The AMC 258 inline 6 engine is a fine powerplant... when it's fuel delivery system is actually working properly. Of course there are aftermarket items to help with the fuel delivery but each bring their own problems. Weber carberators are hard to tune, Howell TBI's have minor idle issues and the Mopar MPI has detonation problems plus it is way overpriced. Speaking of overpriced... I decided to swap the 258 for a fuel-injected Chevy 350 TBI.

Yes, there are the more powerful Vortec and TPI motors but I love the simplicity of the TBI. It has far more power and torque than the Jeep inline 6 engines. The 350 powerplant is highly refined and the later models can last well into the 150,000 mile range with just routine care.  Simply put... it deserves it's legendary status much like the Jeep.  The downside of all this is cost.  I paid $1200 for a low mileage 1995 engine complete with wiring harness, computer, brackets and all accessories. That in itself is not so bad, it's all of the other required items that add up. As I write this I have a figure in mind of $5000 to complete this swap in a professional manner. This price also includes a new, heavy-duty transmission and all of it's related adapters and clutch components.

Follow along as I discover ways to spend more money while completing the engine swap.