Re: 77 Gremlin 2L

[farna@xxxxxxx]

IIRC the exhaust manifold is tubular steel like the 4.0L Jeeps (except 2000+, which use a split cast iron manifold). So if it isn't rusted to bad at the joints it can be welded. Should be stainless steel, but don't know what grade (low grade "stainless" WILL rust some). The fix is to gusset the joints when welded and/or install an exhaust hanger right at the firewall. The weight of the exhaust system plus the heat/cool cycle stress causes the cracking. 

The cars were somewhat underpowered in their day, but people were used to Gremlins and such with 232s in them. It is comparable to driving something like the Alliance with the 1.4L or the 1.6L Nissan Sentra. Adequate around town with light loads, but you better know your car and time entering traffic just right if it's heavy! My old L-head American (61 wagon) was the same way in modern traffic. If you've ever driven a 63-64 Classic with the 195.6 or an L-head American you'll know about how the 2.0L car will accelerate... sssssllllloooooowwwwwwllllllyyyyyy.......... I think I could do a 20 second 1/4 mile with the L-head American, but I don't think it would go any faster!! Might be more like 22 seconds... As I mentioned earlier, you can't have much power to begin with if you notice a 3-4 hp increase from adding electronic ignition! 

On April 27, 2005 Andre K Jacobs wrote:

> Ken
> I don't know about the MPG, but have heard that this engine is way under
> powered. Not sure about anything else about them other then you need to
> check the exhaust manifold. They are prone to metal fatigue and just fall
> apart. VERY,VERY, VERY, VERY,VERY,VERY hard to find in useable condition.
> 
> Andre " A.J." Jacobs,
> web page http://southtexasamc.tripod.com
>  (830)-980-3165 , akjamc@xxxxxxxx
> 
> Owner & Proprietor, South Texas AMC
> 
> 
> 
> .


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