Things have changed a bit.

[damarble]

Some may remember me from the Nest. I tried to log in today and found it's gone and my username was no longer active here.

So anyway, I have been looking at another AMC, a Hornet Sportabout. I've built different vehiclas that are economical, or good for towing, or offroading, but I have yet to build a fast car and think this might be it. A LS with T-56 would be a riot, or maybe a Coyote 5.0L.

[IowaEagle]

Welcome back!  I did not realize your account was deleted by Steve.  I feel bad about that.

[damarble]

No biggy, I wasn't really active. Thanks for the welcome back.

[eaglefreek]

Welcome back. I'd vote for the LS. It's more compact, cheaper and much more aftermarket support. The Coyote is WIDE. Here's a 4.6l vs a old 5.0L. The LS is about the same size as the 5.0L and the Coyote is even wider than the 4.6L.

[Amc1320]

That would make one cool fast wagon, love those sportabouts

I would go LS too, stay narrow, I put a chebbie 350 in a Spirit, not an inch to spare on the sides

[IowaEagle]

None of the above.  An easy to find AMC 360 will make it fast, too fast for the Model 15 rear end.  You probably want to swap in a model 20 or a Jeep 35 c-clip.

[1985amceagle]

None of the above.  An easy to find AMC 360 will make it fast, too fast for the Model 15 rear end.  You probably want to swap in a model 20 or a Jeep 35 c-clip.

I like this idea, but the others aren't bad either. im just happy to see it isn't a generic SBC swap, like all of the jeeps seem to get. keep us updated on the project.

[damarble]

I took it for a drive and walked away, it's much rougher than it looks from the road. Rust everywhere. The itch to build one is still strong so I'll keep looking. There's a 85 Eagle Sport wagon on CL that would be a good candidate, it already has the black interior I want and a T5 so the manual conversion would be easier.

The biggest reason I'd want the Coyote is I have more experience with modulars than anything Chebby. The size is certainly daunting, as is the price tag.

I would skip all those axles and go right to an Explorer disc brake 8.8, or even better a IRS 8.8.

[eaglefreek]

If you stick with a Hornet or make an Eagle RWD only *gasp*, I wonder if you could some how graft a Mustang K member meant for a modular engine, onto the AMC. With coilovers, you could maybe cut out and modify the AMC's shock towers. Plus you'll be able to use Mustang big brakes.  Wow, it's sounding like a lot of work now. Maybe the AMC V8's not a bad idea. 

[damarble]

There's definitely some possibilities. If I go with an Eagle I've always wondered how they would do with the drivetrain out of a 5.0L AWD Explorer. that should fit well. More work to get to 400hp than starting with a LS or Coyote but there's a huge aftermarket and it can be done. The problem with keeping AWD is a suitable manual transmission since I refuse to have an auto.

The only thing that keeps me away from wanting to use AMC power is the lack of fuel injection (and the trouble of adding it). I grew up with EFI to I much prefer it to carbs.

[IowaEagle]

Once warmed up my AMC 360 starts with a touch of the key.  And that is with contact points.  I do have a manual choke which helps when the engine is cold as my brain, rather than a computer, controls it settings.

[carnuck]

I see a Herman Lewis 401 turned into 440 for sale on the amc forum. ThAt would make this car sit up and take notice but not much good for long trips.

[Prafeston]

...or make an Eagle RWD only *gasp*

Especially a T5 Wagon with Black interior no less. That would be a shame to see turned into a RWD car. Still sounds like a cool project though!