Budget AMC Build Guide - Engines and Rearends

This is a stone-stock 401 from a '78 Cherokee. If you know what you're looking for, it isn't too difficult to score in the boneyard. The engine builders we spoke to told us building 450 hp at 6,500 rpm is no problem if you modify the oiling system to supply the No. 4 and 5 main bearings.

This is a stone-stock 401 from a '78 Cherokee. If you know what you're looking for, it isn

The easy way, of course, would be to pick up a catalog and order the 727 or even a 904, a converter, and a shifter and call it done. But if you're into it, Advance Adapters has an adapter to retrofit any GM trans, including overdrives.

The standard transmission is a bit more straightforward; if you're lucky enough to score a four-speed T10 car, leave it in there. It also should be known that the T5 five-speed from late-model Mustangs and Camaros can be used with the stock bellhousing from the 401 AMC V-8. With a pilot bushing or flywheel swap, both are acceptable for performance applications.

Details
Finally, the dress-up. Unlike Big Three cars, AMC used the 5-on-4.5 bolt pattern on all its musclecar-era cars. This happens to be the same bolt pattern as Ford and Chrysler, so swap meets and any of the huge number of wheel makers can provide rims for an AMC. Also, because of the Jeep guys, you can score about any part for the engine in chrome. All good, just don't overdo it.

After 1970, the 390/401 engines had dog-leg exhaust ports. Early text suggests they flowed 50 percent better than the rectangular design. This is more for identification since we would probably use modern aluminum heads.
After 1970, the 390/401 engines had dog-leg exhaust ports. Early text suggests they flowed
Although these engines are from the same family, they share external dimensions only. Left-to-right are the 390ci, 343ci, and 290ci blocks. A few '69 blocks and all '70-'72 blocks have the cubic inches cast on either side near the motor mount.
Although these engines are from the same family, they share external dimensions only. Left
This is the Model 20 that you get with a V-8 AMC. It's got a bad reputation, but with the right parts it will work in a healthy street machine.
This is the Model 20 that you get with a V-8 AMC. It's got a bad reputation, but with the

Here is the problem with the Model 20. The axle passes through the hub and is attached with a bolt. Fixes include replacing the hub every time the two are separated, following the complicated factory setup procedure, adding extra Woodruff keys, or replacing the axles with a new one-piece set. We fear all but the last fix.
Here is the problem with the Model 20. The axle passes through the hub and is attached wit
The TorqueFlite 727 has an AMC bolt pattern after 1972. These can be rebuilt using the standard Mopar performance goodies. It can be ordered from aftermarket companies as well. They are not rare.
The TorqueFlite 727 has an AMC bolt pattern after 1972. These can be rebuilt using the sta
Everything you see here is off-the-shelf for the AMC. This 401 has an Edelbrock Air Gap intake and Thunder Series carb, Crane ignition and cam, Comp Cams roller-tip rockers, a high-flow water pump, and ARP bolts. Pretty mainstream for a car company that disappeared in 1987, don't you think?
Everything you see here is off-the-shelf for the AMC. This 401 has an Edelbrock Air Gap in

Barn Cars
We found several cars hidden in a warehouse right here in Los Angeles. Know what they are? Log on to carcraft.com if you think you do.

SOURCES
Advance Adapters Inc. 8-00/-350-2223 www.advanceadapters.com	Edelbrock Dept. 5.0 2700 California St. Torrance CA 90503 310-781-2222 www.edelbrock.com
AMX Enterprises 3-03/-428-8760 www.amx-perience.com	Moser Engineering 2-60/-726-6689 moserengineering.com
Auburn Gear Inc. 2-60/-925-3200 www.auburngear.com	Reider Racing (Precision Gear) 7-34/-946-1330 www.reiderracing.com
B&M	TCI Automotive 151 Industrial Dr. Ashland MS 38603 662-224-8972 www.tciauto.com