Ask Any Jeeper: These Are the Engines You Can Count On

6. AMC 401 V8

Old school, loud, and basically bulletproof. The AMC 401 was Jeep’s muscle motor in the '70s—found in Wagoneers, Cherokees, and J-trucks. It made over 235 hp and had internals tough enough for hot-rodders to love.

It’s not perfect—some oiling issues and, well, it’s ancient. But in the hands of a builder, the 401 is endlessly modifiable and always cool. Think torque monster in a cowboy hat.