RallyEagle's 82 SX4 Rally car rebuild

[RallyEagle]

I obtained the 82 SX4 Rally car, raced by Dean Blagowsky in 83-84'ish.  It has an AMC 390 w/727 and a 119AM tcase.  I will not be racing it when done.  It requires complete rewiring and all new suspension components.

[rmick]

Way Cool

[amcfool1]

welcome. successful Eagle V8 conversions can be counted on one hand! good luck, gz

[RallyEagle]

It's a fun car just not ready to be safely driven. A note for using 8 gauge cables in an 0 gauge apllication: DON'T!  Starter wire jacket was melted plus batteries are in rear.  Long wires, high resistance, low voltage, high amps.  All cables have been replace with hmmwv/humvee (AM General) double jacketed 0 gauge.

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[RallyEagle]

Removed front axle and found that it is 4.10 (41-10) Has a 1/2" spacer between carrier and ring gear.  Rear is 4.11 (37-9). Both open diffs. I don't think the front has been serviced in decades. Rear was cleaner but still old oil.  Easy to drop front axle, 5 bolts and 2 half shafts. Transmission jacks worked great.  They both will get cleaned up and cover put on and refilled for now.  Need to redo front and rear shocks and suspension. That's all for now.

[RallyEagle]

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[RallyEagle]

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[RallyEagle]

One side removed.

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[RallyEagle]

Three shock tower configuration.  All bad a will be replaced.  See broken center COS..

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[DAVE]

when you get a chance would like to see how they converted to the V8

[derf]

That's certainly one way to do it.  I wonder why they didn't use the correct carrier for that gear set?

[RallyEagle]

True but it works. Ring gear has a date of 2 22 80.

Engine fit snuggly, the Spirit had a v8 option.  The biggest mods are: the oil pan is custom made, the cross member cut down, and exhaust.  Snug fit.

[RallyEagle]

Inspected and cleaned front diff then new gasket and set cover with new bolts.  Also removed tiewraps and installed clamps. Thrrn dropped front steering control.  Pressed out all bushings and primed all parts.  New wear components will be installed.

[mudkicker715]

You move quick, for certain.

[RallyEagle]

Once I start I keep going!  Cleaned up front cross member, remove pitman arm with cutting wheel. Fast and clean.. Some pictures of engine area underneath. Tight fit. Painted front axle and lower control arms.