Re: [Amc-list] 70 Donohues

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

I didn't take offense to Tom's rant, so no one else should. I understand 
his frustrations, especially when the error is made by someone who is 
reputed to be (or claims to be -- which is up to you) an AMC/Rambler 
authority/expert. But the fact is everyone makes an occasional mistake. 
Mine just seem to stand out more because of that mythical "guru" status. 
;>     I said that partially in jest, but it is true -- if you're 
reasonably accepted as somewhat of an authority on a subject your 
mistakes will stand out where other's may not even be noted. It's a fact 
I accept.

My only defense is I don't concentrate on only a few models and years, 
and don't give any one model more consideration than another. When you 
do that, like Tom does, it's much easier to keep all the little details 
straight!

I'm interested in all AMCs. If I had to concentrate on something it 
would be the 01 and 10 series lines (American/Hornet/Concord and 
Rambler/Classic/Rebel/Matador). Why? Those are the most significant to 
the company -- they sold in greater numbers than anything else. Without 
those sales, nothing else would have been possible.

The thick wall 360s do indeed exist. They weren't in the Donohues 
because AMc proved that it was a regular production item, no need for 
homologation. The blocks were cast as "service replacement" (SR) blocks. 
The idea was one block could be stocked by a dealer or warehouse and any 
343-401 could be made from it with proper machine work. The only way to 
identify it is by the casting number (same as a 71 401) and no 
displacement cast into the side. The SR block is a 401 block with a 360 
bore that can be bored out to 401 bore size, so yes, it is a thick 
walled block IF left at the factory bore. Once bored to 390/401 sizes 
it's simply another 390/401 block and not worth a penny more. The SR 
blocks were also sold to racers who wanted a heavy duty 360. The only 
way to tell if the block has been bored is to pull a head and measure 
it. Some dealer built engine may have the displacement stamped on a pad 
on the oil pan rail. I've seen one that had some kind of date code on 
it, but not the standard AMC engine day build code. Probably a warranty 
or invoice number??

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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