> Does Accell or MSG or anyone make an aftermarket distributor for the
> 3xx/360/401 AMC engine? I am looking more for a reliable smooth
powergain
> rather than an outrageous cams nitro blowers etc.
> Would you recommend finding a 401? How much and where would I find
one.
Mallory makes distributors (Unilite, etc.) for the AMC and Accell used
to but I haven't checked for a while on availability. The points
distributor in the AMC was made by GM and I believe electronic kits are
available from most aftermarket manufacturers. However my favorite
distributor is the factory Motorcraft (Ford) that came in 78 up V8
AMC's and Jeeps. This needs a bit of electrical talent to install as
there is an internal wiring harness resistor that must be included to
use the factory AMC/Ford module. The Ford motorsport catalog has a
wiring harness to ease installation. Another alternative is to use a
MSD system (I use a MSD 6AL) instead of the factory module. This
distibutor is a good piece and the stock factory module is crystal
clear through 7000 rpm. I only went to the MSD to get the rev limiter
in the 6AL, and there was no performance advantage over the stock
system The upgraded system would become necessary with other engine
mods that would result in higher cylinder pressures (Nitrous, Blowers,
compression above 12.0 etc.).
The 401 AMC is an awesome engine and is vastly more capable than your
friend's 400 SBC (unless he's got an aftermarket heads block crank rods
etc.) The stock AMC 360/401 heads are better than even the bowtie
chevies and the basic engine architecture (bore/stroke, rod ratio, deck
height) of the AMC are also superior. Add to this every 401 has the
Trans-Am block and a forged steel crank and rods with bigger bolts and
I definitely would recommend a 401. Not that there is anything wrong
with the 360 as it has the same architecture, but it doesn't have the
race bottom end components. This doesn't seem to be a problem for even
race use, but obviously a 401 is better. More inches helps too. The
only problem with a 401 is finding one. Around here (Toronto) they go
for approx $800 cdn for a rebuildable engine, but they're getting VERY
rare. I have several, but being a racer I hoard them for when I blow
up the race car engine, which hasn't happened yet in 1800 passes.
Ken
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