaglefreek]

Pretty much any 258 will drop right in.

It needs to be an 80+ 258 so that it will have the mounting bosses on the block for the front axle. The other minor difference will be in the head. 80's had a steel valve cover and 87-88 had an aluminum valve cover and the bolt holes may be different on the heads.

[vangremlin]

Its pretty easy to find a used but good 258 to drop in.  Check for jeep engines on the list, that's where I found mine for $300.  It's not difficult to swap in a replacement one.

[BenM]

I did a swap from the parts Eagle, an 82. Any 258 81+ Some 80s AMCs were holdover blocks and didn't have the mountings.

The 4.0 block is cast but not always tapped for the brackets. There are of course a number of small details, just brows for some swaps on here.

If you're in a hurry, drop one right in, It's a weekend project with a hand or a couple of weekends on your own. I kept my original intake and exhaust due to the emissions setup, make sure you take pictures and notes as you disassemble.

You may want to have your head rebuilt because the chances of finding a non-plastic valve cover is slim. Of course you start down that path and it can turn into a 4.0 head and new cam.

It's probably best to start with a budget and price what you want, then add 10% for surprises.

Summary:
80+ Eagle
81+ Concord, Spirit; 258
81+ Jeeps; all 258
87+ 4.0; with minor work

Other engines require crossmember changes or welding to work.

[Stomper]

Just want to say thank you for the info everyone... Much appreciated