OIL PATH AMC DISTRIBUTOR GEAR OILING

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   Found some very interesting AMC Traco Trans Am Engine info in of all places a 1st Gen Camaro Forum...Like a not previously seen Oil Drain Back Hole Addition Mod to the Cylinder Heads ( pic )...

And this interesting post by CRG Forum member Pigpen, a former Traco Employee:

"TRACO (Jim & Frank) didn't actually become famous because of Chevys or for that matter AMCs.

Yes the Javelin engines put out a little more than the same CID Chevys, but the early AMC track engines could not stand the corners without starving the oil pickup, so there were many not so spectacular blown engines.

There's a lot to be said about the compact design of the small block Chevy, the design facilitated oil return flow from the upper portion of the engine to the oil pan, and there were not a lot of places for the oil to get trapped.

Small block Fords and AMC's had a lot more room in the lifter valley and around the crank, so oil tended to get trapped. The ultimate answer for the AMC's was to run "Dry Sump".

Another interesting difference was the Cyl Head design, Chevy heads had better flow characteristics and required less valve lift than the AMC's, so Chevy cams took far less punishment.

For the bottom end though, the AMC's were very strong through the main bearing area, where Chevys were prone to main web cracking.

Each engine has goods and bads, the trick is enough power and lasting through the entire race."

Pigpen

And here's pics from Eddie Stakes page showing one possible Timing Cover Drain Back Mod: