Re: [AMC-list] 86 camanche info

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Yeah, I run into that all the time. If you want it to be like the factory installation, just a bolt-in, then you're limited -- doesn't matter what vehicle and engine you're using. If you don't mind doing a little fabrication work and/or parts mixing/matching it's usually not a problem to stick something else in an engine bay. Just depends on how much work you're willing to or are capable of doing... or paying for. Like sticking a 258 in a pre 64 American. It can be done, but takes some firewall work and you lose the heater. When sticking a V-8 in even the big six cylinder Ramblers it's as much work to stick a newer AMC drivetrain in as anything else -- only the original GEN-1 V-8s drop right in and then you need the entire drivetrain from engine to rear axle. Since a modified car isn't restored, it will be a driver/racer/show car, why not stick a more modern EFI V-8 or even V-8 in it? Makes more sense nowadays, though I do prefer to keep them all AMC. The biggest problem is f
inding a suitable AMC rear drive transmission, or the cost of adapting a GM trans. At that point, unless you already have a good AMC GEN-2/3 V-8, you may as well opt for the full engine/trans and use a modern EFI engine. If sticking with a carb then I'd consider an AMC V-8 and adapter for a GM trans provided an AMC 2WD trans wasn't readily available. Jeeps supply engines, but not trannys. Sure, the 4x4 trans can be converted to 2WD, but that can be a bit on the costly side -- a working used GM trans and adapter would probably run as much.

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Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2011 01:07:06 +0000 (UTC)
From: Wrambler<wrambler242@xxxxxxxxxxx>

ah, wheres our sense of adventure gone.
The days when we tossed the book and just did it.

That's the story I remember most, guy took a 258 engine trans. and transfer case.
He lined it up to the cross member out back, bolted on the shafts and hit the road.

He used hood pins. (frank: and removed the hood latch assembly to gain another inch or so in front of the engine so the 4.0L would fit in a pre 87 Commanche).

Kind of funny how things work out when no one told you it would not work.


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


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