Re: [AMC-list] 2nd gen turbo/1st gen swap

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Andrew covered most of the bases. Luckily you don't have to worry about the trunnions. The big cars used a lower ball joint from 62-69. The upper joint is a trunnion, but it's lightly stressed and hardly ever gives any problems. It's also relatively cheap (compared to the 64-69 small car trunnion) and easy to service. The only thing to watch for is that the caps (called bushings, look like big acorn nuts with a grease fitting in the middle) aren't turning IN the arms. Just turn the steering all the way to one side and look at the caps while someone bounces on the front of the car. The cap should move WITH the upper arms, not turn IN them. Check front and back. As long as that happens you're fine! Keep them greased and they will last almost forever.

The strut rod bushings are a problem though. You can't get the old type, and the new doesn't fit the old rod. The solution is simple enough -- get a 6" 1/2" threaded stud (NOT all-thread, a grade 8 stud from a fastener supply -- Grainger or Fastenal) and weld that to the end, after cutting 6" off. Get four jam nuts (thin nuts) while you're there. Then you can use the new style two piece bushings with no problems. Check the diameter of the stud -- it should be the same as the ID of the bushing, so order a bushing first. I forget if the new style bushings have a sleeve in them or not -- if they do the stud must fit the ID of the sleeve, naturally.

Willwood makes an AMC brake kit now that should fit with minimal (or no) mods. Scarebird (www.scarebird.com) makes a kit to put standard GM calipers on. It's listed for Javelin and Rebel, but fits ALL AMCs. AMC disc brakes fit, but rotors are getting harder to find and more expensive. I wouldn't use anything older than 78-83 brakes, the older rotors are $100+ each, even those are $55+.

Dave Stohler made brackets to put two piston PBR calipers from a 2000 or so Mustang GT on his 63 Classic. He had to make a caliper bracket, and I don't recall what rotors he used, but that's an option also.

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Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:38:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jason Patrick<mrrumblur@xxxxxxxxx>

I'm toying with some ideas for my '65 Marlin. Does anyone know the easiest way to put a 401 in place of a 327? I'm not against sub-framing it for potential ease of swap, newer disc brakes and suspension, etc. V8 Spirit/AMX?

Also, where can I find some good info on turbocharging a 401? Thanks!

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

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