The biggest issue are the front frame rails. Check for rot where the strut rod connects. They are a major job to fix. Wayne On Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:24:20 -0400 Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx> writes: > Well, it's either a 258 six or a Pontiac "Iron Duke" four. I don't > necessarily agree with Jim -- I don't think the four is any harder > to work on than the smog encrusted six, but the six is definitely > the more desirable engine. More you can do with it, and makes it > easy to drop a 4.0L in later! The four has unique engine mounts and > I think a lot needs to be changed to put a six in later. If there > are salvage yards around with mid 80s vehicles you can get the head > and TBI system from a later model 2.5L as long as the donor engine > has a distributor. Around 86-87 GM came out with a distributorless > ignition system that can't be retrofitted -- the tone wheel is cast > into the middle of the crank and the block has a hole in it for the > sensor. > > Watch out for rust in the rear wheel wells, around the gas tank, and > under the tops of the front fenders. The rear leaf springs also rust > and can break INSIDE the metal covers -- at least they do on the > Spirit/Concord, and I think the Eagles used the "isoclamps" (metal > covers with rubber bushing around the leaf spring) also... but maybe > not. > > ---------- > Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 17:09:05 +0000 > From: Andrew Blomer <lotharamc@xxxxxxxxxxx> > > I'm a Javelin/mid 60's Rambler guy, and I'm considering buying a 81 > sx4. > Are there any specific things I need to check out when I go to look > at it? > Its a 4 spd and I don't know the engine. > > -- > Frank Swygert > Publisher, "American Motors Cars" > Magazine (AMC) > For all AMC enthusiasts > http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html > (free download available!) > > _______________________________________________ > Amc-list mailing list > Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx > http://splatter.wps.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/amc-list > > ____________________________________________________________ Click here to find a massage therapy school near you. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3l9dettr8wBGH9te9lWmtsw61naUn1XT96saSayYPKWtUhLA/ _______________________________________________ Amc-list mailing list Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://splatter.wps.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/amc-list