mabdjb@mindspring.com

Ok here it goes. I wanted to stay AMC, so i put an AMC 360 in my 1990
Wrangler. However, its seems that the 360 is a bit slugish at
takeoff. Everything on 360 new or rebuilt. Here's the setup: upgraded
ignition using Ford 460 cap, rotor etc. including changing oil coil to
TFI, havent added the springs in the mechanical advance yet. Planning
to do so. Running a 600 cfm Holley 4160, performer eldebrock intake,
summit cam(cant remember which one, right now, sure its a low end cam,
nice lope though). The problem seems to be that it doesnt seem to have
the zip at takeoff, kinda boggs till the rpms come up, then she starts
to come alive. Ive tried resetting timing, anywhere from 8 to 12
degrees, not much if any change. Vac. at carb is about 10 goes up to
25 when motor goosed. I did notice that once I connect the vac. hose
back up from carb to distributer, timing goes up to about 15 to 19
degrees. Im looking for suggestions on how to get a little zip at
bottom. Only running 31's, stock driveline, 727 tranny w/np231
transfer case, nothing she shouldnt be able to spin over on dry
pavement, but wont......not looking to burn rubber, thats not a Jeep
thing for me, but would like the bottom zip....Thanks in advance for
any helpful hints.

Cherokee-LTD

That engine was never really a powerhouse...
Rated Horsepower 144 @ 3200 rpm Torque 280 @ 1500 rpm with low compression.

What gear ratio?
What is your cam duration?

<mabdjb@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:a4a0f1e4.0308040319.59957e69@posting.google.c om...
: Ok here it goes. I wanted to stay AMC, so i put an AMC 360 in my 1990
: Wrangler. However, its seems that the 360 is a bit slugish at
: takeoff. Everything on 360 new or rebuilt. Here's the setup: upgraded
: ignition using Ford 460 cap, rotor etc. including changing oil coil to
: TFI, havent added the springs in the mechanical advance yet. Planning
: to do so. Running a 600 cfm Holley 4160, performer eldebrock intake,
: summit cam(cant remember which one, right now, sure its a low end cam,
: nice lope though). The problem seems to be that it doesnt seem to have
: the zip at takeoff, kinda boggs till the rpms come up, then she starts
: to come alive. Ive tried resetting timing, anywhere from 8 to 12
: degrees, not much if any change. Vac. at carb is about 10 goes up to
: 25 when motor goosed. I did notice that once I connect the vac. hose
: back up from carb to distributer, timing goes up to about 15 to 19
: degrees. Im looking for suggestions on how to get a little zip at
: bottom. Only running 31's, stock driveline, 727 tranny w/np231
: transfer case, nothing she shouldnt be able to spin over on dry
: pavement, but wont......not looking to burn rubber, thats not a Jeep
: thing for me, but would like the bottom zip....Thanks in advance for
: any helpful hints.

Earle Horton

I don't understand about the springs in the mechanical advance. Do you have
no springs in there now, or are you planning to upgrade them and haven't
done it yet? Why do you feel that you need to disconnect the vacuum advance
hose?

Imho, low end torque from this engine comes from cubic inches, not a 600 cfm
carburetor and performer intake. It is possible that that carburetor is
killing your bottom end. There is a give and take game going on here, and
if you really want low speed response you might have to sacrifice top end...

Earle

<mabdjb@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:a4a0f1e4.0308040319.59957e69@posting.google.c om...
> Ok here it goes. I wanted to stay AMC, so i put an AMC 360 in my 1990
> Wrangler. However, its seems that the 360 is a bit slugish at
> takeoff. Everything on 360 new or rebuilt. Here's the setup: upgraded
> ignition using Ford 460 cap, rotor etc. including changing oil coil to
> TFI, havent added the springs in the mechanical advance yet. Planning
> to do so. Running a 600 cfm Holley 4160, performer eldebrock intake,
> summit cam(cant remember which one, right now, sure its a low end cam,
> nice lope though). The problem seems to be that it doesnt seem to have
> the zip at takeoff, kinda boggs till the rpms come up, then she starts
> to come alive. Ive tried resetting timing, anywhere from 8 to 12
> degrees, not much if any change. Vac. at carb is about 10 goes up to
> 25 when motor goosed. I did notice that once I connect the vac. hose
> back up from carb to distributer, timing goes up to about 15 to 19
> degrees. Im looking for suggestions on how to get a little zip at
> bottom. Only running 31's, stock driveline, 727 tranny w/np231
> transfer case, nothing she shouldnt be able to spin over on dry
> pavement, but wont......not looking to burn rubber, thats not a Jeep
> thing for me, but would like the bottom zip....Thanks in advance for
> any helpful hints.

Johnathan Marrin

I had a1978 Cherokee with 31's and I did up the 360. I kept the original
intake and carb but upgraded everything internaly. It had plenty of power.
It would chirp the tires shifting from 2nd to 3rd even. I was only 17 then
and I had a shop do the rebuild, plus it was my first Jeep so I was just
learning things then, so I couldn't tell you what was different from yours.
I had the 360 with T-18, Dana 20, And Dana 44's. I loved that
truck...........


Jay
<mabdjb@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:a4a0f1e4.0308040319.59957e69@posting.google.c om...
> Ok here it goes. I wanted to stay AMC, so i put an AMC 360 in my 1990
> Wrangler. However, its seems that the 360 is a bit slugish at
> takeoff. Everything on 360 new or rebuilt. Here's the setup: upgraded
> ignition using Ford 460 cap, rotor etc. including changing oil coil to
> TFI, havent added the springs in the mechanical advance yet. Planning
> to do so. Running a 600 cfm Holley 4160, performer eldebrock intake,
> summit cam(cant remember which one, right now, sure its a low end cam,
> nice lope though). The problem seems to be that it doesnt seem to have
> the zip at takeoff, kinda boggs till the rpms come up, then she starts
> to come alive. Ive tried resetting timing, anywhere from 8 to 12
> degrees, not much if any change. Vac. at carb is about 10 goes up to
> 25 when motor goosed. I did notice that once I connect the vac. hose
> back up from carb to distributer, timing goes up to about 15 to 19
> degrees. Im looking for suggestions on how to get a little zip at
> bottom. Only running 31's, stock driveline, 727 tranny w/np231
> transfer case, nothing she shouldnt be able to spin over on dry
> pavement, but wont......not looking to burn rubber, thats not a Jeep
> thing for me, but would like the bottom zip....Thanks in advance for
> any helpful hints.

Pablo Riofrío G.

I have an AMC 360 on my 1981 CJ-7. I upgraded it with an Edelbrock Perfomer
Manifold, Intake and Cam. I also have the D.U.I. distributor that replaces
your coil ignition module, etc.
It's REALLY strong from takeoff up till 4000+ RPMs... So I would definitely
check what's going on with yours.

- Pablo

<mabdjb@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:a4a0f1e4.0308040319.59957e69@posting.google.c om...
> Ok here it goes. I wanted to stay AMC, so i put an AMC 360 in my 1990
> Wrangler. However, its seems that the 360 is a bit slugish at
> takeoff. Everything on 360 new or rebuilt. Here's the setup: upgraded
> ignition using Ford 460 cap, rotor etc. including changing oil coil to
> TFI, havent added the springs in the mechanical advance yet. Planning
> to do so. Running a 600 cfm Holley 4160, performer eldebrock intake,
> summit cam(cant remember which one, right now, sure its a low end cam,
> nice lope though). The problem seems to be that it doesnt seem to have
> the zip at takeoff, kinda boggs till the rpms come up, then she starts
> to come alive. Ive tried resetting timing, anywhere from 8 to 12
> degrees, not much if any change. Vac. at carb is about 10 goes up to
> 25 when motor goosed. I did notice that once I connect the vac. hose
> back up from carb to distributer, timing goes up to about 15 to 19
> degrees. Im looking for suggestions on how to get a little zip at
> bottom. Only running 31's, stock driveline, 727 tranny w/np231
> transfer case, nothing she shouldnt be able to spin over on dry
> pavement, but wont......not looking to burn rubber, thats not a Jeep
> thing for me, but would like the bottom zip....Thanks in advance for
> any helpful hints.

mabdjb@mindspring.com

Oh yea I really believe in keeping it amc.......you want to know what
makes me wonder....and I will check look how great the
red/white/blue AMX ran with 360 and 390.....Ill have to check the
specs on those motors....maybe pick up a point or two....I think part
of the problem is gear ratio...I think the rear end may be
3.07.....cause once she gets past about 1500 she comes alive. In 4
low it feels like she wants to jump off the ground....at least pull
the front tires off about 6 inches or so........I guess Im just
looking for the best of both worlds....dont know if Ill find
it......but give a hell of a try..

"Johnathan Marrin" <johnathanmarrin@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<DTuXa.42711$4UE.15799@news01.bloor.is.net.ca ble.rogers.com>...
> I had a1978 Cherokee with 31's and I did up the 360. I kept the original
> intake and carb but upgraded everything internaly. It had plenty of power.
> It would chirp the tires shifting from 2nd to 3rd even. I was only 17 then
> and I had a shop do the rebuild, plus it was my first Jeep so I was just
> learning things then, so I couldn't tell you what was different from yours.
> I had the 360 with T-18, Dana 20, And Dana 44's. I loved that
> truck...........
>
>
> Jay
> <mabdjb@mindspring.com> wrote in message
> news:a4a0f1e4.0308040319.59957e69@posting.google.c om...
> > Ok here it goes. I wanted to stay AMC, so i put an AMC 360 in my 1990
> > Wrangler. However, its seems that the 360 is a bit slugish at
> > takeoff. Everything on 360 new or rebuilt. Here's the setup: upgraded
> > ignition using Ford 460 cap, rotor etc. including changing oil coil to
> > TFI, havent added the springs in the mechanical advance yet. Planning
> > to do so. Running a 600 cfm Holley 4160, performer eldebrock intake,
> > summit cam(cant remember which one, right now, sure its a low end cam,
> > nice lope though). The problem seems to be that it doesnt seem to have
> > the zip at takeoff, kinda boggs till the rpms come up, then she starts
> > to come alive. Ive tried resetting timing, anywhere from 8 to 12
> > degrees, not much if any change. Vac. at carb is about 10 goes up to
> > 25 when motor goosed. I did notice that once I connect the vac. hose
> > back up from carb to distributer, timing goes up to about 15 to 19
> > degrees. Im looking for suggestions on how to get a little zip at
> > bottom. Only running 31's, stock driveline, 727 tranny w/np231
> > transfer case, nothing she shouldnt be able to spin over on dry
> > pavement, but wont......not looking to burn rubber, thats not a Jeep
> > thing for me, but would like the bottom zip....Thanks in advance for
> > any helpful hints.

Cherokee-LTD

<mabdjb@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:a4a0f1e4.0308041535.3dde0b1@posting.google.co m...
: Your kinda right about the hp on this engine...however they started
: measuring the hp differently in this year as opposed to early 70's...I
: think some of them are around 195 hp - 295 torq. 73 - 79 but @ 4400
: and 2900 rpm respectively.

Net/Gross HP ratings changed in 1972....

1970-71, 245 hp @ 4400 rpm, 365 ft/lb @ 2400 rpm, 2V, 8.5:1
1970-71, 290 hp @ 4800 rpm, 395 ft/lb @ 3200 rpm, 4V, 10.0:1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
1972-74, 175 hp @ 4400 rpm, 285 ft/lb @ 2400 rpm, 2V, 8.5:1
1972-73, 195 hp @ 4400 rpm, 295 ft/lb @ 2900 rpm, 4V, 8.5:1
1974, 220 hp @ 4400 rpm, 315 ft/lb @ 3100 rpm, 4V, 8.5:1 (w/dual exhaust)
1975-78, 140 hp @ 3300 rpm, 251 ft/lb @ 1600 rpm, 2V, 8.25:1
1975-76, 180 hp @ 3600 rpm, 280 ft/lb @ 2800 rpm, 4V, 8.25:1
1977-91, 155 hp @ 3200 rpm, 280 ft/lb @ 1500 rpm, 2V, 8.25:1

I don't know what your idea of sluggish is but I'm thinking you're
over-carb'd. Back a bunch of years ago I used to race a '78 Cordoba. We
found a sweet spot and if I recall correctly, we were running pretty lean...
it's all a haze now and I can't be much more help than that! It was a nice
second gear (auto) traffic car but wide open the SBC's killed us. At the low
end, everything killed us!
-Brian

Dave Milne

When your diffs break unexpectedly, this was the reason !
(I did that when I was a teenager - they lasted another month and then broke
when I did a normal turn in traffic)

Dave Milne, Scotland
'99 TJ 4.0 Sahara

<mabdjb@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:a4a0f1e4.0308041540.63aa67b0@posting.google.c om...
: In 4
: low it feels like she wants to jump off the ground....at least pull
: the front tires off about 6 inches or so........I guess Im just
: looking for the best of both worlds....dont know if Ill find
: it......but give a hell of a try..

mabdjb@mindspring.com

Ok well....looks like it could be in the carburetor...........holley
4160 am starting to adjust the secondary screw on the bottom
plate....let a little air in from secondary butterflys..cuts the
vacuum down........to zero at idle now all I have to do is tweak a
little more......gas air mix n advance............so its getting
better but not quite there.......just a hair away......thanks for
everyones advice..............Mike

mabdjb@mindspring.com wrote in message news:<a4a0f1e4.0308040319.59957e69@posting.google. com>...
> Ok here it goes. I wanted to stay AMC, so i put an AMC 360 in my 1990
> Wrangler. However, its seems that the 360 is a bit slugish at
> takeoff. Everything on 360 new or rebuilt. Here's the setup: upgraded
> ignition using Ford 460 cap, rotor etc. including changing oil coil to
> TFI, havent added the springs in the mechanical advance yet. Planning
> to do so. Running a 600 cfm Holley 4160, performer eldebrock intake,
> summit cam(cant remember which one, right now, sure its a low end cam,
> nice lope though). The problem seems to be that it doesnt seem to have
> the zip at takeoff, kinda boggs till the rpms come up, then she starts
> to come alive. Ive tried resetting timing, anywhere from 8 to 12
> degrees, not much if any change. Vac. at carb is about 10 goes up to
> 25 when motor goosed. I did notice that once I connect the vac. hose
> back up from carb to distributer, timing goes up to about 15 to 19
> degrees. Im looking for suggestions on how to get a little zip at
> bottom. Only running 31's, stock driveline, 727 tranny w/np231
> transfer case, nothing she shouldnt be able to spin over on dry
> pavement, but wont......not looking to burn rubber, thats not a Jeep
> thing for me, but would like the bottom zip....Thanks in advance for
> any helpful hints.