[Verdoro 68]

Originally Posted by SD455DJ

PS: Actually, these manifolds won't work...they are for the 1970-up heads with the dog-leg exhaust ports, yours has the older design rectangular ports. I missed that it was a '69 343...darn!

That's a bummer. It has the high compression 3188558-2 heads on it, which by my research are about as good as it got in '69. I removed the manifolds when we pulled the engine and am thinking about a set of headers. I know we call the Pontiac manifolds "logs" but the factory manifolds on this 343 are legitimately logs!

First things first though, I have to get this engine in shape to run. There's not much to this car - no power brakes or a/c - so it should be pretty easy to install a set of headers later.

I'm really enjoying learning about these cars, but man, I thought Pontiac stuff was expensive. Overall I've been happy with the quality of parts I've received from Kennedy and American Parts Depot but the dollar doesn't go too far with these cars.

[SD455DJ]

Yes, those AMC manifolds are true logs…they sure look like their namesakes! The 343’s are true winders and make great power for their size with a 4.08” bore x 3.28” stroke. Headers are definitely the way to go. Maybe mimic the old Group 19 performance upgrades offered at AMC dealerships with an aluminum 4-bbl intake (R4B), 650 Holley carb, upgraded cam/lifters/valvetrain, headers, and freer flowing exhaust system. They do have cast rods like our beloved Pontiacs, so be aware of that. Does it have the 3.54 rear?

At the Pure Stock Drags we have a couple of early 390 AMX’s running well into the 13’s running those crappy log manifolds. There is a ’70 390 Go-Package AMX running in the 12’s with the logs…pretty amazing. I’m sure he opened up the outlets as large as he could get them (2 ¼” maybe?), ala’ the Rebel Machine.

This is going to be a fun non-PMD build to watch!

Dennis

[hojs69]

The so called AMC "free flow" manifolds are decent. I used them on a 0.060" over 401 Jeep build and they were fine for street usage.

[hojs69]

If one so desires, Free Flow exh. manifold mods are relatively easy. See link.

https://theamcforum.com/forum/modify...pic118358.html

[KS circutguy]

Originally Posted by hojs69

If one so desires, Free Flow exh. manifold mods are relatively easy. See link.

https://theamcforum.com/forum/modify...pic118358.html

Pretty nice numbers after porting.

[Verdoro 68]

Well, I've got bigger fish to fry on this one before I get to headers.

I replaced the timing chain this weekend to find the driven gear for the distributor was worn. Apparently a common problem on AMCs since the gear oiling is off the timing chain. That was the least of my problems. I ended up pulling the heads off this weekend as part of cleaning the cooling passages to find corrosion the cylinders. It clearly sat with water in it for a while. I'm glad I pulled the heads because most cooling passages were clogged.

It's against every bone in my body, but I think we're going to do the Frieburger "Don't get it right, just get it running" thing with a driveway hone, rering and new bearing job. Below is a pic of the worst cylinder. It really needs to be bored, but we'll see how it cleans up with a hone. I'm trying to keep this from going to full blown restoration, but it's a slippery slope.

On the plus side, I installed a correct shifter handle and got rid of the Chevy truck steering wheel with a '69 Javelin unit I repaired and painted. It should have a wood wheel since it's an SST, but I'm not dropping $1200 on a repro. AMC parts are weird. In my limited experience, they're either crazy expensive or really cheap.

The Comp T/A goes off to a new owner this week, so I'll be able to move the engine operation into the garage once that goes.

[hojs69]

Matt at Bulltear.com is a very good source of expertise and proven parts for the timing cover, dizzy and cam gear alignment and "matching" sets and oil pump issues with AMCs.

All inter-related many times.

[Scarebird]

I wonder how AMC did the DOT-mandated ignition/transmission lock thing?

Or did it not kick in till 1970?

[Verdoro 68]

Funny I've had more engagement over this project here than on the AMC forum.

I picked up an oil pump mid plate from Bulltear to go with the new Melling oil pump kit. It's such an odd oiling system on these cars where thickness of a gasket can make or break oil pressure. From what I've been reading, replacement timing chains with the multiple oiling slots tend to starve the distributor gear rather than direct the oil. I ponied up for a Rollmaster which seems to be preferred because it only has two slots. You also have to make sure the oil passage out the front of the cam gear is clear and aligned.

I was wondering the same about the ignition lock. Our '69 still has the key in the dash and the column doesn't lock so maybe GM got a jump on everyone?

Cole's been working on the wiring and got the headlights, markers and tail lights working using what he learned on the Ventura. The turn signals and brake lights don't work yet which I read can be a symptom of a bad turn signal switch. Ours looks pretty crusty so we may be pulling the column to replace. Fortunately it's a common GM part.

[bdk1976]

Originally Posted by Verdoro 68

Getting my feet wet over at the AMC forum so I don't bore all the Pontiac folks with this project. I'm really missing the familiarity of Pontiacs and the resto market right now.

Doubt this is boring to anyone on this site - this is an awesome project! AMC had some really cool stuff back in the day.

[hojs69]

The AMC 390 and 401s were stout. Cool project.

[Verdoro 68]

With the T/A gone, I moved the operation into the garage. I'm deep in it now. With the condition of the cylinders, I figured I might as well take this thing apart and go through it. In the spirit of the Duct Tape build, I ended up flex honing the bores., They're much better now but not as nice as I would like. Pic of one of the better ones below. They're enough to run I suppose. The cam, lifters and bearings all look really nice. Clearances on the main are all within spec with a fresh set of bearings, so I'm going to give the block a good scrub and reassemble.

The cam is an old Norris hydraulic 282. I don't have specs on it, but I found a thread over on HAMB about Norris cams. He was an offshoot of Isky back in the '70s an '80s. Seems like a decent cam for a 343. I dig how this car is a beat, but frozen in time old street warrior. I kind of want to get a set of white headers and yellow plug wires for it to complete the look with the Mallory dual point and Offy stuff.

I keep finding more pockets of rust in the water jackets. Time was not kind to it, but I got a majority of the nasty stuff out. After it's back together I'll run Evaporust's Thermocure to purge anything that's remaining.

[george kujanski]

If that's the rush cylinder, it looks pretty good.
Rusty
George

[7t4mula]

Pretty cool watching this ol Javelin progress Ken! It’s another big challenge that you guys are doing quite well with.

Interesting, I just watched a segment on prime video last week on the 2nd season of American muscle car… it was spotlighting the AMC javelin and AMX’s of that era. I learned quite a bit, never had one myself.

Keep up the good work!

[will slow gto]

Originally Posted by Verdoro 68

Well, I've got bigger fish to fry on this one before I get to headers.

I replaced the timing chain this weekend to find the driven gear for the distributor was worn. Apparently a common problem on AMCs since the gear oiling is off the timing chain. That was the least of my problems. I ended up pulling the heads off this weekend as part of cleaning the cooling passages to find corrosion the cylinders. It clearly sat with water in it for a while. I'm glad I pulled the heads because most cooling passages were clogged.

It's against every bone in my body, but I think we're going to do the Frieburger "Don't get it right, just get it running" thing with a driveway hone, rering and new bearing job. Below is a pic of the worst cylinder. It really needs to be bored, but we'll see how it cleans up with a hone. I'm trying to keep this from going to full blown restoration, but it's a slippery slope.

On the plus side, I installed a correct shifter handle and got rid of the Chevy truck steering wheel with a '69 Javelin unit I repaired and painted. It should have a wood wheel since it's an SST, but I'm not dropping $1200 on a repro. AMC parts are weird. In my limited experience, they're either crazy expensive or really cheap.

The Comp T/A goes off to a new owner this week, so I'll be able to move the engine operation into the garage once that goes.

That’s a great looking factory steering wheel. Keep up the good work!

[Verdoro 68]

We're about 1/2 way through getting the short block back together. I gave the crank a quick polish and washed everything really, really good before putting parts back together. The rods and mains are still standard size and a new set of Sealed Power bearings kept the clearances where they should be. Easy deal!

I will say the rear main seal design is way less finicky on the AMC, but like Pontiacs, the one that comes in the FelPro kit is junk. SCE is the one to use. Timing chains are far more controversial because they oil the distributor gear and most chains have the wrong oiling slots.

I made Cole do the dirty work of cleaning the pistons. They've all been pretty easy to clean and rering, but #6 (the cylinder that clearly had water in it) gave us some trouble since the ring was frozen to the piston. That one needs some more TLC to clean the lands of the rust.

[Skippy597]

Dude, b!tch'n Javelin! Love the Freiburger way, in fact my garage hoody says that quite. That's awesome you're trying to take it to duct tape drags too, that is a huge goal for me with either car of mine.

Make sure to check out kennedy America and of course eBay for parts. I just scored an NOS cloyes timing set with the correct oil notch.

I just picked up a '70 360 to throw in my Javelin after I do a cam swap and gaskets. Also came with good condition M12.

The AMC forum has been great but doesn't seem to get as much traffic as here.

[Skippy597]

A word about headers; I installed the Hedman #98310 headers on my 70 javelin. Couple things, first they are a pain and get as close as possible to the starter. I had to remove the starter, install the headers partially and reinstall the starter. Next is the flange is just stupid and will not let you change plugs, so I used a grinder the clearance around the plugs for access. But you will definitely need 5/8" plugs instead of the 13/16" and NGK FR4 works great.

[Verdoro 68]

Originally Posted by Skippy597

Dude, b!tch'n Javelin! Love the Freiburger way, in fact my garage hoody says that quite. That's awesome you're trying to take it to duct tape drags too, that is a huge goal for me with either car of mine.

Make sure to check out kennedy America and of course eBay for parts. I just scored an NOS cloyes timing set with the correct oil notch.

I just picked up a '70 360 to throw in my Javelin after I do a cam swap and gaskets. Also came with good condition M12.

The AMC forum has been great but doesn't seem to get as much traffic as here.

Sweet! Your '70 looks great. I didn't know there were so many AMC fans around here. Oh, I've been doing my part to keep Kennedy in business the last month or so. I've ordered from American Parts Depot, Bulltear and Carreplico as well.

I took a bunch of parts to the school shop last week and sandblasted them while we put the flywheel on the resurfacer. It saved so much time and I'm grateful the shop teacher lets us come back whenever we want. I got the bottom end finished up earlier in the week. I got really frustrated when I couldn't degree the cam in, then I realized I had been measuring an exhaust lobe. I don't know the specs of the cam but have a ballpark estimate of what it probably it. It came in at 111 straight up, so I advanced it to 109. I checked the clearance on the oil pump, packed it with Vaseline, and buttoned up the front cover.

My buddy came over on Saturday and we did a driveway valve job on the heads. $7 for some lapping compound, $60 for a HF valve sprint compressor and new umbrella seals from the FelPro kit. Cheapest valve job ever! I wanted to check the heads out since I knew the cylinders had water. There were a couple of crusty ones, but nothing that didn't clean up and the valves all felt pretty tight in the original guides. We finished the day torquing down the heads. I need a few more freeze plugs and another dipstick (I broke the replacement trying to install it), then I think we're ready to drop this back in.

I'm really happy with how the valve covers cleaned up with a little elbow grease. I'm doing the opposite of what I did with my GTO on this one and building it like I would have in 1991 when I was 16. I ordered yellow Accel plug wires the other day to go with the rest of the vintage gear.

I originally ordered a cheap Exedy clutch which probably would have been fine, but I second guessed myself and returned it for a Ram HDX. I wanted something that could take a little beating but still wasn't too expensive. I feel like the cost of parts on the whole has gone up quite a bit since we did all the work on the Ventura, but I also know I'm paying an AMC tax sometimes.

My wife assumed we were going to trailer the Javelin to Duct Tape. She was surprised when I said we were going to drive it. There's no other way in my book! I wouldn't be working on it so hard otherwise.

[Skippy597]

Dude I love everything about this build. I love budget builds! My javelin build is the same, lots of used parts and elbow grease.

The offenhauser valve covers look amazing! They go for a pretty penny, I'd love to find a set that's not ridiculously priced.