Verified AMC Engine Builders - Open Question

We have an engine build quickly approaching and haven't found any local shops who have AMC experience in Northern CA.   I've heard of a couple in SoCal and San Diego but nothing verified.

Our goal is to shoot for daily driver performance upgrading the heads, manifold and carb with new Edelbrock equipment.

I found a link on an AMC board to CM Engines in South Carolina.  http://www.cmengines.com/Engines/DynoTestedPerformanceEngines/AMCPerformanceCrateEngines/tabid/113/Default.aspx

Does anyone out there have any recommendations for a 390 CID - Manual Trans build?

Thanks

AMC Fanatic

I need to crowdsource this one...

So you have a very cool classic muscle car but want to update and personalize it so you can enjoy it.   My goal is to drive it daily not to create a show car.   I'd like to update the car with modern engine technology to increase the cars standard DNA.

• My engine rebuild will enhance but I'm not creating a car to take the track.   Might have to bore .30 over and update the heads to Edlebrock Aluminum.
• My thoughts on suspension vary because there is a kit for the car that will add power steering rack and pinion system that will greatly improve the drive ability but rip out the old front end.  (torn)
• Color of the car - its currently Pompeii Yellow - it's ok but I've love it to be silver or a gun metal great white shark color.
• Interior is Saddle - would love to update it to black.   Easy for the seats, door panels headliner and carpet.  The dash is a bit tougher unless you have $3k burning a hole in your pocket.
• Wheels and Tires are period specific so I am happy.

Shop Day 1 - What is going on? (pressure differential valve issues)

Well - initially we thought one of the rear wheel cylinders failed but it turned out the pressure differential valve  failed emptying the rear cylinder of Carb to flood.   We just had the carb completely rebuilt so I'm not sure what happened.  We'll see in a few days when I get down to the shop.

The starter was burnt out in the process of trying to start her over the weekend.   It was older and needed replacement so no big deal.   Not sure about the battery but I see a new red top optima in her future.

I'm looking for a new ignition key cylinder because this one is shot.   So far my searches have come up empty.

I did find a used complete 69' 390 on eBay with the price tag of $3500 - yes - wow for just a used block and heads.   Not sure if the manifold is decent or not.   Ideally, I'd like to find a short block for a lot less. My intention is to go with the aluminum Edlebrock Heads.   We will see.

Onward.

Flatbed Time Again

I woke up the other day ready to take her for a drive and the breaks felt hard. Upon second look the rear cylinder of the master was near empty with a puddle of fluid on the garage floor.  Damn blown rear wheel cylinder after 80 road miles?

Today was a scheduled tow but when I went to start her no joy.  Out of gas?  I know the fuel gauge is out but I've been keeping track of fill ups and mileages so there is no way I'm getting 2 miles per gallon.  9-10 maybe.   So I ended up with  a dead battery adding insult to injury.  The saga continues.

When I mention the "Saga" I think most people (girls and guys) realize a lover affair with a classic muscle car is a constant struggle between the love for the car and the on-going problems.

Today's Punch List:

• Fix Brakes - pressure differential valve
• Remove 2nd Fuel Filter
• Install new high CCA battery
• Adjust carb?

Seats Finally Installed - Happy New Year!

Well its been a long road to choosing what color to finding the right shop to do the work on my 69 AMX.

old seats

I've always wanted the black or charcoal interior, instead I have saddle.   My wife likes the saddle plus its the original color so we are sticking with it.   In high school, my 69 Javelin SST had the red interior.   At the time, I was happy to have such a cool hot rod it didn't bother me at all.   I'm happy with the saddle.

These seats were trashed when we acquired the car.   The foam had disintegrated and the cloth was barely holding the springs back.

We decided to go with the original color and use vinyl since that what it says on the door.   We did one customization by adding black piping to the seats.   I have a feeling this will tie in nice when we replace the door armrests.   I believe the reproductions only come in black.

Anyway, we purchased the seat foam from Legendary Auto Upholstery and a local upholstery shop run by Enrique Auto Upholstery  did the seat covers.   He did a great job as you can see below.

We opted not to change the carpet during the install.   Instead, we'll wait until we get to the point

new seat foam and custom covers

when we are going to paint and strip the car completely adding padding below the carpet.   My wife says it's as loud as the time we went skydiving at 10,000 feet in the smallest plane ever.

Gotta laugh.

Onward.