1. YES -- the head gasket is the same as far as I recall. The aluminum head is slightly wider on the right side, but everything on the left is basically the same. The cylinder on the cast iron 196 are siamesed too -- there is no water jacket or space between 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6. There is above the main bearings though. That's one reason the AL block was made the way it was, so it could share the crank with the CI version. 2. Mid to late 62 was the last of the "volcano" crank shafts. The aluminum M-35 was introduced for the 63 model year and possibly made it into some late 62 models. It used a flat crank hub, as did everything from then on. The AL 196 was introduced in 61, so make sure of the year by checking the date code. AL engines were made from 61-64. ----------------- Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:04:54 -0800 (PST) From: d stohler <das24rules@xxxxxxxxx> Subject: [Amc-list] aluminum 196 revisited To: amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx Message-ID: <421867.76225.qm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii i may have asked this before, but hear it goes again i just got another 62 classic 4 door. it is ratty beond repair. front/rear glass is good to donate for mine should the need arise. it has the aluminum 196 t96/od. i am planning to get the aluminum 196 running (if it will come back to life) to put in the american for now till i get everything to drop in v8 if possible. question 1: will the head gasked for a cast iron 196 work on the aluminum one also with its cylinders the way they are free floating?? question 2: does anyone know if the aluminum block would still have that volcano hump on the crank or is it gone by then? i think the aluminum was a 64/65 motor?? -- 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