page_title: AMC straight-6 engine
section_title: 258
hierarchical_section_title: AMC straight-6 engine / The modern era I-6 / 258
caption_attribution_description: English: Engine bay of 1980 AMC Spirit AMX with the standard 258 cubic inch (4.2 L) straight six engine that has had no repairs (other than a water pump) and with all emissions controls operational after 150,000 miles. (American Motors Corporation)
context_page_description: The American Motors Corporation straight-6 family of engines was used in AMC passenger cars and Jeep vehicles from 1964 through 2006.
context_section_description: The 258 cu in (4.2 L) was produced from 1971 to 1990. It featured an undersquare 3 ³⁄₄ in (95.3 mm) bore and 3.895 in (98.9 mm) stroke; it was otherwise similar to the 199 and 232. This engine is considered reliable, inexpensive, and torquey. Later 258 models (starting with the 1980 model year for California AMC Concords and Spirits, 1981 for California Jeeps, California Eagles, and 49-state Concord and Spirits, as well as in 1982 for 49-state Eagles and all other applications) are equipped with AMC Computerized Engine Control (CEC) system. For 1981, as part of a weight reduction program (aluminum intake manifold, plastic rocker arm cover), the crankshaft was changed from a twelve counterweight design to four, saving approximately 20 pounds (9.1 kg). This engine also found some use in farm/industrial applications such as the International Harvester 4000 swather.
  Applications:
  AMC Hornet/Concord/Eagle (1971–1988)
  AMC Pacer (1975–1980)
  AMC Matador (1971–1978)
  AMC Gremlin and Spirit (1971–1983)
  International Harvester Scout and Light Line trucks (1972–1980)
  Jeep CJ (1972–1986)
  Jeep Cherokee and Wagoneer (1972–1986)
  Jeep J-Series (1971–1988)
  Jeep Wrangler (1987–1990)
  Jeep Commando (1972–1973)
  VAM Rambler American (1973–1974) U.S. equivalent - AMC Hornet sedans
  VAM Rambler American Rally (1973–1974) U.S. equivalent - AMC Hornet X sedan instead of hatchback.
  VAM Camioneta Rambler American (1973–1974) U.S. equivalent - AMC Hornet Sportabout
  VAM American (1975–1983) U.S. equivalent - AMC Hornet sedan base model and AMC Concord sedan base model.
  VAM American Rally (1975) U.S. equivalent - AMC Hornet X sedan instead of hatchback.
  VAM Camioneta American (1975–1983) U.S. equivalent - AMC Hornet Sportabout and Concord base model wagon.
  VAM American ECD (1975–1979) U.S. equivalent - AMC Hornet DL two and four door sedans and AMC Concord DL/Limited four door sedan.
  VAM Gremlin X (1976–1982) U.S. equivalent - AMC Gremlin X and AMC Spirit sedan X model equivalent.
  VAM Gremlin (1977–1983) U.S. equivalent - AMC Gremlin and AMC Spirit sedan base model.
caption: Engine bay of a 1980 AMC Spirit AMX with numerous emissions controls
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