Big Bad AMX
07-31-2005, 01:38 PM
This thread will discuss some of the things you may want to look for when buying a 1968, 69, 70 AMX. Items will be added as time allows and as others add to it so please check back from time to time.
What to look for once you've found a car:
Your first stop should be to verify the VIN (Engine, Trans, Sequential build numer), door tag (paint and trim codes) and valve cover tag codes (engine). You'll find the information you need here:
http://www.amx-perience.com/AMC_Technical_Information.php (http://www.amx-perience.com/AMXtechPage.htm)
Options: It's a simple fact that to the collector the more options the car has the greater the value. But, it's what you want that is what matters. A car with A/C, leather, tilt wheel, and auto tranny isn't too appealing to the weekend racer who wants a 4-speed with quick-ratio manual steering. With that said here's some items to consider:
Engine - 290 ci produced 225 hp at 4700 rpm, the optional 343 ci produced 280 hp and the top-of-the-line 390 was rated at 315 hp with 425 ft.lbs of torque. The 390 used forged steel crank and rods. See the link above on how to ID.
Transmission: 4-speed or Automatic? Borg-Warner made both for AMC. It's a T-10 4-speed or either the M11 (with 290 or 343) or M12 (390) automatics.
Go-Package - Over-the-top racing stripe goes with two different performance "Go" packages. The first package starts with the "343" V-8 and builds up with power disc brakes, red-line wide profile tires, higher-rate heavy-duty front and rear springs, specially calibrated heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers, Twin-Grip differential, and heavy duty engine cooling system.
.
What to look for once you've found a car:
Your first stop should be to verify the VIN (Engine, Trans, Sequential build numer), door tag (paint and trim codes) and valve cover tag codes (engine). You'll find the information you need here:
http://www.amx-perience.com/AMC_Technical_Information.php (http://www.amx-perience.com/AMXtechPage.htm)
Options: It's a simple fact that to the collector the more options the car has the greater the value. But, it's what you want that is what matters. A car with A/C, leather, tilt wheel, and auto tranny isn't too appealing to the weekend racer who wants a 4-speed with quick-ratio manual steering. With that said here's some items to consider:
Engine - 290 ci produced 225 hp at 4700 rpm, the optional 343 ci produced 280 hp and the top-of-the-line 390 was rated at 315 hp with 425 ft.lbs of torque. The 390 used forged steel crank and rods. See the link above on how to ID.
Transmission: 4-speed or Automatic? Borg-Warner made both for AMC. It's a T-10 4-speed or either the M11 (with 290 or 343) or M12 (390) automatics.
Go-Package - Over-the-top racing stripe goes with two different performance "Go" packages. The first package starts with the "343" V-8 and builds up with power disc brakes, red-line wide profile tires, higher-rate heavy-duty front and rear springs, specially calibrated heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers, Twin-Grip differential, and heavy duty engine cooling system.
.