Question on Jasper motors

Hello, I picked up a 1989 TBI 360 that's a Jasper rebuild with only a handful of miles on it. I know Jasper is a pretty decent name, just wondering if there are any parts that I should replace before I run it - timing chain, oil pump, etc. I am guessing they use decent bearings and such but was curious if some of the accessories are lacking.

Thanks

Depends on handful of miles..i would run it first..before spending money on it..but I would do the water pump...

I'd bet the cam wasn't degreed so if you take it apart it's worth looking at. Cheap timing chain sets can be off a lot. Lining up the dots is how most do it, but you are making assumptions doing that.

We installed quite a few at the shop years ago.All were decent motors.All seemed to run good and had no problems.They were all in daily drivers.I know of at least 2 that went well over 150K and were still going strong.Rocky

Supposedly it has like 1500 on it. I pulled the valve cover and it's spotless. Why the water pump? I am going to dress it as a mid 70s version, so AFAIK the water pump and timing cover should be the same - I was going to leave it alone. Motor is non-AC and I am using it in an AC car though, so maybe the pump should be changed.

What I would change would depend on how long it has been waiting to go into my ride. The longer the time frame since the last time it ran and now is, the more outside stuff I would change. Those items would pertain to things that go bad just sitting. Its easier to change stuff on an engine stand then it is in a car.

My experience with Jasper engines is, they seem to work well for daily drivers, but don't pull it apart expecting to find a blueprinted motor. Gene

Our experiences with Jasper engines has always been good. Jasper uses OEM or better quality parts, not cheapy replacement parts from AutoZone. Timing chain and oil pump will be fine. The only accessory to be wary of is the alternator, and only if it's a Denso unit.

Awesome, TY.

i have always had excellent luck with the denso alternator. what did you experience ?

What would be a typical cost for a Gen III?

Core charge?

Round numbers would be fine.

Looks like they only quote prices thru installers.

Bill

No idea, I stole this thing for like $200.

Yes that was quite a deal...

If you do NOT know when it was rebuilt, I would change the rear main seal. It's difficult to change that in the car, but easy while the engine is out.

i think there is a id number on the engine that their website can tell you whats in it--when it sold--they all have a warranty....

I had one they epoxied an ID number to a freeze plug. I called Jasper and they told me dates and names, I called the shop that installed it and got the mileage and info from them.

Excellent engine, ran nice and smooth with greater power than the 70K mile engine it replaced

I have been inside the Jasper plant several times (I used to sell them powder coating). It is a well run organization and everything I saw looked top notch. I "think" they may sell a few hopped-up motors now, but don't quote me on that. Jasper is known for good quality stock-rebuilt engines. My step-father (40 yr. mechanic) used to speak highly of them. That's all I know... I'd run it like it is, though like Neil mentioned, I don't think they degree camshafts, but I don't think that's an issue unless you're trying to get every ounce of power you can out of it.

I am leery of messing with the cam - the motor was strictly truck/van and in stock form was rated at 245/330 (nearly identical to the 1974 360 4bbl and slightly hotter than the 1973 340 4bbl). I have to imagine they installed it according to factory specs but it would probably be worth checking. There is not a ton of info out there on these motors so I don't know how forgiving that grind will be if I start tinkering with it...

Already in the plans, I have to swap the oil pan to a center sump anyway.