I am a sick and twisted person...

Topic: I am a sick and twisted person... (Read 2948 times) previous topic - next topic

I am a sick and twisted person...

May 02, 2006, 10:03:04 PM

So just how sick and twisted am I? Even though I started the world's only TBird/Cougar parts shop my racecar will no longer be 2.3T or even Ford powered. Part of some of my recent purchasing is a 70 AMC 360 V8 and an AMC 304 V8 with a T5 manual (they came in later-model Eagle's, Spirit's, etc). The 360 and T5 will be going into my 87 Code 33 Silver-Blue car. I am sick and tired of coaxing really good performance #s out of Ford's in general and the 2.3T in specific. I still love the little guy, but I want to go FAST. A mild 360 build (10.5:1, dog-leg heads, Comp flat-tappet cam, Air-Gap intake, Demon 750, Hooker's) will produce 400 n/a HP with about 450 Ft/Lbs. Add a 150 shot on that and a 3200Lb TC with 3.73's should absolutley fly (either way). Am I asking for trouble?

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #1 – May 02, 2006, 10:17:32 PM

You're going to put an AMC engine into a Ford? That's strange indeed, not just because it's a cross-brand swap, but because there are so many more common, and thus more supported, engines available. I mean, a 302 or 351 is every bit as capable as the AMC engines, but with WAY more aftermarket support. 400 horses out of a mildly built 351 whould be easy - even a 302 should be able to do it without too much trouble. And they'll both bolt into your car with easily accessible parts. Hell, even a 429 or 460 should drop in easier than an AMC engine, and will make more power to boot.

As much as I hate the thought of a Chevy powered TC, even that would make more sense economically, practically, and most likely performance wise than an AMC engine. Truthfully, an AMC engine is probably the very last route I'd take.

If you really like AMC engines, do yourself a favour and find a Javelin, AMX or even a Gremlin, to do your AMC engine build up in. At least you know the engine would not only fit, but look rigght...

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #2 – May 02, 2006, 10:30:02 PM

sweet! dare to be differant

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #3 – May 02, 2006, 10:34:38 PM

See, I'm buying an AMX. I already have 3 AMC engines. And AMC had the first T5 so the trans will even work. The motor is about the same "size" as a 351 and it has WAY more potential then any other small-block. It's been proven for years that AMC heads flow like big blocks. Besides, I already have the 3 major components, I just have to actually do it. And as for aftermarket support, how about aluminum heads? Indy and Edelbrock. Fuel injection? Edelbrock. Ignition? Everybody. Headers? Everybody. Aluminum block? Indy. Cams? Everybody. There is not a single part made for small-block Fords that isn't made for an AMC.

Thanks Sleeper! I have a spare 360 since your Bird needs some more go 429-less. Wanna help?

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #4 – May 02, 2006, 11:04:46 PM

Sounds Really cool. It's all about what you want.

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #5 – May 03, 2006, 01:01:24 AM

Quote from: Aerobird Motorsports

See, I'm buying an AMX. I already have 3 AMC engines. And AMC had the first T5 so the trans will even work. The motor is about the same "size" as a 351 and it has WAY more potential then any other small-block. It's been proven for years that AMC heads flow like big blocks. Besides, I already have the 3 major components, I just have to actually do it. And as for aftermarket support, how about aluminum heads? Indy and Edelbrock. Fuel injection? Edelbrock. Ignition? Everybody. Headers? Everybody. Aluminum block? Indy. Cams? Everybody. There is not a single part made for small-block Fords that isn't made for an AMC.

Thanks Sleeper! I have a spare 360 since your Bird needs some more go 429-less. Wanna help?

lol, i dunno what the future holds:D

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #6 – May 03, 2006, 01:02:13 AM

I've got a 360 with 401 crank/rods in my 74 Jeep J-10, it's a good strong runner, but I'll tell ya now, if you havn't crunched any numbers yet, you will spend a bit more for performance for a 304/360/401 than you will for something more mainstream...

Other than that, I'd say go for it

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #7 – May 03, 2006, 01:13:44 AM

My grandfather started American Performance, the world's largest AMC speed shop/parts house, he holds the world record going 7.78@181 in an AMC (n/a on alcohol), and he still has his 68 AMX 390 he bought brand new (11K miles, all original). His 3 sons followed him into business. I have no shortage of AMC parts.

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #8 – May 03, 2006, 02:21:38 AM

I repeat:
........

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #9 – May 03, 2006, 02:27:13 AM

John, I'm not giving up on my SC50'd 2.3! Just building something a little different for the 3rd TC, that's all. Hell, come solve my electrical problem and I'll be GLAD to go racing with Layla. I'd like to get the thing more than just good on the street.

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #10 – May 03, 2006, 09:34:17 AM

I don't see anything fun about an AMC in a TC. Not that I'm going to cry about it or complain, but I'll sure give you hell until you do it. I think you're making it too difficult to go fast with these cars. If you're really concerned about the absolute fastest then you wouldn't pick a TC or else you'd gut it inside to make it as light as a Mustang. It's too slow of a car to lose it's uniqueness.

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #11 – May 03, 2006, 09:50:51 AM

I don't think you understand John. I own 4 TC's right now. Including one with an SC50, built motor, etc. I will continue to work on that car down into the 12's while remaining a daily driver. But, I have another one that I've had for 2 years, I can't give the thing away and I have a 360 (and a ton of AMC parts). 12's is NOT fast. I want to go fast, you know, like 10's. A 360 will easily do that for far less then the amount of $$$ in my 2.3 TC. Point is (and I think Sleeper will agree) it's alot easier and cheaper to go fast on a big motor then a little one. I've had TC's for 6 years (and a turbo RX7) but there still is NO replacement for displacement.

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #12 – May 03, 2006, 11:02:45 AM

Quote

I want to go fast, you know, like 10's. A 360 will easily do that for far less then the amount of $$$ in my 2.3 TC.

True. But far more that then amount of $$$ you would put into a 302 or 351, as previously mentioned.

If your goal is to go fast on the cheap then certainly there are better choices out there.

If that's your goal.

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #13 – May 03, 2006, 11:10:19 AM

I applaud your creativity, but I don't get it.

The only motor that is a real benefit over a small-block windsor is an LS1. Huge aftermarket support and an all aluminum design makes it even more TC friendly than a 2.3L. The LS1 is the motor to have, even with a carb. Those things are a step forward, not backwards. My $0.02.

I am a sick and twisted person...

Reply #14 – May 03, 2006, 09:06:19 PM

I'd love to put an LS1 in there. Problem is, everybody wants a mint for one. I alread HAVE a 360. And the aftermarket for AMC's is 100 times better then 2.3T's. In fact, BBC's, SBC's, SBF's, and 429/460 BBF's are the ONLY more popular markets right now.