[AMC-list] 2WD AMC Trannys

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

I would have no problem running an AW4 behind a stock to mild 360 as long as it was used for cruising/normal street driving. For drag work the AW4 is costly to beef up, or even rebuild. For normal street duty it should hold up fine. Jeepers run up around 300-350 hp through them with no mods and no problems as long as they are kept cool (a necessity for any auto trans!). Over 350 hp could be a problem. I just don't know how long it would hold up. I'd not think too long with 350 hp and subjected to drag strip duties regularly, but may be wrong.

Not having the wiring and shift computer isn't too big a deal, it can be shifted manually through all gears with a simple switch. I have mine set up that way and like it, sort of like a manual valve body car but the switch is much easier to use for shifting than the shift lever (column or floor). As long as there is a convenient place to put the switch it works great. I have mine hanging on my center console where my hand naturally rests on it with my arm on the arm rest. Without that it's too inconvenient to be very practical.

The AW4 is a good option for many though. If it needs rebuilding one would be better served to get a GM OD trans and an adapter though.

--------------
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 14:28:40 -0800
From: Jim Blair<carnuck@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [AMC-list] 86 camanche info

2WD AW4s aren't hard to come by. I even have one for $150 that I got to test drive before pulling,&  it even has the computer but not the harness.


Frank wrote:
The biggest problem is finding a suitable AMC rear drive transmission, or the cost of adapting a GM trans. At that point, unless you already have a good AMC GEN-2/3 V-8, you may as well opt for the full engine/trans and use a modern EFI engine. If sticking with a carb then I'd consider an AMC V-8 and adapter for a GM trans provided an AMC 2WD trans wasn't readily available. Jeeps supply engines, but not trannys. Sure, the 4x4 trans can be converted to 2WD, but that can be a bit on the costly side -- a working used GM trans and adapter would probably run as much.

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://www.amc-mag.com
(free download available!)

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