V8 Rambler

[Bigcheese327]

How difficult do you suppose it would be to put a 2nd Generation (290-304-343-360-390-401) AMC V8 in a '58-'60 Rambler? Obviously the trans and rear would have to be swapped out at the same time but what about the front end? Think there's enough room between those framerails for the V8? How about those front springs, think those would take the weight? Kind of a weird swap, I know, but maybe someone's seen something similar.

[kustumizer]

Did the ramblers come with the flat 6? What about radiator support to firewall clearance. I think that it would be wide enough because i think that i have seen a rambler with some v8 in it, not sure though! nate

[old beet]

I think my mom had a 57 Rambler V8. 4dr with small fins? Rambler guys where are you?......OLDBEET

[choprods]

american or ammbasador........the american has a heater jaunting forwards from the firewall preventing a fit....dont know about the full size car.......

[kustumizer]

Heres a few pics i found, dont know anything about ramblers so not sure what year! Nate

[kustumizer]

another one!

[kustumizer]

another

[Bigcheese327]

Sorry, yeah, I meant an American. Any pictures of the stock engine bay with this jutting heater? Something new would have to be fabbed. Not too big a deal, though. After all, what's hot rodding without a few challenges?

[choprods]

I built a 60 american sed delivery with a chevy small block -I [and the red one]above had to remove the 'towers"and inner side fenders[unibody] and do a firewall to achieve the engine bay you see above there.

[kustumizer]

heres another one i found with a sbc in it. I dont think that it would to hard to fab something up for it! Nate

[dixiedog]

Being a nut for Ramblers, I've seen some of the later 64+ body styles adapt the 390/401 series engines quite well, the later year ramblers had the 390 motors in them. Like the photos most of them run the SBC set up.

I think you would need to loose the heater/fan set up to get the room needed.

I would like to get some info too, the AMC motors have the dizzy in the front which is nice for the firewall.

[zgears]

dont forget the 57 ramber rebel had a 327 amc v8 stock.

[imfatdad]

The second geration motor is a bit larger and heavier I believe. This (American) is a small engine bay. You may need to put in a V8 crossmember as well. Mounting is different between the first gen and second gen (ie 327 to 290+ family). I am sure you could cobble something to work though. You may need to consider the springs and other front components as well. Alot of work but would be a very cool and quick ride.

[lostparts]

i'm in the same boat, just pulled my strait six 232 out yesterday and gave it to a friend. i have a 350 4 bolt and a 350 turbo trans sitting on the stand next to my rambler. i was so worked up about weather it is going to fit, that i couldn't sleep last nite. so i grabbed a beer, went out into the garage, crawled in, and sat on the cross bar and glued my eyes on the fire wall. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Gambler74]

hey, this is an old thread, but I am planning on doing the exact same swap into my 59 Rambler Wagon as you described. How is yours coming?

59 Rambler Custom Wagon with a 65 10bolt GM 3.73 rearend rigged in the back

engine/tranny is out of a 78 GM van

[HotRod60F100]

The first gen of AMC V8s were the 287 and 327,those had a rear mounted dist like a chevy V8.parts are kind of difficukt to find for them so thier kinda in the same field as the Ford Y block as far as getting parts for them.the 64-69 Rambler American,Rogue and SC/Rambler has the same V8 crossmember as any 70-77 Hornet,72-76 Gremlin,78-79 Concord and 79 Spirit.I hope whoever here who plans on swapping in a V8 in thier early Rambler to at least consider a AMC V8 as these engines are tough motors and theres been alot of new aftermarket parts made available to them in recent years i.e aluminum heads,block hugger headers ect.I'm a hard core AMCer so if anyone has a AMC related question please feel free to ask.

[gowjobs]

Although I sold my '63 American before I ever dropped the 383 in there, there is NO V-8 that'll drop in with the coil spring perches in place. Being that beauty is only skin deep on these things, so to speak, the early Americans should have the identical problem.

There's only about 23" between the spring perches inside the engine bay. If you cut them out, and replaced them with smooth panels, you might be able to reinforce the shock perches and put in coil-overs, or maybe run a transverse leaf under the crossmember and attach it to the lower control arms.

Most V-8 swaps in Americans utilize a completely new fron subframe with a Mustang II setup. My version was going to be a gasser with a straight axle.

Dave

[Benzine440]

Why mot consider the AMC 4 liter straight six? I've got one in my 88 Cherokee. I measured 34" from firewall to fan and about 20" across, distibuter to manifolds.

It's a good performer and there is performance stuff readily available. Plus it comes stock with a cool finned aluminum valve cover.

That would keep it in the family and you would get a variety of transmission choices. Factory still supplies parts and wreck yards stock 'em.