Resurrecting the Rambler

[Dave Noll]

Cool !! Love builds like this with the lesser common cars.

[Pinballer]

Originally Posted by Dave Noll

Cool !! Love builds like this with the lesser common cars.

Thanks Dave,
And speaking of lesser known models not seen in Stock, I researched hard on the car on the left in this picture, but it looked like I just wasn't going to be able to wring enough power out of a 232 six.

[jims5600]

Iam really interested in following your build. Years ago I worked at a
AMC dealer. Always liked the Spirit AMX. Loved the Rambler
Americans too

[Pinballer]

Originally Posted by jims5600

Iam really interested in following your build. Years ago I worked at a
AMC dealer. Always liked the Spirit AMX. Loved the Rambler
Americans too

I wish you'd kept some 79-80 AMX parts when you were working there! Those AMX option pieces are year specific and fairly rare. The flares and spoilers were made of a material that ages badly and guys are reporting they're rotting off their cars now. No plans for repro stuff yet as far as I can find out. I'll be fabricating mine if it comes to that unless good used originals turn up.

[Pinballer]

OK. So to get things in perspective as this goes forward, the car and class have been selected, and the physical work of the transformation needs to start. But before the car is taken in for teardown, the groundwork of the plan of attack can be laid out. Somehow, according to calculations, I've got to get at least 225 HP at the rear wheels using a max of 270 cubic inches, a crummy intake, not nearly enough valve lift on puny valves, a small 2 bbl carb that will be gasping for air after 660 feet, and this has to somehow propel 3020 lbs down the track in 14.40 or less. I do love a challenge!
I'm sure the build veterans of the sport will heartily disagree now and then with my methods, but the possible lessons I might learn the hard way that could help way down the road had to be considered too. So did the financial side of things, meaning I'll have to start small and gradually iron things out.
Bear in mind I have plenty of spare "everythings" for this car, and if something is installed initially just to keep progress moving forward some, chances are it's backup part is being 'romanced' somewhere in the background for the future. As I learn about what works good and get spare things done, things will inevitably change.


First: the Spirit was hauled into a friend's auto shop for a look underneath at things, and mainly for the use of his lift to ease in pulling the drivetrain out. Once there, it didn't take long to learn the condition of things might change my mind drastically. The 15 years of the previous owner's daily drives to a factory day after day in all kinds of Midwest weather and a 12 year sit in the weeds after I was done playing with it in 2003 had no doubt helped the winter salt treatments here in IL take their toll.
Turns out the entire unibody is rotten. So bad there is no saving it.

Time to look for another car.

[Alan Nyhus]

Take a look in the Classifieds here. Dated 7/24/15, Mike Meier has a Spirit roller for sale. -Al

[Dan Fahey]

This is an interesting Stocker Build.

The AMX straight 6 Engine is still popular with the Jeep crowd.
Golen Engine hops them up with Stroker kits and ported upgraded heads.

Good luck.

Dan

[Mike Meier]

Originally Posted by Alan Nyhus

Take a look in the Classifieds here. Dated 7/24/15, Mike Meier has a Spirit roller for sale. -Al

Thanks Alan

Brian......My Spirit is still for sale as a roller w/ a disassembled 304 - 2bbl. I have less time to deal with racing since changing jobs in August. I don't recall if you were someone that already contacted me but feel free to shoot me an email at mmeier1167@yahoo.com.