Re: Non-AMC powered cars in AMO

[farna@xxxxxxx]

Date: Sat, 16 Apr 2005 14:23:41 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>
To: mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Non-AMC powered cars in AMO
Message-ID: <20050416142052.T678@localhost>

On Sat, 16 Apr 2005 TABunsey@xxxxxxx wrote:

> For the past 20+ years I have wanted to put a HUDSON flathead
> 6-cylinder into a 1965 Rambler American.

Nice! A hopped flathead would be really great! I also like these
sorts of categorical torments.

> I personally am fearful that AMO is opening a real "can of
> worms" by permitting a "MODIFIED" Class ("MODIFIED" meaning
> non-AMC power).

Can you elaborate? I'm really interested to know more about this.
My interest in one particular outcome is obvious, but I don't have
religion in it.  Worst-case, I'll continue to use the field as a
sweeeet parking lot :-)
-----------------

My understanding is that there will be a different class for non-AMC powered vehicles, they won't compete directly with modified AMC body/engine cars. I could be wrong -- some have suggested that non-AMC powered vehicles be allowed to compete in the modified class and just have a few points deducted for a non-AMC engine. They could still win the class if everything else is done better than AMC powered vehicles. There is a good chance that the non-AMC powered cars would be too -- it takes more work to swap engines, and those doing that much work tend to put more work into the vehicle as a whole, especially rodders. 

But how is "AMC power" going to be defined? Is a Hudson six going to be classified as AMC -- maybe only if it is a 55-57 model, or the same size as used in AMC made Hudsons? What about later Jeep 4.0L engines? Clearly it is an AMC design, but will my Rambler be classified as AMC powered or have to compete in the non-AMC powered class? This is something that will need clarification. I would say if the engine is of an obvious AMC design (-91 360 and the 4.0L and 2.5L Jeep engines), or of the same design as used in an AMC manufactured vehicle (Hudson six, GM 2.5L and 2.8L) it should be considered "AMC powered". I suppose I'd limit the GM engines to those bodies that originally had them installed though. 

The Hudson 308 is a long engine! You will have to move the radiator forward and find a short shaft water pump to put it in a 64-65 American. I don't think the Hudson is longer than a 232 -- if it is it won't fit! 


--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Independent 
Magazine" (AIM)
For all AMC enthusiasts
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