Heading out from the Front Range
So many parts, I could almost build another Eagle!
The kit from Pierce came complete with directions
Much more better
Installed, and ready for battle!
So, of course I HAD to book a flight to Denver so I could rescue this lovely beast from the oxygen deprived environment it had been living in. Then I drove it from Denver to Florida, alone. Hey, what could go wrong, I was in a 22 year old car with only 255k on it. After all, I did pay a thousand dollars for it!
This is going to take some explaining. Ya see, when I first got the bug for an AMC Eagle to do Rally-Cross battle against the invading WRXs and EVOs, the one I really wanted wasn’t for sale. This special Eagle lived in Colorado, was a 5-speed, 6-cylinder Wagon (very rare), and had already served as a medical, and chase vehicle in a number of SCCA Rally events out West. A number of usable mods had already been done to it, like a 1.5 inch lift, 2.5 inch cat back exhaust, poly bushings, and the all important Addco rear sway bar. Alas, the owner wasn’t willing to let his 255,000 mile creampuff go, so I settled for the auto trans Eagle I’ve mentioned before. Of course, once I returned to FLA, the DreamEagle came up for sale. After discussing all of the modifications, and spares that came with the Eagle, I asked the price. The owner replied with, ”Ah, how about a grand?”
Dammit!! Yes I’ll buy it, you jerk!
Yes, yes, my mother dropped me on my head a lot as a child. And yes, yes all the inbreeding in my family may have something to do with my AMC fetish.
So, of course I HAD to book a flight to Denver so I could rescue this lovely beast from the oxygen deprived environment it had been living in. Then I drove it from Denver to Florida, alone. Hey, what could go wrong, I was in a 22 year old car with only 255k on it. After all, I did pay a thousand dollars for it!
Turns out, the car ran beautifully. I had a headlight switch fail outside of Oklahoma City, which made the timing of the trip more—ahhh challenging, and the radio had a mind of it’s own (work…no work…work…no work) but the old beast got me back home safely. Special thanks goes out to younger brother Dennis Gearin who raced to the auto parts store as daylight was fading, and met me for a switch changeroo just outside of Tallahassee Fl.
Once the beast was safely at home, the need to change out the original Carter BBD carb became clear. A call to Pierce Manifolds sent a EMPI—rebadged Weber DGV—carb my way. The new carb not only eliminated the birds-nest of vacuum lines cluttering up the engine bay, it also made a huge difference in drivability, and added much needed power. As an added bonus, the open element air cleaner helps the mill make a great roaring sound when the throttle is opened. Now we’re making progress! After an oil change, and through tune-up, the AMC is running great, and delivering just over 21mpg to boot. Not bad for an antique 4wd with 4.2 liters pushing it around. A lot of credit goes to the extremely tall gearing.
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