Re: [Amc-list] 71 Gremlin 232 1-bbl

[Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>]

Tom Jennings wrote:
> On Sat, 23 Feb 2008, Ted Dooling wrote:
> 
>> I sent out an email last Monday asking if I could beef up
>> my 232 that I thought had about 140 hp. I received a lot of
>> replies with detailed information, much of which I need help
>> interpreting since I have never gone further than changing a
>> carburetor. I have printed them all out and I'm grateful for
>> everyone's response. It's comforting to know there are so many
>> dedicated and knowledgeable AMC fans out there. Well I took the
>> air cleaner off to find out I have a 1 bbl which I am told means
>> probably about 120 hp at most so I have room for improvement. My
>> questions now are what modifications if any do I need to do to
>> install a 2bbl? Does anyone have a 2-bbl and any associated
>> parts I may need to install it, that will fit this 71, 232
>> that I can purchase?
> 
> HAH! So typical AMC-list!! :-)
> 
> Welcome to the list, it's always like this! Seriously --
> everyone's got their ideas, they're all different, all would
> work, pick and choose (and take with grain of salt)... :-)
> But pretty much you won't be left stranded.
> 
> 
> The most "obvious" way is to simply find a cast iron 2 barrel
> manifold, carb and linkages from a 2bbl 232. You'll need a
> manifold gasket set.
> 
> If you decide to go this route, I'd get both exhaust and
> intake manifolds; you probably would anyways, as they are
> bolted together.
> 
> You'll need to get them apart, which is easy unless the bolts
> are frozen. Lots of us here have done that, you can do it.
> Since it'll be a "spare" manifold you can do it on the bench,
> while you continue to drive the Gremlin....
> 
> You'd have to pull off the old manifolds of course. It's
> conceptually easy, but sometimes a real PITA because: damn
> things are HEAVY! rusty bolts snap. The good news is, you're
> pitching the old manifolds, so who cares if they have rusted,
> snapped bolts in them.  (That's why you get the replacement
> ready to go first :-)
> 
> 
> 
> The other way is to simply find a 1bbl to 2bbl carb adapter,
> and find a carb that fits it. This is a lot easier seeming,
> but there are small pitfalls, like it raises the carb up an
> inch or two, and makeslinkages fit funny and the aircleaner
> might hit the hood. Fuel lines might not fit, etc... and they
> don't work as well as a 2 barrel manifold.

After you separate the donor manifolds and have them checked to make 
sure they aren't warped, follow the procedure at 
http://www.mattsoldcars.com/RestoreAmerican/loose_intake.shtml to put 
them back together. The factory did not use an exhaust gasket and if the 
manifolds are not warped, you will not have an exhaust leak without one.

The gasket that goes between the intake and exhaust manifolds is very 
likely to have asbestos in it so wear a dust mask and clean up after 
yourself when done.

It's also a good idea to replace the bolts, studs, and nuts. They tend 
to stretch due to heat cycling and this leads to them falling out. You 
also need to run a thread cleaning tap through all the bolt holes after 
you clean the gasket surfaces up. A little bit of anti-seize on the 
studs holding the manifolds together is also a good idea.

Matt

-- 
mhaas@xxxxxxx
Cincinnati, OH
http://www.mattsoldcars.com
1967 Rambler American wagon
1968 Rambler American sedan
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