AMC 232 upgrade routes

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TinkerJeep
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Joined: August 17th, 2022, 8:06 am
Stroker Displacement: 232
Vehicle Year: 1978
Vehicle Make: Jeep
Vehicle Model: CJ5

AMC 232 upgrade routes

Post by TinkerJeep »

I am new to this forum. Forgive me if this is the wrong board to post on.

I have a 94 232 in the machine shop right now. I am wondering what my options are for upgrading this engine from stock. As far as I can tell, everything on the engine is original. I have researched options such as stroking it with a 258 crank and rods, and putting a 4.0 liter head on it. Trying to keep it relatively budget friendly with room for future upgrades down the road (better intake/fuel injection).

any advice is greatly appreciated.
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IH 392
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Re: AMC 232 upgrade routes

Post by IH 392 »

According to my info the last 232 was produced in '79?
The only difference between the 232 and 258 is the crank and connecting rods, everything else is identical.
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TinkerJeep
Posts: 2
Joined: August 17th, 2022, 8:06 am
Stroker Displacement: 232
Vehicle Year: 1978
Vehicle Make: Jeep
Vehicle Model: CJ5

Re: AMC 232 upgrade routes

Post by TinkerJeep »

Sorry that was a typo. The block is a 74. Upon further investigation I found that a PO has already put a crank and rods from a 258 in it. Already stroked haha. I decided shift the focus of my upgrade budget to the flow (Intake/exhaust). Currently have original exhaust manifold (starting to crack) and the original cast iron 1 barrel intake with a Carter carb.
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Re: AMC 232 upgrade routes

Post by Cheromaniac »

You're missing one important ingredient to build a stroker, and that's the 4.0L block with its bigger 3.875" cylinder bore. While the 258 is indeed a stroked version of the 232, it still only made a measly 110hp because it had poor cylinder head flow and breathed in/out through a tiny straw.
You could increase that number to 170-180hp with more torque across the whole rpm range by performing the following upgrades:

1. '91-'99 4.0 cylinder head (either 7120 or 0630 casting). This will also increase the compression ratio from 8.0 to 8.7:1.

2. '99+ 4.0 curved runner intake manifold with injector bosses welded up plus an adapter plate for a Holley 390cfm 4-barrel carb.

3. '91-'99 4.0 eBay header plus 2.5" exhaust.

If you also upgrade the camshaft and add 1.6 ratio roller rockers, 200+hp is possible.
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