Re: [AMC-List] AMC Spirit questions

["John Elle" <johnelle@xxxxxxxxx>]

List
 
SNIP
For an engine, easiest choice is to build a stroker six.
SNIP
Maybe, 
If a budget is a consideration, leaving the 258 alone is not necessarily
a bad thing. 
Or
Horse power comes from rpm and long stroke engines are not really good
candidates for much rpm. 
A short stroke engine such as a 4.0 can be built to twist tighter and
develop more power than a stroker engine in my book but in this case it
is just another option. 
My next hot rod I6 engine will be a 232!
SNIP
Install a mild cam
SNIP 
Or you can install a slightly more serious cam which would be my choice.

 
SNIP
And even cheaper, if the 258 you've got is in good repair, go to
a 'yard and get an 1980's aluminum intake and matchin exhaust
manifold, which is a freer flow system than an '80 or earlier. 
SNIP
 
This step is already taken care of for you, the factory used them from
1981 on. 
Of course they also used the plastic valve cover too and that is the
down side using a stock 1981 or newer head. Solving this problem and
believe me this is the one to solve lets you consider using a 4.0 head,
a 4.0 engine or a head from a 1980 or earlier 258 or purchasing an
aluminum valve cover and installing it. The Valve Cover is sometimes is
not the best solution. 
 
SNIP
the fuel injection setup from an 91-95 Jeep and you'll have a real
performer.
SNIP
 
This is also an option, not a cheap option but an option but it works
and can be done to help solve another problem that could occur. It is an
option I used because it did solve the second problem. See Last Answer
 
SNIP
and a Jeep Weber conversion, or a 2bbl-4bbl adapter
and a Holley 390.
SNIP
This done on the stock engine can give an inexpensive boost for the buck
'specially when done with a cam. I prefer a Carter AVS or AFB my self
between 350 and 400 cfm
 
SNIP
 Put Duraspark II ignition on (also mostly junkyard parts),
SNIP
 
IF there is nothing wrong with the existing ignition system there will
be no benefit to be had by changing it. 
 
Snip
 and the biggest exhaust you can fit (even if
it's neck up from the downpipe -- overall restriction will be
vastly improved) -- and you'll have DIRT cheap performance.
SNIP 
A high flow catalytic converter and a glass pack will work too. See last
answer. 
 
SNIP
The 904 (almost certainly what you've got) will be just fine under it.
SNIP
 
I have not lost one yet and have put 3 times the mileage on it then the
latest transmission in my T&C  with no signs of breakage yet. 
And it has been tricked a bit but not re-enforced. 
 
Last Answer!!
1982. Depending on the state this person is in, smog requirements might
be a bit tricky. Tom and I live in states that have quite ridged smog
laws. These laws will drive the types of modifications that you can get
away with and still be smog legal. 
In my state, my 1970 Street Racer is smog legal. Well sort of anyway. Or
best said. It will pass smog. It is not legal in California but I
suspect that I can get it legal with a bit of trickery. It used to be
California legal until I installed the Air Gap Manifold.
However my Spirit with it's modified I-6 is almost as fast in some ways
and completely smog legal. No trickery is required to pass either
Arizona where I live or California where I have a CARB Exemption paper
trail on file for the car. 
In general smog requirements will very between blocks of years with the
newer cars being tested to different standards than older ones. The
standards will most probably very from state to state and depending on
the state, they will very with in the state. Knowing what they are and
what you have to do to meet them will become very important when playing
with anything newer than 1970. 
 
As far as suspension goes, the front suspension is the same as a 1970
AMX and the rear suspension depending on the factory options you have on
it can be the same as a 1970 Javelin.  So in a nut shell the suspension
can be tweaked really well with over the counter and/or junk yard parts.
Some factory options will give you 1970 AMX equivalent suspension in the
back. Sway Bar, Torque Links and etc.
John. 
 
 
 
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