The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop front distributer

Did Chevy ever put the distributor on the front of the engine? How can I identify the v8 in my pickup? It looks like an AMC 304. it has a valve cover tag. Did Ford, Chevy Dodge put a tag on the valve cover?

The only Chevrolet V8 with a front distributor, not counting race spec engines, are the LT1 and LT4, plus one odd 265 cid option in the Caprice, engines from the '90s. Can't say on a tag, might be a reman. Do you have a pic of the engine you have? Distributor in the front can be several choices, including a few GM engines (Buick and Cadillac)

I'm thinking its an AMC motor.

From 1965 to about 1977, AMC's 2nd.-generation V8 was produced by International, in displacements of 290, 304, 343, 360, 390 and 401. All of them are identical in external dimensions, like small block Chevy engines. They're very good engines, particularly the 390 which was used in the AMX 2-seater coupe. The early ones were mated to Borg-Warner automatic transmissions similar to the Ford FMX, with a 4-speed manual transmission option for the AMX and some of the Javelin models. Later, AMC switched to a Chrysler Torqueflite transmission. If you do have an AMC engine, don't be in a hurry to swap it out. They're reliable and powerful, and it's not impossible to find go-fast parts for them. Most of the engines have the cubic inch displacement cast into the sides of the block about midway on both sides.
Jerry

Certainly looks like an AMC

My understanding is that all amc v8's were designed and manufactured by amc. Some 401's were sold to international and used in some pickups and travel alls early 1970's. I could be mistaken but I don't think so. I agree that they are great engines Edelbrock supports these engines with lots of go fast goodies.

I got the info from a retired foundry engineer who spent 30-something years working for International while I changed the engine in his motorhome. He and his wife had their 50th. anniversary while the rig was in my shop. He described the casting process for the blocks, and forging the crankshafts, in pretty good detail. Of course, he could have made it all up, but I sort of doubt it. International also made the 232 and 258 inline six engines for AMC. AMC always sublet production of their main subassemblies to other manufacturers. The last all-AMC engine was actually the 352 V8 that was also used in the 55-57 Packard and the Studebaker Golden Hawk in 1956. I had a 56 Nash Ambassador Super with one of those engines.
Jerry

Here is an interesting find on the AMC V-8 engines.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_V8_engine

And here is one on the straight six.

I don't think the fellow made things up, but do think he may have been mistaken.

AMC did build their own engines in house, and they also borrowed from other suppliers as well.

AMC was founded in1954, their first v8's were designed and built by Packard. The rest of AMC's V8's were designed in house also the I6's were also AMC designs. The 258 was used by IH as you previously stated the 360V8 and the 258 I6 went with Jeep to Chrysler and were used by them in the Jeep line. It is entirely possible that IH built these engines for AMC and probably did, as you stated AMC farmed out most of their components. Having said all of that they are all AMC designed and very good engines. Long story longer if you have one it is worth keeping and using.

Jerry I love reading your posts you are a wealth of knowledge.

I didn't say they didn't design them. IHC probably had the foundry facilities to build them. I've built a few high performance AMC engines, and they can be surprisingly powerful. My nephew drove a 360-powered Hornet station wagon with one of my engines in it, and he used to pick on Corvettes at stoplights. Boy, did he surprise some people!
Jerry

My 1973 Gremlin has a 318 Dodge motor in it. I am not sure how the 318 stacks up to the 304 I had in my original one in 1973. I did like the distributor being in front and always wondered why anyone would put it anywhere else! One of these days I will get to start work on that project.

Deve,
I think you should get busy on that Gremlin! I'm pretty sure the CARS movie made them famous and probably quite valuable.
Fred