Learn me on AMC Eagles

I am looking at getting an AMC Eagle wagon. Take me to school and learn me on them. I am looking at making it something better than stock. One thing I do know about is straight sixes. So that will help but not so much of anything else. Mostly want a bad winter vehicle that will get me out of anything and be bulletproof. I loved my Subaru for mostly these things but now want something bigger and badder.

 

What exactly do you want to know? Better than stock in what manner? I've got a lot of info to give but not a lot of time tonight or probably tomorrow night either. A good place for info is http://forums.amceaglenest.com/. I'll be happy to help with any questions. I've got mine close to what I would consider better than stock.
-4.2L bottom end with Comp Cams camshaft and Jeep 4.0L head.
-MSD igniton replaced Duraspark ignition
-Motorcraft 2150 carb replaced Carter BBD carb
TF998 transmission rebuilt to TF999 specs (extra clutch plate and larger drum) with shift kit
-NP229 transfer case from Jeep Grand Wagoneer replace NP129 case to gain low range
-98 Jeep Cherokee Chrysler 8.25" rear replaced the AMC 15 rear which has 2 piece axle shafts that are prone to breakage.

I plan on installing fuel injection soon with a mixture of OEM parts and a Megasquirt ECU.

 

Though I never had a Eagle wagon, I did have a 85 sedan. I flogger her with flat black, added 84 Cherokee wheels, a S10 bug shield, removed the vacuum 4WD actuator that the lines are prone to leaking and intalled a lever. After these pics were taken, I did a homemade budget lift of 2 inches and installed 235/75 wranglers, a Dukes of Hazard style cow catcher with a set of both driving and fog lights, and ran free flowing 2.5" exhaust after I gutted the cat and bolted on a Thrush Ultra Welded muffler. She was a blast to beat the snot out of and the wife and I did plenty of off roading with my Jeep and Toyota buddies. The 4.2 is a stout motor with lots of torque, I could break the tires loose at about any stop sign I wanted it with just a stab of the gas.

 

That is pretty much the idea guys. Wanting to know the short comings and what to look for that can be a problem. And mods to the engine and suspension with bigger tires. I was thinking maybe a clifford intake and 4 barrel carb then progressing to a turbo FI setup using the same intake.

 

The guy I got mine from built a dual 2bbl setup using the stock intake. There is some sort of plate that he unbolted, I believe on the underside of the intake if memory serves me correctly(its been 7 years since I seen the setup). He built a runner to bolt another stock 2bbl carb to it and made a progressive linkage that opened the second carb up when he was at 3/4 throttle. It actually worked really good. He had a 3-2-1 dual header setup with true dual exhaust the entire way back. It would run like a scalded dog when he got into it, but drove nice and tame when just puttering around. He got bored with that and dropped in a AMC 360 4bbl from a Wagoneer and that was a fun ride. He built the mounting for the transfer case to keep it 4x4. It was the exact same car as mine, but he kept it the same medium brown stock color and has Gold Cherokee webbed faced wheels with the polished aluminum outer. It was lifted 3 inches and He ran 255/70/15's on it, so it was meaty looking.

 

Oh and Stick, join up on http://www.amceaglenest.com/ I was a member there years ago, lots of good info, but some snotty know it all members ruined me from making many posts.

 

I can agree with the other posts about joining The Nest. Lot of great info. there. Personally never liked 6 in a row, but some people love 'em. HAD (past tense) plans to put a 360 4 bbl. in mine, even went so far as to take it to someone for other stuff & they were going to do the 360 too. Needless to say since it is past tense, never happened.

 

Well went for a second look at the Eagle with intent to buy. Simply had to many red flags pop up so I passed. I will continue the search for one unless I find another Volvo 940 Turbo.

 

It will be tough finding one in your area that isn't rusted bad. Some have thought they have bought mostly rust free Eagles and then have found rust in the rockers behind the plastic skirts.

 

Thanx for the heads up.

 

My 83 wagon really woke up with a motorcraft 2100 carb and GM HEI distributer setup. Are you looking for an eagle that is pretty much turn key and go or are you looking for one that needs a little work?

 

It would need to run well and be dependable but working on it and tinkering would be someting that i would do anyway. Just don't want a basket case that will have one problem after another.

 

I kinda know what ya mean but you have to always remember that the newest amc eagle is still over 20 years old and there is always little things that pop up. In my case just when I start to enjoy driving my wagon something springs up forcing me to sideline it and go parts hunting

 

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/2725548256.html

or...a little cheaper

http://youngstown.craigslist.org/cto/2733997843.html

 

^^^^

There's probably a bit of negotiatin' room in that first one......