smanley820
I'm starting to plan my build of a 401 that I aquired a while back. I have read many post regarding all of the issues associated with these motors. That being said I am still going to do it. I have read BJ Builds an AMC and I have some questions that I hope "Jeepsr4ever" will chime in on. This will be in a Jeep that will be running trails and on the street. I'm not building a racer nor will this thing probably see 5000 rpm but I do want the torque and power available. Having said that, I am curious as to what oiling and or block mods you guys would suggest for my application. Just trying to put the best ideas together for my engine so i can get started. I WILL be buying almost all of my parts from Bulltear since all of my research points back to his quality parts. I'm hoping to lean on the expertise of this forum over the next year as I build my engine since I am not an expert in this field. It will not be an short project but will be over a longer period of time. Thank you in advance for all your thoughts and consideration
Scott
jeepsr4ever
Their is a short list of things to do. The question is how much is a machinist doing and how much do you plan to do.
smanley820
The machinist will 80% Most likely I will bolt it together. Just looking for direction on the best things to do. My main concern is the cam/dizzie gear issues.
smanley820
I'm planning on purchasing most of my parts from Bulltear! Most likley everything except the cam
tufcj
Since it's a low RPM engine built for torque, I wouldn't do any mods to the block other than bore/tank/clean. I'd put in cam bearings with smaller oil holes, use a mid-plate in the oil pump, and use HRC oil pump gears (all sold here). Turn the crank to the next undersize to be sure the journals are perfectly round, have the rods re-sized and checked for cracks. Have the rotating assembly balanced (well worth the money). Keep the compression in the 9:1 area. AMC engines like to breathe. Get a cam with a lift in the .480-.500 range and a duration of 270-280. Money is well spent on the heads. A mild port and quality valve job will help it breathe. Port match the intake and headers or manifolds. 2 1/2 to 3" exhaust. I've got all these tricks in the 390 I'm building for a 66 Rambler, with a little more compression and a lot more cam for a lot more HP.
You can see pics here: [url]http://www.bulltear.com/forums/showthread.php?19127-Tufcj-s-66-Rogue-Project[/url]
Bob
tufcj
smanley820
Is it wise to use the Bulltear Cam bearings along with the Bulltear pushrods (increased pressure)?? And also, what do you guys recommend for equipment on the heads? They are a set of 090-1's. Also a question for Jeepsr4ever, is there a benefit to purchasing the timing cover and the Bulltear HEI vs. another? I'm looking to eliminate any possible cam gear/dizzie gear issues.
Scott
tufcj
Cam bearings OR pushrods, I wouldn't do both. Also be sure to check that the oil passage in the cam gear is clear of any casting flash so the dizzy gear gets oiled properly. Buy a quality roller timing set. For 090 heads, you can run SBC bolts for the rockers in either 3/8" or 7/16" along with full roller rockers and hardened pushrods. The guide for the pushrod is built into the head. The rockers need to be specific to AMC.
Bob
tufcj
jeepsr4ever
Although the website doesnt show it the pushrods in the smaller diameter hole have been discontinued. They along with any other restriction give too much oil pressure.
smanley820
Thats good to know, [B]Jeepsr4ever[/B], are there any other tips or tricks that you can recommend to me for building this motor?
jeepsr4ever
Fwew where to start.. I would start by keeping in mind your not exceeding 5500rpm. You can run an extra qt of oil in your pan or extra capacity. Other than that to keep the engine healthy a good oil pump system would be where I would start. Check the condition of your timing cover and oil filter adaptor.
smanley820
Actually I will be starting with just a short block. I will be ordering Pistons, timing cover/oil pump, cam bearings, HEI & gears from you guys. This engine block was pretty bare when I aquired it so I don't have much. Do you recommend the oil filter adaptor or the remote adapter kit that you sell? The heads will be 090-1's and will be ported and polished witht the scorpion rockers you sell, what about pushrods?? is there anything else?
smanley820
[QUOTE=smanley820;132772]Actually I will be starting with just a short block. I will be ordering Pistons, timing cover/oil pump, cam bearings, HEI & gears from you guys. This engine block was pretty bare when I aquired it so I don't have much. Do you recommend the oil filter adaptor or the remote adapter kit that you sell? The heads will be 090-1's and will be ported and polished witht the scorpion rockers you sell, what about pushrods?? is there anything else?[/QUOTE]
Bump
smanley820
Jeepsr4ever, I also have some cam thoughts in mind but I would really like to hear your input or other members input on cam selection for this motor. I know that is a wide ranging & opinionated topic but i just like fresh information.
jeepsr4ever
Pushrods need to be hardened for use with guideplates. They are cheap though just 8.14-8.16 5/16" pushrods. The oil filter relocation plate is the best solution to get rid of bottlenecks in the oil system. Fire away with your cam ideas.
jeepsr4ever
[QUOTE=smanley820;132754]Is it wise to use the Bulltear Cam bearings along with the Bulltear pushrods (increased pressure)?? And also, what do you guys recommend for equipment on the heads? They are a set of 090-1's. Also a question for Jeepsr4ever, [B][COLOR=#ff0000][/COLOR]is there a benefit to purchasing the timing cover and the Bulltear HEI vs. another? [/B]I'm looking to eliminate any possible cam gear/dizzie gear issues.
Scott[/QUOTE]
The real deal is we check timing covers for issues so its a "put it together" once build and you dont have to cross your fingers. Also our HEI units are checked as well and made to our specs. There is alot of junk out there and alot of resellers that wont admit to selling junk but get hundreds of complaints that we are easily able to track through customers ordering our matched cam and distributor gear sets.
smanley820
Thats the reason I want to go with your timing cover & your HEI/with gears, so they are all matched & tested. I don't want any problems after I get this thing running.
smanley820
I know I'm opening a can of worms here but here are my thoughts on cams, I am looking at the Lunati 268/276 or the Comp Thumpr 279. I'm open to listening to all ideas here.
tufcj
Bigger isn't better. You said this was for a low RPM, high torque engine. The Lunati will probably let you down just off idle. I'd go a step lower myself. I didn't look at the Comp specs, but I bet they're similar. You might also check Crower, they have a good selection for AMCs. I'm running Crower in both of my 390s.
In my experience, AMC engines do like split duration/split lift cams. With total lifts over .500", pay special attention to clearance between the top of the valve guide and the retainer. .500 is about the max without machining the top of the guide and installing a positive type valve seal.
Give us an idea about the vehicle, weight, trans (and converter if automatic), gearing, and expected use. It all makes a difference in cam selection.
Bob
tufcj
smanley820
Ok, here are the specs on the Comp Thumpr cam
[URL="http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=1447&sb=2"]http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=1447&sb=2[/URL]
and here are the Mutha Thumpr cam
[URL="http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=1448&sb=0"]http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=1448&sb=0[/URL]
Let me know what you think
smanley820
Bump
