Comparisons: 1974 1975
Engine AMC 360 4bbl Ford 351 Windsor 2bbl
Net Brake Horsepower 220 at 4400RPM 175 at 3800RPM
Torque 315 at 3100RPM
Compression Ratio 8.25:1 8.1:1
Rear Axlw Ratio 3.15:1
I got this info from a 75 Bricklin sales brochure and the 74 AMC technical
Service Manual. do not know what the 74 Bricklin had for a rearend ratio,
but the 3.15:1 would have been the AMC car line rear for an automatic, and
3.54:1 for the standard. The 351 Cleveland Ford engine with a 4 bbl is a
very potent engine, as was the Boss 351, but the 2bbl 351 Windsor was just
a run of the mill engine, and more often than not replaced with one of
Fords other powerplants by serious racers, such as the Mustang guys.
I find it hard to believe this Ford engine would outperform the AMC (in
spite of my AMC biases). If I remember correctly, the 360 Javelins were
running low 14 second quarters, while the 351 Windsor Mustangs were mid 15s
(and with a 4 bbl)
If you really want to improve a 74, all AMC blocks from 290-401 are exactly
the same, just a different bore and stroke. The cranks are different from
72 up due to AMC using the Torquflite trans (which is way better than, and
replaced, the Borg Warner AMC used for 71 and before. This is the same
tranny Ford called the FMX, and used in 75 Bricklins). So find a 401
engine (even in Jeep Wagoneers), cylinder heads from 70 360 or 390 4 bbl
engines, or 71 360 401 4bbl engines. These are high compression (10.2:1)
and very big valves. The AMC guys like the Edelbrock Torquer intake, and a
Holley no bigger than a 750. The free flow exhaust manifolds used on the
Bricklins are just as good as headers. There are all sorts of cam grinds
available. The 727 Torqueflite tranny made by Chrysler, used by AMC and
Bricklin, has numerous hop up items available. AMC rearend ratios are
available up to 5.00:1. The stock brake setup is adequate for these
modifications. I have a stock 69 AMX pulling low 13s, and a factory Super
Stock car capable of low 10s, high 9s, and a Funny Car...well, I don't know
yet. My plan when I owned #323 was to do the above mods.
Anyone with AMC questions, feel free to ask.
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