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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1968 AMC Ambassador engine/transmission swap

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Expert: - 5/11/2011


Question
Hello.  I have a 1968 AMC Ambassador, equipped with a 290 V8 and automatic transmission.  Having covered nearly 270,000 miles they are well past their best.  I have been offered a 1978 AMC Matador coupe that is equipped with a 360 V8 and automatic transmission.  The car has only 33,000 miles, and the engine turns freely when connected to a battery.  It was laid up after a hard rear collision in 1985 and has been sitting undercover since.

My question is, will this power train fit into my Ambassador?  If so, what precautions would I need to take after all these years, especially with the transmission?  Thanks for any tips/advice.

Answer
I have never done this conversion but there was a 343 V-8 offered in the 1968 AMC cars. The 360 engine is a stroked version of the 343 that was available in the 68. That tells me that it should fit. You will probably have to play a little with the motor mounts. The radiator in 78 should be larger and I would suggest using it if it will fit. I would also use the rear end out of the 78 as the gear ratio is probably different. Of course the usual fluids and filter changes should be done as well as new plugs and ignition parts. The carburetor should be pulled apart, cleaned and a kit installed. Good luck.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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