Hey Folks, I'm looking for some unique ideas for repowering or "new" powering my '63 Rambler 2-door wagon. The simple thing would be to repower the existing flathead 6 and stay with the 3-on-the-tree ******, If so, I'm looking for ideas on how to increase the power. The other option is to go for some kind of inline 4 or 6 cylinder. The engine compartment is VERY narrow - about 20 inches where the exhausr manifolds would be - so no SBC - as I can't afford and don't want to sub-frame the whole front end. I'm looking for ideas on some interesting 4-cylinder power options and auto trans, but pre-computer control. You folks have seen it all so let the ideas flow!
Is this an American or a cl***ic jeep wrangler 2.5 4 cylinder, did you see the thread here with the supercharged quad 4?? How long is the engine bay??? The Jeep 4.0 6 is a development of the Rambler 258 cu in 6 that was the OHV Rambler 6 from about 61 on.
It is an American 220, one of about 3500 made in '63. Firewall to radiator is 28". You can see a version of in it in the current Street Rodder magazine, owned bt Brian Gannon. He sub-framed the car and installed a Vette LT1 - way too much work and money, too little talent and experience on my end!
Stick with the 6 and the 3 on the tree. Update the engine with any updates for performance (ignition, carb, etc.) that is avaliable. If nothing, enjoy the re-built stock engine. I checked out the pics of your car in your profile. Those wheels and tires do not belong on a cl***ic car like that! Go with thin white walls and steel wheels w/baby moons, chrome wheels, cl***ic mags, anything but what you got. You have a rare cl***ic '60's wagon...not a tuner car.
Hey, I got the tires and wheels CHEAP at a swap meet. Needed to get some better meat on it for the short term. The Ramad is a long term project, as I will be finishing my '62 Buick first. I do a lot of road traveling calling on NAPA stores in west and central Texas. I hit all of the back roads and it gives me lots of opportunities to find vintage tin and ruminate on my projects. I'm still in the "ruminating" stage on the Ramad, trying to decide which way to go on the car - mild custom, vintage redo or modern interpretation. Maybe a mix of all three. The car has great character and strong lines - I intend to do it justice!
I'd go with a 60's mild custom look. Chrome on the engine, Thin whitewalls, chrome wheels, white roof, metalflake paint, etc, etc. It's what I am doing with my Acadian wagon...as I have the time and can afford it....
That's a great looking ride! I'd be inclined to work with the engine you've got. I googled and came up with a very interesting site, with a comprehensive rebuild. Check it out!: http://www.wps.com/AMC/195.6OHV/ More can be found here: http://www.wps.com/AMC/1963-Rambler-American/index.html I'm a bit surprised that the owner didn't mill the head when he had it surfaced, but you may want to explore that option as well.
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