Re: [AMC-list] What's the link for the HAMB Rambler with the Quad4?

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

The guy posted some on the HAMB board, but there is more on Hotrodders.com:
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/rambler-american-engine-conversion-2-a-149011.html?highlight=ramzoom

As Tom pointed out, the only drawback to the conversion is the special rear drive bell housing needed for manual transmissions, adapter for autos. Those are the second biggest cost for the conversion at $475+ shipping (http://quad4rods.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=100041).

The Nissan, like most fours, looks good on paper, but there is only 20.5" between the front suspension mounts. There's over 27" up top, but the suspension mounts are roughly 7.25" above the front rails. removing the "humps" on each side just above the suspension mounts gains another 1.5" or so on each side, but only above the suspension mounts. The Nissan doesn't look like it will fit without a custom intake and exhaust header -- look at the Wikipedia article, photo of Nissan KA-24E in the 240 SX. On the left of the photo (right side of the engine) is the intake, I believe. Looks a bit like exhaust, but I think those are intake runners. I could be wrong. The shield over the left side (right side of photo) makes me think the exhaust is under the heat shield. 

The Ford 200 six is only slightly better than a 196 power wise, I'd go with a 250 that's been massaged just a bit. It's old, but MUCH newer than the 196. First came out in 1960, the first of the "modern" I-6s. Chevy reworked theirs in the early 60s, and we know AMC came out with the 232 in 64. Technically the 200/250 is about the same as a 232/258 and dare I say 4.0L -- without the EFI. 

Another option, however, comes from Ford. My nephew just pulled the 2.5L from his early 90s Ranger. The intake curves up and over the valve cover, making the engine rather narrow. I just eye-balled it on the engine stand, but the intake and exhaust manifolds were on it, and I'm pretty certain it will fit. Late 80s 2.3L fours with the intake curved up over the valve cover should fit too. They need lots of hood clearance, but that the 58-60 Americans have. So check 2WD Ranger pickups. Should be easy to find one of those with a five speed or OD auto at a reasonable price. Accessory mounts might be a problem, but there's just a little more room in front of the suspension mounts left to right. So you might need to modify some brackets... or opt for the more expensive "hot rod" mounts available at many rod shops. Those are only made for V-6s and V-8s, but can be modified for the four. 

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Message: 1
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:01:04 -0400
From: Bruce Griffis <bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx>

My son is interested in doing a breadbox Rambler (if we can scam
storage space at the dealership he works at) and maybe messing with a
Quad 4. We may get no where near starting that project - but it would
be cool to research it.

So - anyone have the link to the Rambler American with the Quad 4 at HAMB?


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Message: 2
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:42:57 -0700
From: tom jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>

Can't help you on the HAMB link, but if money is an issue you might consider
the Nissan KA-24E. It doesn't have the Offy/Miller look, but it's natively
rear-drive -- the Quad4 needs a special $$ adapter.  There's basically a
KA-24 "series", with the E the bottom of the line. The E version is most
common, and a lot of tuner kids yank 'em and stick in the DOHC version and
all that rot so the "lowly" E should not be hard to find.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_KA_engine

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://www.amc-mag.com
(free download available!)

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