Here are a few details of cars (as well as a picture) that are owned by Adrian, a big fan of AMCs who prefers the '79-80 style AMXs:

1979 (black/tan) is a drag car and does not see the street any longer. I got it in 1990 when I was 16, and my father actually had it since I was 12. It was a six that we replaced with a 350 in 1992. After many modifications, it now lives on a trailer until the weekend when I take it to the track.

1980 #1 (black/black) is my daily driver I got in 2001. It is still a 258 with 4.0 fuel injection from a 1991 Cherokee. Runs like a top. I converted it over to automatic so I could win money at the Cecil AMC day events (race car not allowed to run), of which I have won two and came in second once. Not too bad.

1980 #2 (tan/tan) is a street-rod and I bought it in 1999. I had it painted as soon as I got it, and it has been sitting until last November. Just this week I have started getting the paint in order. I have put in a TPI 305 from a Firebird. It is not complete; I work on it every day I have available. Fortunately, the paint is coming out; unfortunately, it has taken some time and I will have to touch up and re-spray the black accents.

<javelin_72@yahoo.com>

BTW -- For all of those who may snicker at Adrian for putting a GM engine in an AMC -- even AMC did it -- however it was the "Iron Duke" four-cylinder for the Spirit and Concord models, as well as the Chevy V-6 for the first "downsized" 1984-1986 Cherokee models.

Moreover, the last time I checked -- this was still a free country! Thus, anyone can do what they want with their car! As an example, if I had a Chevy that needed an engine, as well as a spare AMC motor -- is there any good reason why I could not put in that power plant into the GM car? Perhaps it would not be what is typically done, but then what is good about being the same as "everybody"? Just owning an AMC is being different! I keep asking, why would you want to have a vehicle that is similar to what everyone else has? You can see rows of nice Mustangs or Corvettes at some of the big shows. However, they often look like they were parked at a huge dealership! There is only so much originality or customization to make a car unique. On the other hand, I remember noticing at a big custom rod show a T-bucket street rod powered by a tricked out AMC V-8. This car earned the most attention because everyone else had the typical "run-of-the-mill" motor! The most important thing to remember in the old car hobby is to enjoy your ride!

For more on swapping engines see my Spirit modified page.

Chris Z.