The Refreshing Build. at 153,000 miles. Americas Most Wanted 4x4 5.7 Hemi install and a 4.5 Metal Cloak Long Arm Lift.

[wibornz]

I said that the AMW Hemi swap was more than just the Hemi. This is what they also did in addition to the the engine.

There is more than just the engine. It is a very clean and well laid out install. This is what a full install should look like for everything to work well. So a basically new drive train. They would have installed driveshafts if needed too. The only thing in my drivetrain that is stock is the transferase and the JL transfer case has a history of being trouble free and strong.

Sponsored

 

[wibornz]

So on delivery of the Jeep back to me. They sat me down and went through the maintenance schedule, the fluids, and general break in process. Then out to showroom to get my Jeep.

They did a full clean, wax and detail of the Jeep. Then out of the showroom it goes.

The initial drive home is 60 miles. I am pulling 14.5 mpg at 70 mph and at just over 2100 rpms. I am glad that I did not have them jump the gearing up to 4.88 or 4.56. It handles the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss MT 40x13.5r17 tires with ease.

First pic in the wild of course is in town. Off roading pictures have been taken. I am just not that far into the story.....Yet.

I have to throw a bunch of miles on the Jeep as we have about one week before I tow a 3200 pound trailer behind the Jeep for about 1900 miles. I do the first oil change at 600 miles. One day before we leave for Kanab Utah. We sold off a bunch of stuff to make the move. spare car, Jeep Comanche. The truck was a project build that I had planned to start......

Everything we owned was condensed into to a 17x7 enclosed trailer and a 12x6 enclosed trailer. 37 years of marriage was put to the test in the packing and selling of stuff phase. Like hey, you do not need 17 winter coats in Kanab Utah or 12 pairs of winter boots kind of conversations. I put all of my cloths in three toats and miscellaneous stuff in a couple other boats. She started out with five trailers full of stuff and eventually we closed the doors on the trailers and headed out. I brought a tool box, on big gun safe and my hog. My hog keeps me humble.

Next post will be about towing and the performance of the 5.7 hemi while towing across the country.

 

[wibornz]

I'll take you up on that. I want to do the install myself but will certainly need help moving these heavy things around after they get here.

My skill set is pick things up and set them down. I lifted my rear Fusion 60 axle out of the create by myself.

 

[Blues Fan 30]

AMW builds $250,000+ Jeeps. They do full instal of anything you want or can potentially dream of. My build was probably on the lowest end of the work that they do. They also build race boat motors. They ship custom Jeeps all over the world.

My thought was also that It was primarily done to handle towing better. The extra hp off road in my opinion was not really needed as the 3.6 would spin the tires when locker on rocks in Moab with ease. After I bought my Jeep. I said , this is my last Jeep and I will just keep putting money into it to run it for ever.

Was there a reason you didnt have them do the lift install then for you as well? Im guessing maybe you wanted/expected to wheel another time or two before taking it for the engine swap?

 

[swampflyer]

Great story and adventure. Congratulations on your conversion. The hardest part for me was the waiting and arrival back home. I love my conversion with the 5.7 and fuel mileage is great. I’ve only had a couple minor things to get repaired ( windshield washer reservoir replacement and coolant hose replaced). No biggie. I wish you and wife safe journeys and enjoyment with your new conversion.

 

[Grayhound]

The refresh is looking good Ted! Congrats on the move kanab is a great place. Have a slice of hoe made pie when you get settled!

 

[jellis4148]

Did AMW fix any of your suspension problems? I know the problems you’ve had Rebel Off-road had my Jeep for 2 months installing Ud60’s and MC long arm. Then they had it set up to where I could barely turn the wheel without rubbing, CA’s backwards, and many other problems. I have them a lot of money and they screwed me over bad. My next upgrade is a 5.7 or 6.4. Like you this is my last jeep and will just keep getting built as needed.

 

[zouch]

congrats on the build; sounds like fun.
and i love the look of those big Mickeys.

now you've got the same Transmission as us EcoDiesel guys, and almost as good MPG!


most of all, congrats on the new home. time to update your Sig File here!

I already have Fusion 60 axles, and Tom Wood driveshafts with the 1350 u-joints. It has been a build up to run 40s proper. We moved from Michigan on August 24th.

 

[wibornz]

Was there a reason you didnt have them do the lift install then for you as well? Im guessing maybe you wanted/expected to wheel another time or two before taking it for the engine swap?

AMW uses Teraflex and Falcon shocks. I wanted Metalcloak. The Metalcloak installer was a “Gold Star+ rated shop by Metalcloak and well that turned up poorly. Metalcloak has quality products and well their process for rating shops are less than desirable.

 

[wibornz]

congrats on the build; sounds like fun.
and i love the look of those big Mickeys.

now you've got the same Transmission as us EcoDiesel guys, and almost as good MPG!


most of all, congrats on the new home. time to update your Sig File here!

I was able to pull 16.5 mpg on a 180 mile road trip though so it is getting better. My mpg will be higher than the 3.6 was on 40s.

 

[wibornz]

Great story and adventure. Congratulations on your conversion. The hardest part for me was the waiting and arrival back home. I love my conversion with the 5.7 and fuel mileage is great. I’ve only had a couple minor things to get repaired ( windshield washer reservoir replacement and coolant hose replaced). No biggie. I wish you and wife safe journeys and enjoyment with your new conversion.

Thanks.

 

[wibornz]

The refresh is looking good Ted! Congrats on the move kanab is a great place. Have a slice of hoe made pie when you get settled!

We stopped and got Ho- Made pies already. The apple pie with butter rum sauce and vanilla ice cream is awesome.

 

[CptFloridaMan]

Ya know, 33k is a pretty penny but all things considered it’s not that bad of total cost.

Jeep speed garage has a kit for around 8k after adding options to do it a DIY; may do this route some day with my dad and throw it on the lift and knock it out with him. Just would have to source the hemi and trans.

 

[Bad66GT]

Ya know, 33k is a pretty penny but all things considered it’s not that bad of total cost.

Jeep speed garage has a kit for around 8k after adding options to do it a DIY; may do this route some day with my dad and throw it on the lift and knock it out with him. Just would have to source the hemi and trans.

And for the engine and trans I would suspect you are now at another 16k at least...heck my Ford 363 Engine alone was 13k.

And then you have their expertise on everything and suddenly that 33k is a BARGAIN!!

Chris

 

[jellis4148]

$33k for turn key, well push button, with a warranty is a no brainer. I get some people want to do things themselves, and I like to if possible. For that money I'm going to say call me when it's ready. Damn good looking Jeep btw.

Sponsored