Editing AMC V-8s (section)
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==The Gen-2 V8== By the mid '60s the heavy Gen-1 V-8 was becoming dated. AMC engineers didn't rest once the Gen-1 was introduced though. They had been working on a thoroughly modern light weight V-8 to replace the Gen-1. The Gen-2 engine was introduced in mid year 1966 as a 290cid V8. The only thing it shares with the Gen-1 is the bore spacing. This was done so that existing boring tooling could still be used. Everything else about the Gen-2 was totally unique and new, even the bell housing bolt pattern was changed. These engines are similar to a small block, but have a larger bore spacing similar to a big block. Many people call them a "mid block", but it's just the AMC Gen-2 V-8; AMC only made one V-8 design at any given time. The Gen-2 came in three sizes also: *1966-'69 290 *1967-'69 343 *1968-'69 390 The 290 and 343 used cast cranks and rods. The 390 was intended for high performance and was made with a forged crank and forged rods. AMC stated that the primary reason forgings were used was to get the engine to market quicker; they didn't have time to thoroughly test cast components and still introduce the engine when they desired to. As a result, the AMC Gen-2 390 has a tougher bottom end than any similar displacement MOPAR, Ford or Chevy engine. Reworked AMC 390 rods are good to 7000+ rpm, whereas the other makes require replacement performance rods. A lot of work also went into development of the head. AMC heads were some of the best flowing heads on the market at the time. A typical AMC head flowed as good as or better than other makes high performance heads.
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