Re: [Amc-list] modern six in an old-six hole

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

I seem to recall that the oil pan is a rear sump on the 2.5L. If it's similar to the six as far as sump placement (big part near the rear) that's not a problem at all. Length of the four isn't a problem. The big problem is width. Height isn't a problem either. 

Start by measuring from the centerline of the engine (center of the valve cover) over to the farthest edge of the intake. Without the intake clearance isn't an issue. Second measurement is the total width of the head (upper block) from intake mounting surface to opposite side. Then measure the total width of the accessories (on a level line) from side to side. Actually, measure farthest to left and right from the centerline of the engine. Those two can be added for the total. All the small engines I've seen since the late 70s have had the accessories mounted very far from the engine. 

The little 58-63 American only has 21" between the "humps". They start about 8" above the bottom of the "frame" rail, just above the top of the suspension reinforcement, which angles outward down to the rail. It's a bit wider between the rails -- 27". That 21" measurement is what you have to work with if no cutting is done. If the humps are cut out the inner fender panels would measure 21" at the bottom but angle out to 33" at the top of the inner fender panel. From the engine centerline that's 10-1/2" to the narrowest point, angling up to 16-1/2" at the widest. Not a lot of room side to side! 

The humps (and suspension mounts) are roughly in the center of the engine bay (between forward most surface of firewall to back of radiator). That measurement is 29", so an engine has to be quite a bit shorter to allow for room for the fan and a little clearance between the head and heater housing. Figure at least 4-5" shorter -- so length can only be around 24-25" from rear of head to water pump mounting surface. The little American used a very short shaft water pump and pulley! 

--------------
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:39:26 -0700
From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>

Jim Blair wrote:

> > Tom, I just happen to have an AMC 2.5L from my son's '88 MJ along
> > with the carb and intake from his girlfriend's '85 Cherokee and 2wd
> > AX-5. Any measurements you need? 
>   

Wow, thanks! I'm not really sure where to start -- I'm fairly sure 
length (front to rear) isn't a problem, but side to side, oil pan hump, 
exhaust outlet, radiator hose connections, all that rot.

The little American is ... little! You'd have a hard time believing just 
how small the motor hole is. It's REALLY small, like 20-something inches 
wide.

(THe whole car is small; with my hands fully on the steering wheel, my 
fingers lay on the dashboard. It's well laid out, but it's small.)

The 195.6, from the "flat" of the side of the head where the exhaust 
manifold is, to the sheet metal of the inner fender, is like 6".

I think I need to do a quick "survey" to figure out what measurements 
are needed! A cardboard mockup engine would be really nice to have or 
make. (VintageAir sells cardboard mockups of their built-in AC/heater 
units, it's a great idea).

Thanks for the offer though, I might bug you later after I know what 
questions to ask!

-- 
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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