Re: [Amc-list] Engine Interchange, 58 Rambler American

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Mark, you're pretty much SOL. All the later sixes are way to long for the "small" American body (58-63). You will have to rebuild the engine you have or swap something else in. That probably gets you to thinking a modern four would be good, but those have a problem -- they are too WIDE for the small American engine bay due to the intake manifold being far from the engine. Some may fit, but not without some sheet metal surgery under the hood, and then it will still be tight. A 60 degree V-6 sounds good, but has the same width problem -- the accessories are mounted "wide" on all the rear drive configurations. If you don't mind spending money on "hot rod" style accessory mounts, any 60* V-6 (2.8L - 3.4L Chevy, 2.9L - 4.0L Ford) can be made to work. You'll need the transmission too, and will need to have the driveshaft modified. Due to the accessory brackets and even changing some of them, this can be expensive!

There is, however, a reasonably affordable swap -- a Ford 200 or 250 I-6. They are small bore/long stroke just like the old 195.6, and are short enough to fit! They also have the intake cast as part of the head, and are narrow enough too. Don't confuse the 200/250 with the older 240 (used through 64 or so in cars and trucks) or 300 (used through the 90s in trucks only). Those are too long! 

I would try to find a 250 from a mid 80s car. I'd only use a 200 if you run across one at a great deal (many Mustangs and Falcons came with them and are being converted to V-8s), why when you can get the bigger model for about the same price? You will need the transmission and have to have the driveshaft modified, but it won't be costly. In fact, it won't cost any more than rebuilding a 195.6, even if you have to rebuild the Ford six. There is the engine mount issue, but that can be solved relatively easy. 

I wouldn't normally condone swapping a non-AMC engine in an AMC, but in this case it's not a bad idea. The 195.6 is dependable, but it's costly to rebuild and many parts are very hard to find. The Ford parts are still readily available, at least by overnight delivery from a warehouse. Getting the correct water pump for a 195.6 is difficult, even when waiting several days for it to come in! It will cost $1000+ to properly rebuild the 195.6. That includes boring oversize and getting new pistons, and if you do a lot of the work. It cost me around $800 when I built one in the early 90s, and I was told I got the last set of pistons NAPA had on the east coast. Now you have to get them from Egge Machine, or get lucky and find an NOS set. I have a set, but forget now if they are L-head or OHV pistons -- I think they are L-head. Saving for a "rainy day" project... So if restoring, build the original engine -- nothing more you can do! If it's a driver, well, store the original and make
  bolt-on mods where you can. 


---------------------
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:59:37 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Mark Dominesey" <LostWater@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

My 58 American is running good, even with low oil pressure when hot.  I
know that I will have to do something about that soon.

Here is my question: What engines can I interchange into my 58 American
and bolt to the bellhousing?  Will the later 6's fit, like the 199 and
232?  If so, what other mods are necessary?

I have really enjoyed reading the digests each day, I actually look
forward to receiving them.

-- 
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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