AMC V-8 Engines 1966-1991

Book excerpt: 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!