Ok, the title was stupid but I am serious about this purchase. Lately, I've been feeling nostalgic, wanting a piece of the past. Recently, I discovered the AMC Gremlin and it pretty much rebukes most everything the auto industry put out at that time. It is compact, has some visual appeal, and from what I've read, isn't excessively rusty.

I found one being sold by a classic car dealer for $2,500 and it did not seem like a bad buy. It drove adequately, though crudely and had a decent body which is all that I really care about. Once I buy it, I plan on replacing the engine with a V8 (360) or something a bit more powerful. Right now, I am still debating but the choices are pretty open because the engine bay is quite large.

Or buying some other classic car like an Austin Mini. The only problem is that they really aren't that great of cars. They were common in ZA and my Dad had one and I wasn't impressed with it.

Question is-Anyone have experience with the Gremlin and given the large engine compartment, what sort of engine would you recommend? (Provided it is realistic)

 

Good luck though.

 

Handling sucked on the Gremlin with the I6-- get an AMX, Hornet or Javelin with the 360, 390 or 401 already installed instead.

 

Not easy to buy into some classic nostalga for little money...Although the Gremlin isn't my cup of tea they do have a following and you can have a lot of fun with it...do it...

 

You know what? If you like it, you should buy it. The great thing about the car hobby is that the only one who needs to like a particular car is yourself. Personally, I think it's a neat little car.

OK, I'm only going from memory here. I'm not really an AMC guy, but I know a little about them. You may want to check other sources to confirm what I know (or think I know). There was a time when you get a V8 in a Gremlin. I can't recall the year, but I know it was available. it was 304 cubic inches in displacement, although I think it was marketed as a "Five Litre". They are actually a rare car, and although not worth much, they do have an appeal. In the years from 1971 (I think) to 1978 the Gremlin was also available with an "X" package. It contained the usually sporty features as mag wheels, fatter tires, different dash and seats, and the obligatory appearance package. An X with a Five Litre is a rare package indeed. Anyway, the 304, the 360, and the 390 share the same engine block. The difference in displacement came from an increase in bore and stroke. That means that any of these engines should fit in the car. And since the 304 was a factory piece, such things as engine mounts, brackets, exhaust, running gear, and everything else should be available through wreckers and AMC clubs to facilitate any of the three displacements.

Again, you may want to research my information further as it's been some time since I was familiarized myself with them to confirm what I've said, but this should at least get you started.

If you get it, post pics. It sounds cool.





Terry

 

I have a friend who randomly picked one up in college. It ran...and that was about it...but that being said it was a cool little thing. We had some fun in it.

 

That's right Terry (Teranfon)-they did come with a 304 from the factory. The one I drove was a 3.8I6 (232) and it sounded like it was struggling. Driving it, I realize how much cars have advanced in technology and drivability because frankly, golf carts have more refined driving characteristics than the Gremlin. However, it has character and should be something to look forward to driving.

Modifications I intend-

Engine-
Still deciding but it seems Jeep/Chrysler engines are most compatible. Fuel-Injection would be appreciated.

Body-
Nothing except for a repair of a hole in the roof.

Interior-
New seats, radio/mp3, change of color if that's possible because its the color of puce.

Suspension-
Convert leaf springs to coil springs-it was extremely bouncy and harsh at the same time.

Brakes-
Discs all round.

Probably more but this is just a starter.

 

Sounds like you have quite a bit of stuff planned. Again, not too familiar with Gremlins, but I know there are some vendors that would sell replacement mechanical parts for a car of that vintage. There is even an interior shop to two that probably has OEM or NOS interior fabrics/vinyls as well.





Terry

 

One word... awesome! I have a certain liking for the awkwardly funky looking cars of the 70s. The Gremlin, the Pacer and the Mustang II come to mind. I think you've got a cool little project on your hands and I can't wait to see it all come together. I'd imagine a Gremlin with a 390 would haul some serious butt. Make it happen!

 

Go for a Pacer instead. That car had Style. It was bad style, but still .... .

 

Go for it!

 

Reminds me of my old 74 AMC Hornet I6. Loved that car. Good luck with your project.

 

I found this site by accident when looking up Gremlin XS. Someone here posted ten years ago about racing one and it turned out to be mine.It's now my wife's but she really likes it, handles great lots of pwr. her last motor she had built is a 401 bored and stroked to 422 a little over 500 hp with the 1100 cfm carb but she 's got a little smaller one on at this time. The stock Gremlins are a little plain but parts from hornets concord's spirits and eagles fit,if you want to upgrade interior or body style for front clips. I would post a picture of hers but have not been approved yet to post pictures. but it easy enough to find on the web GREMLIN XS it's yellow If you do get a gremlin be prepared to have people wanting to talk to you about it. add an extra 30-45 min to put gas in because they will talk LOL

 

Is this it?


http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z146/1992Roo/XS.jpg

 

Pssshh...not if you throw in a B series motor and make it AWD, then it will be one of the funniest cars you've ever owned and driven.

I was going to say throw a red licorice dispenser in the back and call it a day, but then I forgot it was a Pacer that they were driving in Wayne's World.

 

Thanks Teranfon that is it.

 

Neat car!

 

Like most things in the 70s.