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Tell me about the "401" |
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farna
Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19612 |
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Yeah, the 360 build. I criticized that build for using a lot of unnecessary machine work and "special" parts when there are plenty available parts made for AMCs that would have done the job without anything fancy at all. That's when I found out that Glad doesn't like criticism, even mild criticism. I just stated that they could have built it in a way that anyone could replicate it easily and saved a good deal of money with off the shelf parts.
AMC used a Chrysler trans for the most part from 72-up. As someone pointed out, some of the Jeep Wagoneers used TH-400s in the early 80s. In either case, the bell housing is different for the AMC engine (the main case), so you can't get a Chrysler or GM trans and just bolt it on. You can get an adapter for a standard GM trans from Novak or Advance Adapters. Or you can have the Jeep trans (whichever it is) rebuilt, substituting the output shaft and housing for two wheel drive parts from a Chrysler 727 or GM 400. Only the main case (bell) is different, all internal components and the splines on the output shaft are typical Chrysler or GM. Either trans has to be totally disassembled to change the output shaft, so may as well rebuild it. Or get the adapter and run a 700R4. No one mentioned that the stock crank and rods in a 390 or 401 are forged pieces. That's why you don't need to worry about the rods like you do in a Chevy. Just make sure they're true, clean them up, and maybe have them shot peened if you're going to be turning it up a lot. The stock rods are at least as good as low cost forged performance Chevy rods. The heads flow really good stock -- roughly the equivalent of much later Chevy LS-1 heads. |
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Frank Swygert
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PHAT69AMX
AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/07/2007 Location: West Virginia Status: Offline Points: 5905 |
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Agree with your points farna about the Car Craft 360 build.
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Alliups
AMC Addicted Joined: Mar/25/2008 Location: S.B. county Ca. Status: Offline Points: 1409 |
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Found the article on the 401 equipped Spirit in June 1998 Hot Rod ( it was Hot Rod! ). I'll scan or copy in the morn, whichever method makes the clearest info to post. Also, for anyone interested- this is but one copy for sale:http://cgi.ebay.com/Hot-Rod-Magazine-June-1998-Good-Condition_W0QQitemZ230345432172QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq20090527?IMSfp=TL090527153003r23090
Steve |
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purple72Gremlin
AMC Addicted Charter Member Joined: Jul/01/2007 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 16591 |
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If the 401 is a 1974, it will have the 502's.
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purple72Gremlin
AMC Addicted Charter Member Joined: Jul/01/2007 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 16591 |
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Edited by purple72Gremlin - Jun/19/2009 at 12:05am |
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farna
Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19612 |
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Thanks for the correction Purple! I was on the wrong side of 1980... I recalled that 80 was the break point. I checked a Jeep site -- even CJs (from 76-79, no auto before the CJ-7) and FSJs with the six used the TH-400 though 79. For some reason I was thinking only the FSJs used the TH-400, but checked before typing this time!
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Frank Swygert
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bughappy
AMC Apprentice Joined: Jun/05/2008 Location: Northern Nevada Status: Offline Points: 60 |
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Engine just arrived on a pallet. Will get it up on an engine stand this afternoon. It is complete with power steering pump, fan, cast headers, carb & manifold etc. along with 30 plus years of grease & grime! Have a mandatory trip to Cal. first thing tomorrow so have limited time to clean up the motor today.
Where will I find numbers on the heads & block if I dont have time to clean (presure wash) before I leave for the weekend? I'd realy like to get 'em posted so I can get some more tips on what I'm going to need to do to my new "baby"! Tom V |
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'87 Cherokee, '64 American 330 wagon, '65 American 440H
Searchin' for parts is half the fun! Them Chevy, Ford & Mopar guys have it to damn easy! |
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billd
Moderator Group Forum Administrator Joined: Jun/27/2007 Location: Iowa Status: Offline Points: 30894 |
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Unless it's your probation officer, divorce court, or a federal judge, I'd be tempted to reclassify that as not-mandatory..... LOL |
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whizkidder
Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Mar/03/2008 Location: North Georgia Status: Offline Points: 2972 |
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Block casting number will be on the rear of the engine on the top left of the bell housing flange -- probably covered in a 1/2 inch of grease and grime.
Displacement will be cast into the side of the block on both sides under the motor mounts.
Head casting numbers are under the valve covers about half-way back between the valve springs (at an angle).
Should take you only a few minutes to get to all three.
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Ron Frost
marne1ancient @ gmail.com 910 nine two two 0563 "There is no limit to what a man can do, so long as he does not care a straw who gets credit for it. Charles Montague |
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Alliups
AMC Addicted Joined: Mar/25/2008 Location: S.B. county Ca. Status: Offline Points: 1409 |
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9 digit cast in number for heads under valve cover towards front at a 30 degree angle probably starting with 323 or 321. Heads will probably in in 502 but may be different if they are a later casting Block number should be on driver side rear of block behind head on a ledge above the bell-housing mounting area. Displacement is in big block cast numbers on either side slightly above the engine mount boss. Steve |
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