1970 AMC AMX
Frederick Zeek, Belcamp, MD
Best E.T.: 12.83/106
AMC followers are a loyal bunch, and Frederick Zeek is no exception. His first car was a black '74 Javelin AMX that he purchased with $1,000 worth of grass-cutting money, and $700 bucks help from his dad. Since that day he's always had an AMC of one type or another to wrench on, though never as his daily driver.
While browsing the AMCcars.net forum, Frederick came across a complete and rust free, but disassembled, '70 AMX. After corresponding with the owner and determining it was a good deal, Frederick rented a box truck and trailer, and braved snow and black ice from Maryland to Ohio to retrieve it. When he arrived, he was surprised and delighted to find it in climate-controlled storage with loads of extra parts-plus all the little stuff was bagged and labeled. We only wish we were that lucky.
As much as we appreciate tons...
As much as we appreciate tons of aftermarket performance parts on an engine, a well-done stock swap can be just as intriguing when the hood is popped. The LT4 installation is so clean it actually looks like it rolled out of Kenosha with it.
On the way home, bad weather and slow traffic gave Frederick plenty of time to think about the right direction to pursue with the AMX. He began to have visions of a modern AMC, one with fuel injection and overdrive that he could drive anywhere without worry. Not that AMC drivelines aren't reliable, it's just that parts can be expensive and occasionally impossible to find on short notice.
AMX's are unique muscle cars by design, so Frederick's modern engine choice was equally distinctive: an LT4. The swap was straightforward, thanks to help from a fellow AMC fan with two small-block-powered AMCs. Of course, stock LT4 power wasn't muscle car worthy, so Morris Machine in Manchester, Maryland, was tapped to freshen it up and slide in a COMP Cams XFI bumpstick.
True to his plans, Frederick says he drives the AMX as often as possible to work, cruises, shows, and recently the dragstrip. To his surprise, he easily snagged a 12.83 at 105 mph. Not bad for just dropping the 4L60E in Drive and mashing the pedal.
Our favorite interior choice...
Our favorite interior choice is the custom dash overlay that breaks up the often big and flat-looking AMX dash nicely. The surprisingly perfect steering wheel choice is actually from an '88 Fiero GT. The seats are microsuede-covered Corbeau.
| WHERE THE MONEY WENT |
| '70 AMC AMX: |
$8,000 |
| Paint and body: |
$9,000 |
| Interior: |
$900 |
| Engine with harness: |
$700 |
| OBD1 PCM: |
$75 |
| Trans: |
$350 |
| TCI 10-inch converter: |
$200 |
| Harness converted to OBD1: |
$250 |
| Engine and trans mount fab: |
$350 |
| Engine rebuild parts: |
$1,000 |
| Machine shop costs: |
$1,300 |
| Driveshaft: |
$350 |
| Rear brakes: |
$1,200 |
| Headers: |
$200 |
| Mufflers: |
$50 |
| Exhaust with X-pipe: |
$500 |
| Steering box: |
$40 |
| Misc. parts |
$1,000 |
| Total: |
$25,465 |
| BY THE NUMBERS |
| '70 AMC AMX |
| Frederick Zeek, 47 • Belcamp, MD |
| Total cost to build: $25,465 |
| Engine |
| Type: |
GM LT4 small-block |
| Block: |
stock GM |
| Oiling: |
stock GM pump and pan |
| Rotating assembly: |
original GM crank, rods, and pistons |
| Cylinder heads: |
GM LT4 |
| Camshaft: |
COMP Cams 466XFI, |
|
.565/.570-inch lift; 218/224 duration |
| Valvetrain: |
COMP Cams Pro Magnum 1.6 roller rockers and pushrods, |
|
Manley dual springs |
| Induction: |
GM LT4 intake manifold, |
|
stock 52mm throttle body with 28-pound injectors |
| Ignition: |
GM Optispark |
| Exhaust: |
SLP shorty headers |
| Cooling: |
stock water pump; aluminum radiator, |
|
and single electric fans |
| Output: |
349 hp at 6,050 rpm and 335 lb-ft at 4,350 rpm |
| Built by: |
Morris Machine |
| DRIVETRAIN |
| Transmission: |
'94 GM 4L60E with 10-inch |
|
TCI 3,000-3,500 converter, |
|
'94 Camaro shifter |
| Rear axle: |
AMC Corporate Model 20, 3.73:1 gears |
| CHASSIS |
| Front suspension: |
stock with one coil cut, |
|
'88 Monte Carlo SS steering box |
| Rear suspension: |
stock leaves with torque link |
| Brakes: |
Kelsey Hayes disc brakes, front; |
|
WSC brake conversion, rear |
| ROLLING STOCK |
| Wheels: |
American Racing Torq Thrust II 17x7, front; 17x8, rear |
| Tires: |
275/40R17 drag radials, rear |