Re: [AMC-list] HMX back on the road!

[Ken Ames <ameskg@xxxxxxxxx>]

"The rear isoclamp assembly, another big (and relatively cheap) improvement,"

I've never been able to figure how putting squishy rubber bits between the
spring and the axle was a good idea for handling. The car would be quieter, but
I can't see how it would help otherwise. One day I'll try a car without those
bits in and see what happens.

Ken


Quoting Marc Montoni <Freedom@xxxxxxxx>:

> 
> Steve Avery <stoverstevens@xxxxxxxxx> said:
> 
> >Don't know about part numbers but gather settings changed between factory
> >bias ply cars vs. later ones radial ones. The '79 AMX and later Spirit GT
> >definitely handle better and with better feel than my '70 AMX even though
> it
> >has better than factory alignment and camber specs done to complement the
> >wheels/ tires and offset, wider rims and tires, all new bushes and
> >reinforced suspension arms.
> 
> 
> Yes, there is no doubt the Spirit AMX and GT handled much better than the
> AMX.  Unusual that this is true even though the early AMX body was stiffer
> than the Spirit body.
> 
> Not having any money to do any real major engineering, AMC diddled with
> details until they got things very "right".  The major suspension components
> were mostly the same -- ball joints, bushings, control arms, etc.  The 79 AMX
> sway bars were a huge -- and fairly cheap -- improvement.  The rear isoclamp
> assembly, another big (and relatively cheap) improvement, was a Ford-designed
> unit that was similar to the pieces developed for the Muskrat.
> 
> 
> >In addition, the factory GT or SAMX ( Spirit AMX ) have a factory rear roll
> >bar and a much fatter front bar than my '70. 
> 
> 
> Yep.  I often wondered why AMC didn't develop those mondo fat sway bars for
> the original AMX.  The benefits to handling were already well-known by the
> mid-60's.  One of the pieces I always look for when in junkyards are the
> super-huge front and rear sway bars AMC put on the Ambassador (and later
> Matador).  I have them on my 71 Ambassador (they were original equipment on
> that car), my two 69 Ambassadors's, and my 77 Matador.  You would be amazed
> at the difference.  I used to go looking for twisty back roads to run my 71
> on, it was such a joy to drive.  Instant steering response, easy to 'drift',
> easy to throw into oversteer if you wanted to, etc.
> 
> 
> >There are changes that can improve upon the factory offering. Ride height
> >about an inch lower and front/rear spring specs more in line with what the
> >B.F. Goodrich  Spirit AMX's used along with using poly supported stock
> bars,
> >or better, a set from Larry Mitchell plus a set of KYB's or Koni's, new
> >suspension bushes, new isolators for the rear spring leafs as well as the
> >perches, a better steering box or the box built by a performance house,
> etc.
> >really ties it all together. The ride height change really needs to
> >accompany the spring change to make a real noticeable difference.
> 
> 
> I've been wondering if Mitchell's bar set has seen any redevelopment since
> Mitchell's heyday back in the 80's.  Some of his sway bar kits way back then
> were Firebird parts.
> 
> Otherwise, I agree on all of the above.  Individual components with more
> modern technology / materials (better bushings, etc) makes the old stuff we
> drive work one heck of a lot better.
> 
> BTW, Steve, do you have the suspension specs for the BFG Spirit AMX's?
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> MARC MONTONI
> Harrisonburg VA
> http://FreeVirginia.blogspot.com/
> Freedom.  Responsibility.  www.LP.org 
> Cu vi parolas Esperanton?
> I'd rather push a Rambler than drive a Toyota.
> Visit www.AMCRC.com or www.AMONational.com .
> http://RichmondRambler.tripod.com/
> http://Hasdrubal.tripod.com/Index.htm
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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> Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
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