AboutKevin Pilotte Expertise I can answer many technical questions relating to AMC vehicles prior to 1979. I also have experience with Rambler & Nash vehicles.
Experience I am a former AMC technician, service writer and service manager. I have worked in AMC dealers in Illinois in the 70's. After college, I was a Field Service Rep for American Motors Sales Corporation, working out of the Chicago Zone office. I traveled to AMC dealers assisting in the diagnosis and repair of AMC vehicles. I was also the Area Training Manager for DeLorean Motor Company. I have 10+ years as an Automotive Instructor. I have modified and restored
numerous AMC vehicles. I have been working on AMC vehicles for over 30 years.
Organizations I have been an ASE Certified Master Technician since 1975. This includes L1. I am also currently a Toyota Certified Master Diagnostic Technician.
Publications I have articles in "American Motoring", the official publication of the American Motors Owners Association. They are the largest AMC club in the world.
Expert: Kevin Pilotte Date: 7/8/2008 Subject: Engine swap
Question QUESTION: Hi Kevin,
I have a 1964 American that is driving me into bankruptcy. I have spent hundreds of dollars trying to make that little one barrel carb run right. Time to throw in the towel and try something different. Maybe a brand X 6cyl (V6 or inline)conversion. I would like to keep it simple as possible. The car is an original with 25k actual. Could you offer some advise please.
Thank you,
Dan Nordstrom
ANSWER: Unless you're a wizard technician & fabricator, forget about the V-6 conversion. It is no easy task and not worth the $$$.
If the carburetor is giving you problems, why not replace it? Holley and Carter make a one barrel that will do the job well.
What exactly is the engine doing? With only 25K miles, it still should be in sound mechanical condition. Do you have good compression? Is it knocking when running? What have you done to it where you have spent hundreds of dollars?
The later model inline 6 cylinders are not an easy swap, either.
Give me some information and maybe we can get it running right.
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QUESTION: Kevin,
I should have offered more info. Sorry.
I have rebuilt the original carb once,purchased two additional rebuilts from various sources. One oerates fine on the top end the other operates fine at idle. I cannot find the correct combo. The engine has been gone through top to bottom. At one time it ran superb and I was clocking 24mpg. I recently purchased (on Ebay) a two barrel Carter set-up that I may try, but keep thinking it's just another wild goose chase. I have not tried the Carter model. Maybe that should be my next step. Can you offer the correct model number and a quality supplier.
Thanks, Dan
Answer I would recommend checking for a NEW Holley, not rebuilt. I don't trust rebulit carburetors anymore. They just don't know what they're doing. Check the Holley website.
The two barrel set up might work if the carb is any good.
Hope the linkage works. A later model Carter YF is a possible option, though I don't know if the linkage will hook up on it, either.
