Engine swap!

I have an 88 YJ with a 2.5, but I am interested in swapping it. I
have an AMC 258 out of a 77 CJ available to me. How difficult of a
swap would that be? Did those engines have the same motor and
transmission mounts or did the 258 change a lot from 77 to the 88
version. I can get the engine cheap, but I don't see any point in
doing that if it will cause my a bunch of hassle. I need an easy swap!

Jeepster wrote:
> I have an 88 YJ with a 2.5, but I am interested in swapping it. I
> have an AMC 258 out of a 77 CJ available to me. How difficult of a
> swap would that be? Did those engines have the same motor and
> transmission mounts or did the 258 change a lot from 77 to the 88
> version. I can get the engine cheap, but I don't see any point in
> doing that if it will cause my a bunch of hassle. I need an easy swap!

The tranny won't take a 258 without an adapter I believe. The bell
housing is different for the 4 banger and the center shaft size is
different although the pilot bushing in the CJ crank can be swapped with
a YJ pilot bearing.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
'New' frame in the works for '08. Some Canadian Bush Trip and Build
Photos: http://mikeromainjeeptrips.shutterfly.com

On Apr 8, 10:47*am, Jeepster > wrote:
> I have an 88 YJ with a 2.5, *but I am interested in swapping it. I
> have an AMC 258 out of a 77 CJ available to me. *How difficult of a
> swap would that be? *Did those engines have the same motor and
> transmission mounts or did the 258 change a lot from 77 to the 88
> version. *I can get the engine cheap, but I don't see any point in
> doing that if it will cause my a bunch of hassle. *I need an easy swap!

Check if you will have problems with emissions laws. Swapping an
older engine into a newer car (Jeep in this case) may or may not be
legal in your area.

On Apr 8, 1:40 pm, nrs > wrote:
> On Apr 8, 10:47 am, Jeepster > wrote:
>
> > I have an 88 YJ with a 2.5, but I am interested in swapping it. I
> > have an AMC 258 out of a 77 CJ available to me. How difficult of a
> > swap would that be? Did those engines have the same motor and
> > transmission mounts or did the 258 change a lot from 77 to the 88
> > version. I can get the engine cheap, but I don't see any point in
> > doing that if it will cause my a bunch of hassle. I need an easy swap!
>
> Check if you will have problems with emissions laws. Swapping an
> older engine into a newer car (Jeep in this case) may or may not be
> legal in your area.

Thanks for the warning, fortunately I only drive the Jeep in northern
Wisconsin and the UP and am not required to get my emissions checked.
As it is running with the 4 I probably wouldn't even pass an emissions
test, and my plan with the I6 would be to rebuild it with a custom EFI
system with a Turbo. The reason I am interested in the older engine
is cause I am on a budget and its cheap!

On Apr 8, 11:48 am, Mike Romain > wrote:
> Jeepster wrote:
> > I have an 88 YJ with a 2.5, but I am interested in swapping it. I
> > have an AMC 258 out of a 77 CJ available to me. How difficult of a
> > swap would that be? Did those engines have the same motor and
> > transmission mounts or did the 258 change a lot from 77 to the 88
> > version. I can get the engine cheap, but I don't see any point in
> > doing that if it will cause my a bunch of hassle. I need an easy swap!
>
> The tranny won't take a 258 without an adapter I believe. The bell
> housing is different for the 4 banger and the center shaft size is
> different although the pilot bushing in the CJ crank can be swapped with
> a YJ pilot bearing.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 'New' frame in the works for '08. Some Canadian Bush Trip and Build
> Photos:http://mikeromainjeeptrips.shutterfly.com

Thanks Mike,

Do you know if an '88 258 would match up or am I looking at the same
issues with that as well?

Keegan

Jeepster wrote:
> On Apr 8, 11:48 am, Mike Romain > wrote:
>> Jeepster wrote:
>>> I have an 88 YJ with a 2.5, but I am interested in swapping it. I
>>> have an AMC 258 out of a 77 CJ available to me. How difficult of a
>>> swap would that be? Did those engines have the same motor and
>>> transmission mounts or did the 258 change a lot from 77 to the 88
>>> version. I can get the engine cheap, but I don't see any point in
>>> doing that if it will cause my a bunch of hassle. I need an easy swap!
>> The tranny won't take a 258 without an adapter I believe. The bell
>> housing is different for the 4 banger and the center shaft size is
>> different although the pilot bushing in the CJ crank can be swapped with
>> a YJ pilot bearing.
>>
>> Mike
>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> 'New' frame in the works for '08. Some Canadian Bush Trip and Build
>> Photos:http://mikeromainjeeptrips.shutterfly.com
>
> Thanks Mike,
>
> Do you know if an '88 258 would match up or am I looking at the same
> issues with that as well?
>
> Keegan

It's the 4 banger bell housing that is the issue. You might want to try
places like advance adapter to see what the adapter plate runs. The
pilot bushing to bearing swap is simple.

Mike

On Apr 8, 3:27*pm, Jeepster > wrote:
> On Apr 8, 1:40 pm, nrs > wrote:
>
> > On Apr 8, 10:47 am, Jeepster > wrote:
>
> > > I have an 88 YJ with a 2.5, *but I am interested in swapping it. I
> > > have an AMC 258 out of a 77 CJ available to me. *How difficult of a
> > > swap would that be? *Did those engines have the same motor and
> > > transmission mounts or did the 258 change a lot from 77 to the 88
> > > version. *I can get the engine cheap, but I don't see any point in
> > > doing that if it will cause my a bunch of hassle. *I need an easy swap!
>
> > Check if you will have problems with emissions laws. *Swapping an
> > older engine into a newer car (Jeep in this case) *may or may not be
> > legal in your area.
>
> Thanks for the warning, fortunately I only drive the Jeep in northern
> Wisconsin and the UP and am not required to get my emissions checked.
> As it is running with the 4 I probably wouldn't even pass an emissions
> test, and my plan with the I6 would be to rebuild it with a custom EFI
> system with a Turbo. *The reason I am interested in the older engine
> is cause I am on a budget and its cheap!

Sure is nice to be in such an area! In general few adapters are
made for the AX5 that comes with the 2.5 4 cyl engine. The adapter
companies stay away because they consider the AX5 to be weak and not
worth keeping for most engine swaps. But who knows, there might be
something available.

"Mike Romain" > wrote in message
g.com...
> Jeepster wrote:
>> On Apr 8, 11:48 am, Mike Romain > wrote:
>>> Jeepster wrote:
>>>> I have an 88 YJ with a 2.5, but I am interested in swapping it. I
>>>> have an AMC 258 out of a 77 CJ available to me. How difficult of a
>>>> swap would that be? Did those engines have the same motor and
>>>> transmission mounts or did the 258 change a lot from 77 to the 88
>>>> version. I can get the engine cheap, but I don't see any point in
>>>> doing that if it will cause my a bunch of hassle. I need an easy swap!
>>> The tranny won't take a 258 without an adapter I believe. The bell
>>> housing is different for the 4 banger and the center shaft size is
>>> different although the pilot bushing in the CJ crank can be swapped with
>>> a YJ pilot bearing.
>>>
>>> Mike
>>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>>> 'New' frame in the works for '08. Some Canadian Bush Trip and Build
>>> Photos:http://mikeromainjeeptrips.shutterfly.com
>>
>> Thanks Mike,
>>
>> Do you know if an '88 258 would match up or am I looking at the same
>> issues with that as well?
>>
>> Keegan
>
> It's the 4 banger bell housing that is the issue. You might want to try
> places like advance adapter to see what the adapter plate runs. The pilot
> bushing to bearing swap is simple.
>
> Mike

The AX-5 transmission is rumored to be weak for six cylinder use. In fact,
the earlier carbureted engine Wranglers used the 258 that Jeepster is
thinking of using in front of the AX-5 and similar transmissions. Newer
ones use the heavier duty AX-15. This conversion could be done using OEM
parts. If you can identify and find the right bell housing then you are
well on your way. That said, no conversion is as easy, and an "easy swap"
just does not exist, not when you get done with exhaust, clutch linkage,
motor mounts and all the rest. The 2.5 engines are all fuel injected and
the 258s are carbureted. That means a different fuel tank and all the
plumbing that goes with. If you can get a wrecked or rusted through
Wrangler or Cherokee of the same year, you might do this conversion with a
minumum of fuss.

I have driven a four cylinder Wrangler for fourteen years and am well
satisfied with it. "custom EFI system with a Turbo" and "I am on a budget
and its cheap!" just don't go together. What do you think that custom EFI
and turbo are going to do to a thirty year old essentially junk yard engine?
I have a pretty good idea myself. In this guy's place I would keep driving
the vehicle as is, and maybe give the four cylinder engine a ring job,
bearings, valves, whatever it needs.

Earle

On Tue, 8 Apr 2008 21:17:36 -0600, "Earle Horton"
> wrote:

>"Mike Romain" > wrote in message
ng.com...
>> Jeepster wrote:
>>> On Apr 8, 11:48 am, Mike Romain > wrote:
>>>> Jeepster wrote:
>>>>> I have an 88 YJ with a 2.5, but I am interested in swapping it. I
>>>>> have an AMC 258 out of a 77 CJ available to me. How difficult of a
>>>>> swap would that be? Did those engines have the same motor and
>>>>> transmission mounts or did the 258 change a lot from 77 to the 88
>>>>> version. I can get the engine cheap, but I don't see any point in
>>>>> doing that if it will cause my a bunch of hassle. I need an easy swap!
>>>> The tranny won't take a 258 without an adapter I believe. The bell
>>>> housing is different for the 4 banger and the center shaft size is
>>>> different although the pilot bushing in the CJ crank can be swapped with
>>>> a YJ pilot bearing.
>>>>
>>>> Mike
>>>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>>>> 'New' frame in the works for '08. Some Canadian Bush Trip and Build
>>>> Photos:http://mikeromainjeeptrips.shutterfly.com
>>>
>>> Thanks Mike,
>>>
>>> Do you know if an '88 258 would match up or am I looking at the same
>>> issues with that as well?
>>>
>>> Keegan
>>
>> It's the 4 banger bell housing that is the issue. You might want to try
>> places like advance adapter to see what the adapter plate runs. The pilot
>> bushing to bearing swap is simple.
>>
>> Mike
>
>The AX-5 transmission is rumored to be weak for six cylinder use. In fact,
>the earlier carbureted engine Wranglers used the 258 that Jeepster is
>thinking of using in front of the AX-5 and similar transmissions. Newer
>ones use the heavier duty AX-15. This conversion could be done using OEM
>parts. If you can identify and find the right bell housing then you are
>well on your way. That said, no conversion is as easy, and an "easy swap"
>just does not exist, not when you get done with exhaust, clutch linkage,
>motor mounts and all the rest. The 2.5 engines are all fuel injected and
>the 258s are carbureted. That means a different fuel tank and all the
>plumbing that goes with. If you can get a wrecked or rusted through
>Wrangler or Cherokee of the same year, you might do this conversion with a
>minumum of fuss.
>
>I have driven a four cylinder Wrangler for fourteen years and am well
>satisfied with it. "custom EFI system with a Turbo" and "I am on a budget
>and its cheap!" just don't go together. What do you think that custom EFI
>and turbo are going to do to a thirty year old essentially junk yard engine?
>I have a pretty good idea myself. In this guy's place I would keep driving
>the vehicle as is, and maybe give the four cylinder engine a ring job,
>bearings, valves, whatever it needs.
>
>Earle

Hell, I just pulled the 2.5 outa my Wrangler...driving to work one day
and for some reason it just ate a piston.
Swapped in a junkyard motor with only 96k on it for just under $900.
This included all new gaskets and seals as well as a new w/pump and
t/stat, but doesn't count the tank of gas to go get the motor.
--
Old Crow
'82 FLTC(P)
'95 Wrangler YJ
BS#132, TOMKAT, SENS, SLOB#13
** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **

On Apr 8, 10:17 pm, "Earle Horton" > wrote:
> "Mike Romain" > wrote in message
>
> g.com...
>
>
>
> > Jeepster wrote:
> >> On Apr 8, 11:48 am, Mike Romain > wrote:
> >>> Jeepster wrote:
> >>>> I have an 88 YJ with a 2.5, but I am interested in swapping it. I
> >>>> have an AMC 258 out of a 77 CJ available to me. How difficult of a
> >>>> swap would that be? Did those engines have the same motor and
> >>>> transmission mounts or did the 258 change a lot from 77 to the 88
> >>>> version. I can get the engine cheap, but I don't see any point in
> >>>> doing that if it will cause my a bunch of hassle. I need an easy swap!
> >>> The tranny won't take a 258 without an adapter I believe. The bell
> >>> housing is different for the 4 banger and the center shaft size is
> >>> different although the pilot bushing in the CJ crank can be swapped with
> >>> a YJ pilot bearing.
>
> >>> Mike
> >>> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >>> 'New' frame in the works for '08. Some Canadian Bush Trip and Build
> >>> Photos:http://mikeromainjeeptrips.shutterfly.com
>
> >> Thanks Mike,
>
> >> Do you know if an '88 258 would match up or am I looking at the same
> >> issues with that as well?
>
> >> Keegan
>
> > It's the 4 banger bell housing that is the issue. You might want to try
> > places like advance adapter to see what the adapter plate runs. The pilot
> > bushing to bearing swap is simple.
>
> > Mike
>
> The AX-5 transmission is rumored to be weak for six cylinder use. In fact,
> the earlier carbureted engine Wranglers used the 258 that Jeepster is
> thinking of using in front of the AX-5 and similar transmissions. Newer
> ones use the heavier duty AX-15. This conversion could be done using OEM
> parts. If you can identify and find the right bell housing then you are
> well on your way. That said, no conversion is as easy, and an "easy swap"
> just does not exist, not when you get done with exhaust, clutch linkage,
> motor mounts and all the rest. The 2.5 engines are all fuel injected and
> the 258s are carbureted. That means a different fuel tank and all the
> plumbing that goes with. If you can get a wrecked or rusted through
> Wrangler or Cherokee of the same year, you might do this conversion with a
> minumum of fuss.
>
> I have driven a four cylinder Wrangler for fourteen years and am well
> satisfied with it. "custom EFI system with a Turbo" and "I am on a budget
> and its cheap!" just don't go together. What do you think that custom EFI
> and turbo are going to do to a thirty year old essentially junk yard engine?
> I have a pretty good idea myself. In this guy's place I would keep driving
> the vehicle as is, and maybe give the four cylinder engine a ring job,
> bearings, valves, whatever it needs.
>
> Earle

In this case they might, I already have an EFI setup I just need to
adapt it to whatever manifold the engine I get has and program it, as
for the turbo, a guy I work with has an old turbo off of an old diesel
rig that I would use. I am well aware that just throwing this stuff
on an old engine would be potentially disastrous, I would rebuild the
258 stronger and the 8:1 compression ratio of this particular year 258
is desirable for implementation of a turbo. This engine would be a
project engine, something for fun! I plan on running the jeep with
the 4 until it gives up then swap it out, maybe with something even
better.

Keegan