AMC 401 engine for my 1972 Duster

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Thank God you guys weren't around when hot rodding was just getting started... we'd all be discussing how to get better fuel economy out of our Maxwells.

Those 401's are strong runners. Do it....
 
I will just add to what a lot of other people have said. Sell the 401 and find a Mopar small block. Even in Costa Rica there has to be a 318 or 360 laying around somewhere. You will have problem after problem after problem getting everything to fit and work well together. Is the 401 a good engine? Yes, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea to try and stuff it in. Way too much trouble. Also, unless you are an excellent fabricator, whoever overcomes the problems of mounting everything and getting stuff to fit is going to want some money. Find a small block Mopar. I bet it will be way cheaper in the long run; not to mention a LOT easier.
 
451Cuda said:
AMC 401 is a great engine, but you're better off letting an AMC guy buy that and find a 360.
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I’d find an AMC somewhere just to slam dunk that in and whip ***!
There was one fella years back that had a 401 in a Javelin. Man! He took so much money! If you know what your doing with an AMC engine, boy can they make some power!
RustyRatRod said:
I say do it! The 401 is much like the 340. BIG bore and short stroke.They have excellent heads, too. If you have the fab skills,knock it out brother. That will be a fun ride. They have GOBS of bottom end torque.
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Always liked the AMC v8
 
I was always wandering how one would fit, and how a small block mopar might fit in a AMX. I would probably mate the engine to a Torque Command, AMC version of a 904.
 

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brian6pac said:
My friend use to build 401's they all came with forged cranks good forged rods from the factory but to make big power you have to modify the oiling system, he did all his motors the same and in the 90's he was running in the 9's in the 1/4 mile and spinning them 8500.
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Modify oiling system! I had a 70 AMX (in 73) that I spun main bearing in consistently even with oiling mods done. Ran fantastic but couldn't keep it together. Maybe somebody finally figured it out.
 
Medzjon said:
I live

and work in San Jose ... been here for over 4 years now
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OK, which is it? I mean, You are in San Jose, but the car is still in Costa Rica? I'm all for hotrodding for gain, and if Your options are severely limited go for it, do what Ya
gotta do. But if there is any chance of getting a smallblock & trans for Your car out of a Mopar, You would be better served, & happier with the end result. I love some AMC's,
and would love to have an AMX w/a 401 in it.
 
20180127_132305.jpg
This what we're putting a 401 in.
 
Krooser said:
Thank God you guys weren't around when hot rodding was just getting started... we'd all be discussing how to get better fuel economy out of our Maxwells.

Those 401's are strong runners. Do it....
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Oddball swaps were "fine" when better options were not available......AKA early Ford pickups. Of COURSE you swap something, anything, into that!!!

50's Chev anything.........no........V's..........available.........So put in a Cad, Olds, Poncho, hemi. ANYTHING including a Chev SB or '09

But in this case engines are plentiful, and he won't be gaining anything pricewise OR performancewise, that he could not easily and inexpensively do with that AMC. There is nothing wrong with that AMC, lots of Jeepers would LOVE to score that thing

Sell it, put a Mopar in the Mopar and have fun.
 
I would measure the width of outside of header to header to see if they will fit between the torsion bars, and is the oil pan sump near the front/center like a mopar so it will clear the k frame and steering link? then if u have some help and tools and skills-go for it. and when u are burning rubber-send us a picture
 
nightmare is putting it lightly the headers alone would make an automotive engineer slit his own throat from ear to ear . if you really hate yourself and love grief have at it it can be done .
 
Krooser said:
Thank God you guys weren't around when hot rodding was just getting started... we'd all be discussing how to get better fuel economy out of our Maxwells.

Those 401's are strong runners. Do it....
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If he was of that "old rodder" mindset he wouldn't have asked for opinions. He had the good sense to, potentially saving himself a lot of headache and expense. "Those 401s" are heavy, won't fit easily, and the oiling system and any real performance seems to have been an afterthought. So at least IMO, poor choice. The oldschool rodder would just cut and weld until it was in and running. And running poorer than any 360 swap with a mild cam.
 
At least its not an LS!

$1500 would turbo that slant if you got creative
 
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