How to resurrect an old engine design no longer made?

[AOSJ]

Good God why??? You're fond of GREAT weight (about 800 lbs for the 305) and REALLY poor economy? I didn't hold those engines in too high of esteem when they were new and they are absolutely close to the last thing I would ever want in a Jeep. The GMC V6's would have been way more appropriate for the 40's era. Sort of designed along with the same reasoning as the engine in my 1954 FWD, a straight six with a single barrel carb and 572 cid. Takes 5 gallons of gas just to start it.
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As for the 4.0, on paper it looks a lot more anemic than a 3.6. But in my experience, the 4.0 wins hands down off road with some very usable low end torque which the 3.6 is entirely devoid of. I have no plans to mess with the 4.0 in my 06 TJ I acquired last September and immediately baptized on probably what is the most challenging trail in this state. It didn't come out of that unscathed but it did very well.

I too do not see anyone making an aftermarket version of the 4.0. An extremely limited market for that and it would no doubt be considerably more expensive than just swapping in a LS which would outperform it by the proverbial mile.

yes, you and others have pointed out that the cost would be too much to be worth it - makes sense - my perspective on that topic is warped I guess from all the motor trend shows I watch - as highly regarded as the AMC 4.0 is I guess the 350 chevy is just as well regarded and much cheaper to source

 

[AOSJ]

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the why are you gay guy will always be funny

 

[BlueC]

as highly regarded as the AMC 4.0 is I guess the 350 chevy is just as well regarded and much cheaper to source

The 4.0 is a good engine that was right for its time and task, but a reproduction simply isn't feasible today. Back to the economies of scale aspect, and general market demand.

AMC I6 figures aren't available, unless you can get @Squatch to start counting, but he might need some extra fingers and toes.

There's a reason (or a few) why one of those is still in production and the other isn't.

 

[Squatch]

The 4.0 is a good engine that was right for its time and task, but a reproduction simply isn't feasible today. Back to the economies of scale aspect, and general market demand.

AMC I6 figures aren't available, unless you can get @Squatch to start counting, but he might need some extra fingers and toes.

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There's a reason (or a few) why one of those is still in production and the other isn't.

The reason is that the AMC I-6 never needed 100+ million parts engines produced to aid in keeping the original 5 million running. Just ask any AMC fan. They know the truth.

 

[Squatch]

All kidding aside, as a young man, I really had very little use for an inline six. However, now that I am of a certain vintage, I have a much greater appreciation for many of them, and would not let one dissuade me from buying a vehicle. In fact, I might even prefer a six in some rides.

 

[Zorba]

I guess the 350 chevy is just as well regarded and much cheaper to source

Nothing wrong with a SBC, a great engine - BUT - in my opinion (everybody has one!), it isn't quite as bullet proof as our 4.0 (Or the GMC).

 

[ColoJeep]

Nothing wrong with a SBC, a great engine - BUT - in my opinion (everybody has one!), it isn't quite as bullet proof as our 4.0 (Or the GMC).

I have had 350 SBC's that had many more trouble free miles on them . Just my personal experience. Honestly , the 3.4 V-6 Toyota's have been extremely reliable for us over the years.

 

[speeding_infraction]

Power: 100 HP in a passenger car, 150-200 in a light truck is plenty.

Just gotta disagree with ya there bud.

I need at least 350 hp I'm competitive like that.

 

[Zorba]

Just gotta disagree with ya there bud.

I need at least 350 hp I'm competitive like that.

Whatever floats yer boat, and blows up your skirt!

 

[GoldenGorilla]

Yep, that was my next thought! Only the Europeans seem to do 5-bangers.

And GM