69 AMX BBG 390 4 sp Resto Project

bulletpruf wrote:

Anyone had any luck finding build sheets on these cars? If so, where should I look?

Scott

I found mine in the driverside seat springs. I thought it was strange to find it there but....

1968 AMX 390 Automatic
Turbo Silver outside,
red on the inside
"The Orbiter"

A Scott Campbell restoration

Ok, a few questions -

I see that the 3190806 block was used in '68-'69, and had 7/16" head bolts. It was replaced by the 3195529 block, which was used '69-'70, with 1/2" head bolts. Did early '69 AMX's use the 806 block? If so, roughly when did the swap from 806 to 529 blocks occur?

I see that the heads should be casting 3188558, but these were the 50.6 cc chambers, 2.025 and 1.625 valves, right? Larger chambers and valves on the 558 heads were the SS AMX only, right? As a side note, it looks like Crane will be producing new castings of the 558 SS AMX heads beginning in the spring. Looks like I shouldn't have any problems selling my 291C heads or trading them for some 558's. Going rate on 558's seems to be $100-$300 for a pair.

Looks like the original carb was a Carter 4664S. Any ideas on how difficult these are to find? Going rate of $100-$400 for a core? Didn't see any for sale on eBay or here.

Also, have been unable to find data on the intake and exhaust manifolds. Does anyone have the casting numbers for these handy? Also curious to hear what the going rate is.

Thanks!

Scott

Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage car and truck shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE

I'm not familiar off the top of my head with the block part numbers, but the 66-69 Gen I V8s (290/343/390) had the 7/16" head bolts. The 70-up Gen II V8s (304/360/390/401) had the 1/2" head bolts. The changeover was the start of the 1970 model year which would have been in the fall of 69. Your 69 AMX should have the Gen I engine.

AFAIK Crane modified existing 558 heads for the SS/AMX, so the casting number does not differentiate between AMC or Crane. I believe there should be "CRANE" stamped somewhere on the Crane heads. The 291C head is for the Gen II engine, but they can be used on your Gen I engine if you use step dowels and slot the intake for the centre bolt holes. The 291s are the Holy Grail of dogleg heads, so you should have a few bucks in your pocket if you trade them for the 558 rectangle port heads.

AFBs have many interchangeable parts. The carb can be built to factory specs using the correct jets and step rods and venturies. If you want the correct part number stamping, all you really need is the throttle plate assembly with 4664S on it.

69 Javelin SST BBO 390 T10

dpc502 wrote:

Scott, I have most of the parts you need. When you get the part #'s pm me & I'll check the barn. David

Thanks, David. I'll send you a pm when I nail it all down.

Scott

Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage car and truck shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE

Ok, the carb on it now is a 600 Holley 6619 - - it's a 4160 series that's more of an emissions carb, run lean, electric choke. Interesting choice for a 4 sp 390 AMX, but matches up with the lousy SP2-P intake.

Scott

Please check out my YouTube channel for vintage car and truck shenanigans! https://www.youtube.com/@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE