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AMC V-8 Engines 1966–1991: How to Rebuild & Modify
Rebuild your American Motors Corporation (AMC) V-8 engine with help and guidance from Don’s Auto Parts & Machine Shop, which is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the home of American Motors!
The AMC Gen II and Gen III V-8 family consists of 290-, 304-, 343-, 360-, 390-, and 401-ci engines. Manufactured in Kenosha, Wisconsin, these engines reside between the fenders of classic cars (such as the AMC Javelin, AMX, Gremlin, AMC Rebel Machine, Matador, and Rambler and SC/Rambler) as well as Jeep CJs and full-size Jeeps.
If this is your first time rebuilding an AMC engine, this book contains detailed photos and instructions beginning with disassembling your engine and determining the machining that will be needed. All of the fine details about boring and honing, crankshaft grinding, balancing, cylinder head rebuilding, engine assembly, oil modifications, and performance upgrades are detailed with photos. Many of the specialized machining steps that are needed for a performance build that your local machine shop might not know about are included in this book.
AMC V-8 Engines: Rebuild & Modify not only shows the steps of a rebuild in detail but also helps you determine what kind of build is right for your project. It will assist you in making the correct decisions on compression ratio, camshaft selection, and which performance parts are needed. Many engine replacement parts are getting hard to find, so this book reveals some of the aftermarket and restoration companies that specialize in remaking AMC engine parts. Items such as camshafts, forged pistons, connecting rods, and cylinder head manufacturers are covered. Get ready to rebuild your AMC V-8. We look forward to helping you along the way!
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Design Your Build
Build Options
Build Budgeting
Parts Purchasing
Valve Cover Tag
AMC Engines
Build Types
Aftermarket Parts Options
Chapter 2: Teardown
Engine Stands
Exhaust Manifold Removal
Front Accessory Removal
Carburetor Removal
Distributor Removal
Rocker-Arm and Pushrod Removal
Intake Manifold Removal
Oil Pan Removal
Front Cover Removal
Cylinder Head Removal
Dipstick Tube Removal
Freeze Plug Removal
Camshaft Bearing Removal
Valve-Spring Removal
Chapter 3: Engine Block Inspection and Machining
Hot Tanking and Magnafluxing
Align Hone, Bore, and Cylinder Deck Inspection
Resurfacing versus Square Decking
Oven Cleaning and Blasting
Block Machining and Blueprinting
Boring and Honing
Performance Options for Machining
Final Block Prep for Assembly
Chapter 4: Crankshaft
Crankshaft Stroke
Crankshaft Modification for a TorqueFlite Transmission
Crankshaft Flange
Bushing Adapters
Inspection and Magnafluxing
Grinding and Polishing
External and Internal Balancing
Flywheels
Pistons
Harmonic Balancer and Flexplate
Chapter 5: Connecting Rods, Pistons, and Rings
Stock Connecting Rods
Aftermarket Connecting Rods
Pistons
Installing Pistons on Connecting Rods
Suggested Piston-to-Wall Clearance
Piston-Ring End Gap
Chapter 6: Camshafts, Lifters, and Timing
Camshaft Types
Lifter Bore and Block Inspection
Camshaft Selection
Camshaft Thrust Plate Installation
Timing Chain Options
Rollmaster Timing Chain Modifications
Distributor Gear Installation
Oiling
Harmonic Balancer
Chapter 7: Front Cover, Oil Pump, and Oil Pan
Front Cover
Oil Pump
Oil Pan and Pickup
Chapter 8: Cylinder Heads
Differences and Specifications
Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
Inspection, Cleaning, and Magnafluxing
Valve Options: Stock versus Performance
Cylinder Head Machining
Valve Job
CCing the Combustion Chamber
Cylinder Head Surfacing
Adjustable Valvetrain
Hardened Guide Plate
Valve-Guide Seal
Selecting Valve Springs, Retainers, and Locks
Cylinder Head Assembly
Rocker-Arm Options
Chapter 9: Intake Manifold
Pre-1970 Intake Manifolds
1970-and-Newer Intake Manifolds
Dual Plane versus Single Plane
Hood Clearance
Aftermarket Intake Manifold Options
Intake-Port Alignment
Intake-Manifold Gasket
Carburetors
Chapter 10: Engine Assembly
Assembly Preparation
Camshaft Installation
Crankshaft Installation with Bearing Check
Piston and Rod Installation
Camshaft Timing and Degreeing
Distributor
Front Cover
Crankshaft Gear
Internal Oil Line Installation
Cylinder Head Installation
Head Gasket
Cylinder Head Dowel Pins
Valvetrain with Pushrod Geometry
Pushrods
Rocker-Arm Assembly
Setting Valves
Intake Manifold Installation
Oil Pump, Front Cover, and Water Pump
Tinwork, Oil Pan, and Valve Covers
Painting the Engine
Flexplate, Shim Plate, and Reinforcement Plate
Chapter 11: Carburetor and Fuel-Injection Units
Autolite Carburetor 4300
Autolite Carburetor 4350
4300 Carburetor Decode
Jeep Carburetor Decode
Motorcraft Carburetor 2150
Hurst S/S Cross-Ram
Edelbrock Carburetors
Holley Carburetor
Fuel Injection
Installing a Holley Sniper
Electric Fuel Pumps and New Gas Tanks
Oxygen Sensor
Chapter 12: Distributor and Ignition
PerTronix Distributor
Flame-Thrower Distributor
Other Aftermarket Distributors
Distributor Maintenance
OEM Look
Selecting a Distributor
Distributor Installation
Alignment
Performance Ignition Systems
Chapter 13: Engine Priming and Test Running
Engine Break-in Oil
Recommendations
Priming the Engine
Running the Engine for the First Time
20- to 30-Minute Break-In
500 Miles
Source Guide
Rebuild your American Motors Corporation (AMC) V-8 engine with help and guidance from Don’s Auto Parts & Machine Shop, which is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the home of American Motors!
The AMC Gen II and Gen III V-8 family consists of 290-, 304-, 343-, 360-, 390-, and 401-ci engines. Manufactured in Kenosha, Wisconsin, these engines reside between the fenders of classic cars (such as the AMC Javelin, AMX, Gremlin, AMC Rebel Machine, Matador, and Rambler and SC/Rambler) as well as Jeep CJs and full-size Jeeps.
If this is your first time rebuilding an AMC engine, this book contains detailed photos and instructions beginning with disassembling your engine and determining the machining that will be needed. All of the fine details about boring and honing, crankshaft grinding, balancing, cylinder head rebuilding, engine assembly, oil modifications, and performance upgrades are detailed with photos. Many of the specialized machining steps that are needed for a performance build that your local machine shop might not know about are included in this book.
AMC V-8 Engines: Rebuild & Modify not only shows the steps of a rebuild in detail but also helps you determine what kind of build is right for your project. It will assist you in making the correct decisions on compression ratio, camshaft selection, and which performance parts are needed. Many engine replacement parts are getting hard to find, so this book reveals some of the aftermarket and restoration companies that specialize in remaking AMC engine parts. Items such as camshafts, forged pistons, connecting rods, and cylinder head manufacturers are covered. Get ready to rebuild your AMC V-8. We look forward to helping you along the way!
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Design Your Build
Build Options
Build Budgeting
Parts Purchasing
Valve Cover Tag
AMC Engines
Build Types
Aftermarket Parts Options
Chapter 2: Teardown
Engine Stands
Exhaust Manifold Removal
Front Accessory Removal
Carburetor Removal
Distributor Removal
Rocker-Arm and Pushrod Removal
Intake Manifold Removal
Oil Pan Removal
Front Cover Removal
Cylinder Head Removal
Dipstick Tube Removal
Freeze Plug Removal
Camshaft Bearing Removal
Valve-Spring Removal
Chapter 3: Engine Block Inspection and Machining
Hot Tanking and Magnafluxing
Align Hone, Bore, and Cylinder Deck Inspection
Resurfacing versus Square Decking
Oven Cleaning and Blasting
Block Machining and Blueprinting
Boring and Honing
Performance Options for Machining
Final Block Prep for Assembly
Chapter 4: Crankshaft
Crankshaft Stroke
Crankshaft Modification for a TorqueFlite Transmission
Crankshaft Flange
Bushing Adapters
Inspection and Magnafluxing
Grinding and Polishing
External and Internal Balancing
Flywheels
Pistons
Harmonic Balancer and Flexplate
Chapter 5: Connecting Rods, Pistons, and Rings
Stock Connecting Rods
Aftermarket Connecting Rods
Pistons
Installing Pistons on Connecting Rods
Suggested Piston-to-Wall Clearance
Piston-Ring End Gap
Chapter 6: Camshafts, Lifters, and Timing
Camshaft Types
Lifter Bore and Block Inspection
Camshaft Selection
Camshaft Thrust Plate Installation
Timing Chain Options
Rollmaster Timing Chain Modifications
Distributor Gear Installation
Oiling
Harmonic Balancer
Chapter 7: Front Cover, Oil Pump, and Oil Pan
Front Cover
Oil Pump
Oil Pan and Pickup
Chapter 8: Cylinder Heads
Differences and Specifications
Aftermarket Cylinder Heads
Inspection, Cleaning, and Magnafluxing
Valve Options: Stock versus Performance
Cylinder Head Machining
Valve Job
CCing the Combustion Chamber
Cylinder Head Surfacing
Adjustable Valvetrain
Hardened Guide Plate
Valve-Guide Seal
Selecting Valve Springs, Retainers, and Locks
Cylinder Head Assembly
Rocker-Arm Options
Chapter 9: Intake Manifold
Pre-1970 Intake Manifolds
1970-and-Newer Intake Manifolds
Dual Plane versus Single Plane
Hood Clearance
Aftermarket Intake Manifold Options
Intake-Port Alignment
Intake-Manifold Gasket
Carburetors
Chapter 10: Engine Assembly
Assembly Preparation
Camshaft Installation
Crankshaft Installation with Bearing Check
Piston and Rod Installation
Camshaft Timing and Degreeing
Distributor
Front Cover
Crankshaft Gear
Internal Oil Line Installation
Cylinder Head Installation
Head Gasket
Cylinder Head Dowel Pins
Valvetrain with Pushrod Geometry
Pushrods
Rocker-Arm Assembly
Setting Valves
Intake Manifold Installation
Oil Pump, Front Cover, and Water Pump
Tinwork, Oil Pan, and Valve Covers
Painting the Engine
Flexplate, Shim Plate, and Reinforcement Plate
Chapter 11: Carburetor and Fuel-Injection Units
Autolite Carburetor 4300
Autolite Carburetor 4350
4300 Carburetor Decode
Jeep Carburetor Decode
Motorcraft Carburetor 2150
Hurst S/S Cross-Ram
Edelbrock Carburetors
Holley Carburetor
Fuel Injection
Installing a Holley Sniper
Electric Fuel Pumps and New Gas Tanks
Oxygen Sensor
Chapter 12: Distributor and Ignition
PerTronix Distributor
Flame-Thrower Distributor
Other Aftermarket Distributors
Distributor Maintenance
OEM Look
Selecting a Distributor
Distributor Installation
Alignment
Performance Ignition Systems
Chapter 13: Engine Priming and Test Running
Engine Break-in Oil
Recommendations
Priming the Engine
Running the Engine for the First Time
20- to 30-Minute Break-In
500 Miles
Source Guide
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