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1966-1972 V-8 Parts Interchangability

Contributed By: Rod Linnett

1965 and earlier AMC V-8 engines differ considerably from 1966-72 engines and do not have as much performance capability. Thus, they're not included in this book. 1966-72 V-8 engines are built around one basic design; meaning that most parts easily interchange from engine to engine. This section covers those components that have performance applications.

Block

All AMC blocks are basically the same design. The major differences are in deck height ( centre-line of crank to top of block) and bore diameters. All 1966-69 engines used blocks with a deck height of 9.175-, whereas 70-72 blocks are 9.208---. This difference affects intake manifold and push rod interchangeability between 1969 and 1970. The following chart shows the recommended "over-bore" for each engine.

Maximum Recommended Over-Bore

Engine

Bore

Over-Bore

New Bore

290-304

3.75"

0.125"

3.875

343-360

4.08"

0.045"

4.125

360 Special

4.08"

0.1075"

4.1875"

390-401

4.165"

0.0225"

4.1875"

 

 

Best Block Choices

The following blocks incorporate the latest designs for each of the cid sizes indicated.

Year

CID

Part #

1969

290

4486278

1790-72

304

4487211

1969

343

4486279

1790-72

1970

1968-69

360

360

360

4487212

448 8937*

4486280

1970

390

4487213

1971-72

401

4488874

* A limited number of these special blocks were installed in 1970 Javelins to meet homologation requirements for SCCA Trans Am racing. They feature a beefy lower end with provisions for 4-Bolt Main Caps. The bore is 4.08, but it can be over-bored to a maximum of 4.187 because it has thicker walls than standard 360 blocks.

corner corner