Re: mail Digest for 5 May 2005 in hour 15:00

[Peter Marano <carmine@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> The 4.0 would probably be a great choice, maybe a better one, especially considering you could find a doner with the OD trans and EFI already set up, but, I sure like the look of a AMC V8 under the hood!  I still think you could get great gas mileage from the 290/304 engine properly set up.  Another consideration is the length of the 4.0 in the '65 American.  They'll fit, but it's tight up front and I wouldn't sacrifice AC and PS to squeeze it in there.  The V8 sits in there nice.
>
> Jim Boone
> Mims, FL

My two cents worth:

Don't use an overdrive, more parts spinning around will use more fuel. 
Use the Warner Gear aluminum transmission, if you must the 998 allows 
the lockup convertor and a lower first gear.  AMC 7&9/16 axles can be 
had with 2.35:1 and 2.37:1 ratios.  There is no point in using extra 
gears to spin the drive shaft and pinion faster so that it will turn the 
ring gear the proper speed.

By way af comparison my 1971 Javelin with 304 and 2.87:1 gear ratio got 
20mpg.  I don't think the large axle is required if you use a ratio with 
a large pinion.

Peter Marano

Kenosha WI