Some "Dime Rockets" for the 4TH!

[Dwight Southerland]

Okay, bargain hunters! Ready for an off-the-wall challenge today? Today's entry for consideration is a

71-72 AMC Ambassador 304/210/180 for U/SA

Much the same characteristics as the 305 2-bbl Chevy except for the funky body. When compared to the Chevy, some similarities are:
Slightly bigger bore and shorter stroke.
A bit more compression.
Similar sized carb, though a Motorcraft rather than a Rochester.
Better flowing heads.
Longer intake runner; maybe beneficial for more torque.
Generous camshaft.
Better rod-stroke ratio (if that matters, but it sounds good).
904 Torqueflite.
Adequate rear end - 8 7/8" ring gear AMC 20.
Cheap pistons available.

I know that a similar one was raced a few years ago, but it was a '76 station wagon which does not have as good motor pieces and could not get within 300 lbs of minimum weight. Even so, that car ran .3-.4 under.