Re: [AMC-list] 58 Rambler Custom 6 engine rebuild or, replace

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Jim is thinking 58 American with the narrow/short engine bay. The Custom 6 is the big car (renamed Classic in 61).

Harold, a 1964-1971 199 or 232 six (258 for 71 only, they are hard to find) will bolt right up to your existing transmission. You will have to fabricate front engine mounts and may need a 1971-86 Jeep CJ-5/DJ-5 (NOT CJ-7, the DJ is the postal Jeep) water pump and pulley as they are shorter than the regular car parts. The pulley will be the hardest part to come by, the pump should be easy. You could weld perches to the suspension crossmember and use the mid engine mounts, but will need to keep the bell housing mounts as well. That or swap the entire engine/trans/rear axle and build a rear suspension to boot. Not as difficult as it sounds -- if you've done a little fab work before. A 2.5L Ranger engine/trans/rear axle would actually have a bit more power than the old 196 and move the car along as good as it does the Ranger. Leaf springs can be done, but ladder bars are easier. Ladders will be rough on rough roads, but 32-36" bars are fine for most of today's roads -- ride will 
be good. The Ranger axle is the right width too.

------------------
Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:07:17 -0800
From: Jim Blair<carnuck@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To:<amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx>

Because of the narrowness between the wheel wells, the options are very limited.

Harold is considering rebuilding his engine in his Rambler or going to more modern AMC engien/trans setup. Anyone have advise or suggestions please feel free to comment and thanks in advance to all who might, be sure to copy your reply to Harold also.
Eddie Stakes

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


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