Tearing Into Our AMC Javelin - Detroit Muscle S8, E3

[@johnsanko4136]

That headliner is so cool. I've always had a soft spot for AMC Javelins. They're forgotten classics.

[@theroofer3181]

I own a Mustang already but I'd love to have a 1970 Javelin in my garage.

[@60viking]

Heyyy Javelin!

[@joncarroll9613]

With that package, I would think that the seats would match the headliner.

[@seanof30306]

@@joncarroll9613 I'm pretty sure they did from the factory. My guess is they were recovered or replaced.

[@Bumblebee4788]

Pierre Cardin

[@Ecosse57]

i'm a mopar guy but always respected these cars. please do it right, guys.

[@fifthavenuegirl]

OMG i had a 1974 AMC Javelin - first car. I love this...Damn I want one. lol 60 yo woman now...but I don't care. Love the sound of the engine. And yeah, I did drive it like a race car.

[@jdmeaux]

The 1973 AMC Javelin was what I consider to be the best of the BEST.

[@invictus1973]

The 1973 AMC 304 was only rated at 150 hp, so 130 at the rear wheel is pretty good for a car pushing 50 years old.

[@csr801996]

Alot of engines were very underrated with their advertised hp during that era

[@hoonaticbloggs5402]

😂 no ,it’s not good

[@ineffable1129]

@@csr801996 Early net rating were never underrated, big brother was checking. The ratings until the last 10 years have been pretty honest with US cars. Even in the gross days HP was more likely to be overrated than underrated. Both did occur though.

[@ineffable1129]

Drive train losses will all ways be a percentage. So 150 to 130 is about 13.33%, put a 400hp engine it would gobble up 53hp actually because friction it would like be even more. Dyno's are like a stick being used for measuring that's doesn't have precise marks, it's more than good enough for tuning but the are always approximating the power by decent amount.

[@701garage]

Funny the 1968 javelin with a 290 made 200 gross

[@dioad1739]

When I was a kid in the 70s Alabama state patrol had Javelin AMX for intercepter patrol cars and they had four speeds they sounded awesome thanks for the memories.

[@Chuffin_ell]

They kept one for display at the DMV in Montgomery. Might still be there, if you’re interested...stop in and have a look....

[@gordon985]

Removing the Pierre Cardin interior could only be done by a person who would wear bib overalls to a wedding.

[@evisin77]

I own a 71 javelin sst with the 360 I love AMC I bought mine like 2 years ago a lady in a nearby town had it parked in a carport behind her house and I asked about it and worked on her for a year before she decided to sell it to me for $500 I took it home and had it running in 1 day after it had been off the road for 20 years its awesome the stars aligned and I got my dream car and had it running and driving in no time

[@ronaldblackburn2483]

I can't tell how many times I have had argument's with so call car guy's who tell me AMC bought thier engine's . 360 Chrysler no man that one is AMC . Then 390 it's a Ford no man its an AMC . Geez I sure love the orphans . Good show Orphan car show Ypsilanti Michigan .

[@evisin77]

@@ronaldblackburn2483 yeah AMC stuff came from Nash and Hudson and then they merged and became AMC then Chrysler actually bought AMC after they went out of business for the Jeeps which still had AMC engines in them for a while and not Chrysler engines

[@evisin77]

@@bigboreracing356 lol no it was in amazing shape it just hadn't been run in 20 years it, needed the complete interior re-done but the outside is awesome then there was two spots where it rusted through the driver and passenger floorboard both had a whole about 5 in Long by 3 inches wide

[@evisin77]

@@bigboreracing356 oh and the reason I got it so cheap is because she was divorcing her husband and she didn't want him to end up getting it because she was moving from Washington to Colorado and couldn't take it with her

[@evisin77]

@@bigboreracing356 yeah I was planning on keeping it lol but that's already been repaired you can order the floor pans for those

[@kellyriffle4750]

That’s a Pierre Cardin Edition! I knew when I saw the headliner. Very Cool!

[@papaowl13803]

Had a 72 with a 304. Loved that little beast. Wish I still had it.

[@lawrenceveinotte]

i had a 72 SST, stardust silver metallic, with the Pierre Cardin interior, 304 auto. i like the 72 tail lights best out of that body style.

[@kmann1430]

I had a 70 javelin and a 72 loved them both

[@CamaroAmx]

I have a 73 Javelin/AMX. I bought it when I was 18 and dailied it for years. 304 auto. I’m pretty sure mine makes more then 130hp (headers, dual exhaust, carb spacer, head work, high compression heads). It’s never lost a street race. Paid $550 for it 20 years ago and dragged it out of someone’s backyard after it had been sitting for about 10 years.Only has 51,000 original miles on it. There are differences between the javelin and the javelin/AMX. The AMX has a stiffer suspension, closer ratio steering box, it has traction bars in the rear, and the Trans has performance oriented shift points. So just about everything he complained about on the test drive is fixed with the AMX package. The easiest way to tell a regular javelin from a javelin/AMX is the front grill turn signals. The AMX had round ones, the javelin were either square or rectangular (depending on the year). It having a spoiler also only came on the AMX but most people add them to regular javelins so that’s not very reliable way to tell. The 73 Javelin actually outsold the challenger that year. They only made 5,000 AMXs in 73. I’ll be keeping an eye on this build closely.

[@leonardwalters154]

I've been waiting for this one! Thank you folks for doing a small AMC

[@timlowery7156]

Holy crap, I hope it turns out better looking than the animation did.

[@peep39]

yeah no kidding.

[@richardcoleman9645]

I liked it but not the paint job. That car needs to be yellow. With the black stripe. But the low front and raised rear with the side pipes looks great for that make. More of what we did to them back then. Not what's being done to them this age. Keep it 73 looking.

[@kencohagen4967]

I like the earlier front end over the bubble fender models. I’d love to find a 70-72 hornet 2dr notchback. That would be tone of fun!

[@timlowery7156]

edit: Reminds me of a badly rendered Hot Wheels.

[@HotMike]

I dig the racing version with the front lip spoiler, fat wheels and lowered stance. Keep the color, but, a tribute to the race version would be spot on.

[@lawrencefoster2120]

A friend of mine had one of those back in 81 and he was proud of it. It was fun to take to the concerts. It's light in the rear.

[@elmerfudpucker3204]

This Pierre Cardin edition interior is worth more than the rest of the car.

[@lukeallen6444]

70's street machines rock!!

[@charlesdonaldson6586]

I hope you guys saved that rare Pierre Cardin headliner and whatever else it had on it

[@davidsolloway9349]

Nice to see something different being built !

[@kevbjork1]

I love AMCs. I had a '69 Javelin with 390 & 4 speed that was pretty quick.

[@turbotempest4095]

that headliner is sooo ol skool cool. period mod.

[@RandomGuyDan]

I cannot tell you how happy I am that you reconsidered your original plan to install an LS. This car deserves a nicely built AMC engine.

[@josephmatuszak3855]

AMC V*'s can get really respectable power. The 401 is the one to have though other than the 343. If you want to rev them more freely tho with less chance for catastrophe, I think there is a port that needs to be machined to change the oil flow iirc. Been a while since I worked on one, let alone stared at a blueprint. As a guy that grew up around Kenosha, I really loved seeing and learning about AMC and seeing the yearly AMC car show! I'm not sure if the iron dogleg exhaust port heads will fit the 304, but they may.

[@blackzilla85]

Finally something other than GM, FoMoCo, and Mopar

[@erikkroll2154]

Actually, it's all three put together.

[@mattrooke3210]

In 1991 I owned a 1972 AMC Javlin SST in the U.K. 🇬🇧 at the time only 7 were in the country that I knew of. Paid £1300 for it when I was 19.The original 232 I6 was pulled out as it couldn’t keep up with a little hatchback and in went a late 60’s Ford 302 And C3 auto with a B&M shifter. Maybe a common car in the US at the time but to drive something nobody had seen before with a V8 with straight through pipes( no cats in U.K. until 1992) was just awesome. It’s great to see these cars being appreciated now. Still can buy one in U.K. for for love not money.

[@karlsracing8422]

No Lame Swap in that thing!

[@LTJohn]

I totally agree they should build off the original engine and just stroke it but keep it as much an AMC as possible..

[@ineffable1129]

@@LTJohn It's terrible engine for making power it's only got a 3.5" bore so even if you stroke it, it still can't use very big valves, be better with an AMC incline 6. On top of that at around 600lbs it's a boat anchor. It may share the external dimension with he 390 and 401 but it has a tiny fraction of the potential. Their inline 6's have about as potential.

[@LTJohn]

@@bigboreracing356 but see that's the thing everybody does an LS swap and it gets really old, I have an LT1 in my Firehawk but that doesn't mean I want to follow what everybody else does. if I were them I would keep it original and just build the engine up which yes that AMC engine has potential if you build it the right way like with the guy on engine power was saying.. 😉

[@darinmcdonnell712]

I agree, no same old chevy ls swap, so lame . Amc have a great motor if built right will smoke that dime a dozen ls motor!!!!

[@LTJohn]

@@darinmcdonnell712 exactly if it was built to be a 401 by using the right crank and stroking the engine right, it definitely could have potential.

[@mikebennett703]

What an awesome car..AMC Javelin ftw! Nice video...

[@ernesthansen7002]

The Javlin Pierre Cardin I had was a 401,4sp., purple with purple&pink& white stripes ext. Same as the int. They are rare you should honor it take it back to what it is. The flow on the hood to the dashboard. Through the whole car.

[@johnchildress6717]

@@HDDREAMIN The Cardin interior looks it's best with g4 paint which they called plum. plum purple

[@robertprice9052]

My best friend in high school had a Javelin! It was a blast to drive, and quick as any other of our performance crew.; Mustangs, Cameros, Chevelles, GTOs, and so on. Beautiful car!

[@Timman57]

First car in 2012 was a 74 javelin, currently have a 71 gremlin and a 74 javelin amx 4 speed. Love that Pierre Cardin(spelling?) interior.

[@justindampier9017]

I'm happy to see a AMC!

[@kWT49]

I had a 73 AMC Ambassador Brougham. It had a 401 and it really moved the big 4 door down the road. And it was tough. We rain the fire out of it and it never gave any problems.

[@user-yt6dw6rd1x]

GREAT SHOW LOVE YOU GUYS LOL JUST WONDERING WHAT HAPPENS TO ALL THE GREAT CARS YOU BUILD HOPEING THEY GO TO SOMEONE THAT WILL DRIVE THEM KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

I’ve been waiting for this project for a long time.

[@ronaldblackburn2483]

I hope so . That was a very Kool interior and Kool 70s feel . I even own vintage bell bottoms and colorful butterfly collar shirts .

[@AmericanLineman]

Tune it up and leave it alone.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great show and a great car!!!!!!!!!! 👍👍👍

[@puddleduckist]

Cool looking cars, my friend had one in high school. It was a rust bucket but still a cool ride. My first car was an early 70s amc hornet with straight 6 power! I like the wrap around dash, it reminds me of a cockpit somewhat. Interesting cars for sure, that headliner is hilarious!

[@robertfoley6430]

Look at all the room between the radiator and the grill you can stuff a huge intercooler in there!!!

[@billyjoejimbob56]

You could stuff a pretty good sized BEER cooler in there!!!

[@tonyrichards254]

@@bigboreracing356 There are millions of 2nd generation F-bodies with 3.8 V6s out there to do that to. AMCs are rare, they should be kept original.

[@robertfoley6430]

@@bigboreracing356 I think they need to leave the ole AMC in there and they’ve already shown the engine build and it’s a low compression motor so think a set small twin turbos are definitely called for maybe mirrored turbos pushing 4-5 psi each.

[@tonyrichards254]

@@bigboreracing356 You're reducing my argument to an extreme that I did not, making your point invalid. Turning it into Yet Another LS Swap ruins a big part of what's unique about it, and physically damages it, which makes it difficult to restore back to stock should a future owner desire. Find a GM car for that, there are millions. An F-body or B-body, from the company that actually makes the LS. It's an easier swap for sure.

[@tonyrichards254]

@@bigboreracing356 No, it isn't. I didn't the car should be kept 100% stock, you put those words in my mouth. I said keep it AMC, because AMCs are rare. Crazy LS swaps are fine for more common vehicles, because they're more common and because cross-manufacturer swaps generally make it harder to restore to stock. Keep an AMC an AMC.

[@pierreduplessis1507]

I enjoy Chris and Tommy teaming up on a build and the Power Nation crew building exciting cars.

[@ConwayT91]

I love an AMC! This is gonna be a cool series

[@11122010sean]

Had the pleasure of seeing this car in person. Mr. Reeves has some hard to find classics.

[@ttownscott]

Cool project car. Dig that headliner! Have to say, I like the current wheels just fine.

[@garydyson3281]

I had a 1970 AMX 390 with stick 4 on the floor, e-60s all around had lots of fun. Not many around so some people have not no what it is or seen one before, good pickings up the ladies.

[@scottyV1000]

I always liked the Javelin. I was a teen in the 70's so we were the 2nd owners of these types of cars. Tommy was a riot with his comment about needing a flak jacket when the car was on the dyno.

[@williamcap2236]

OMG ! I had the same year !!!!! Mine was brown with a tan interior 304 v8 auto trans god i miss that ride ! Wow seeing that beautiful javelin brought back some memories.

[@richardcoleman9645]

I love the rebuild not modification. Glad to see it all stay together. He should be able to get 300hp out of that engine after a rebuild and egr remove. Drop in the Ford 9" rear and side pipes. Like what he said about drop front and raised rear.

[@MrMattDat]

Dad had a '68 and I had a 71/72 (we blended the two). Absolutely loved the Javelin and wish I still had mine!

[@w41duvernay]

Need to build a 401 engine for that Javelin.

[@ChrisBigWizzardWelch]

Love these Javelins! Just a really cool looking car the more you look at them. I always thought that you could see a little styling from all the other muscle cars of the era depending upon which angle you seeing it from. My brother had a red 72 AMX with a hopped up 360 manual trans.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Well dang, there goes another nice classic down the tubes. Can't imagine there are many 73 Javelins around these days.

[@RetroCheater81]

Not every car deserves a numbers matching restoration. Go down to your local grocery store and pick up a copy of Auto Trader, Im sure there are some in there that you can buy and spend the money to keep it original.

[@jameshersonjr3905]

I had one, lovely car. Had it repainted and engine rebuilt. What great exterior design.

[@mumm-ratheeverliving3138]

Nice! Had one of those with a built 360 and an Isky cam. Fun times and great memories. Thanks for covering something different!

[@gordon985]

AMC 390 and 401 had forged cranks they looked like an artist sculpture

[@bcskyman429]

I have a 72 Pierre Cardin Javelin and love it! I just built the 360 to make around 350-400 HP(my guess)and it will run like a scalded dog! I have the dogleg heads with 202 intake/ 160 exhaust -extreme energy 262 cam, Holley 600, headers, new flat top pistons which brought it up to 10-1 compression. It was a dog before it was rebuilt. I'm getting ready to do the side pipes and paint job is coming soon! Glad they are doing this AMC. You can look at some of my car's at Brant Sturgill on KZbin.

[@derrickconnolly9164]

My first car 74 javelin. 401. 4 speed. Bought it for 1200 dollars in 1979.

[@otsenres1636]

The smack talking during the dyno run was hilarious...Tommy hiding behind pat tho! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thejavelin7832]

I'm glad that they've reconsidered doing an engine swap. I remember when they first introduced this car and Pat and Mike built an LS for it. I immediately lost interest in this, seeing that. But, being an AMC guy, keeping it AMC powered has renewed my interest. Even keeping the 304 would be sweet. There is a gentlemen on theAMCforum, that builds several engines a year, who did a 304 that peaked at 364hp. It can be done.

[@joefahrenschon2437]

my Uncle was an AMC dealer here in Canada so my cousin had a few Javelins pretty cool cars i remember riding in the Pierre cardin one a few times

[@ericadams4226]

Pat's great! He's like Yoda to Tommy and Marc!

[@jessicawells5145]

In 97 I bought a purple 72 AMX,401 AUTO,cowl interdiction, 3.42s POS. In excellent condition, just the paint faded,ripped drivers seat,gave 500 bucks,dove it for a month sold it for 1.200,dummest move I ever made.

[@evisin77]

This thing has the Pierre Cardin interior at least the headliner anyway!

[@jedm1466]

Door panels also. Those guys need to recover the seats! They have no clue what they have there.

[@gilbertnadeau7181]

@@jedm1466 The fender badge as well. They shouldn't butcher this one. Dennis Collins had one that was 100% original.

[@MasterKeyMagic]

Second gen Javelin is the best looking car ever made.

[@normanphilipps215]

In high school I purchased a Second hand 1970 javelin it had a SST and go package which produced 325 hp I raced it at Niagara international Speedway in Niagara Falls New York for one season in which I dominated the track in C stock I raced eight races and won 6 of them .as a high school kid that was quite impressive for the time considering Ford and GM and Chrysler were the preferred muscle cars. I have many fond memories and photos and time cards from my high school days, my best time in the quarter mile was 99.88 miles an hour at 13 seconds flat, I couldn’t quite get to the 12 second quarter mile.

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

I met these 2 guys. When I was in A&P school I was working part time at advance auto. One night I was in a really bad mood, and just really down because I had missed a couple questions on a test that I should have known. Anyway the door opens and these 2 walk in, and I totally lost my mind. One, Tommy is really tall, and 2 Marc really does smile all the time. Nicest 2 guys on the planet. They let me have a pic with them and everything. I'd love the opportunity to meet them again.

[@scottyV1000]

I love these two - they are a riot especially with their more unusual builds. I'm laughing through the whole video.

[@zxtenn]

I went to automotive trade school early 70's on Long Island, yes i am 65 but a rich kid had a 71 with the 401 and a 4 speed Looks CLEAN and rust free for early 70's, you got a good body there

[@mr.d3020]

I'm feeling the love for the AMC fans out there!

[@boblawton6830]

I bought a 74 right out of high school in 77 I absolutely loved it

[@workisfun...2438]

That interior, especially the headliner, is AWESOME!

[@MoparMan-ff8fb]

my dad owned an AMX Javlin back in the mid 70s with Mickey Thompson tires and duals with cherry bombs . cops said they could hear him coming for a couple of miles and could never catch him lol . my mom when dating my dad had a 1970 barracuda with 318 they would race each other

[@steveshafer4023]

How cool is that 👍

[@danhoyland142]

Match made in heaven haha.

[@billyjoejimbob56]

Since I learned to drive on smog era net horsepower rated cars, allow me to recalibrate some expectations. A '73 AMC 304 2BBL V8 was factory rated at 150 HP SAE Net @ 4200 RPM. Sad as it sounds, this was a competitive number... my dad's '77 Caprice with a 305 2BBL "small block" cranked out 5 fewer horses. With a 3-speed AT, and no lockup converter, getting nearly 90% of net flywheel horespower rating at the rear wheels is an EXCELLENT result. This 48 year old smog motor appears to be putting out AT LEAST 100% of its original factory rating! That non-original dual exhaust may deserve some of the credit.

[@LucoreAuto]

Great timing on this build release guys, we are going down the rabbit hole of building our 79 AMX right now as well. Also AMC 304 powered! Will be very very interesting to compare your build/results to ours!

[@neil6212]

The AMC 304cid engine has the same external dimensions as the 360 and 401 of the same vintage, making a heart transplant pretty easy. In the late seventies, I bought an old police special at the salvage pool, and transplanted the engine and the 727 tranny into a Gremlin. Fabulous change. Also put in a Dana 44 axle from a Studebaker Lark.

[@kevingaffey4063]

sounds like a cool swap, except what the hell did you a piece of crap danna 44 axle for

[@bretmarstellar603]

What was the final compression ratio? It was originally 8.34:1, but that was before the clearanced the cylinder walls for the Edelbrock heads bigger valves.

[@Aeroman66]

I love AMCs... And this is such a sexy car. I would keep the wheels though... Just power it up, and make it scream

[@rhostatton8944]

my 1st car i ever owned was a 1972 AMC Javelin SST with AMC 401 v8, stirrup shift console and gopack gauge set!! #OldSchoolCool

[@jasonhooey5677]

I love this, showing what our dream cars actually make power wise, then stock on the dyno and then built with todays power

[@scotthalvorson1161]

I like this live style deal its like instead of watching a show I'm listening to my buddy's work on a ride while I'm hanging out I'm the garage

[@kahfihartazi4767]

5:29 is that tommy ridin in the hearse? Or my eyes are just failin me

[@csr801996]

Good eye! Looks like it

[@bmstylee]

Project Overtaker specifically

[@billyjoejimbob56]

Yes indeed... plenty of room for the video crew in back!

[@jwelchon2416]

That is a nice car!! I don't think I would change much at all.

[@edcain3676]

It's A😐304,W) Little Motorcraft 2'Barr. 360 & 401 had Blue Blks.I Special Ordered a 71AMX,360,2 Barr.to keep Insur.down,After Warranty Expired,Put a Holley 500cfm 2 Barr.,w) 600 cfm jets.Ran Like 4 Barr.& Put Sunoco 240 or 260 Racing Gas in it,Whenever it Was Avail.Gas Was Cheap back then.

[@robertmccoy1001]

javelin is my favorate car made , i have 3 AMXs had 4

[@ziptiejedi5658]

Never thought of Javelin's as muscle cars or that they could be a cool car until I saw what the Ring brothers did to their Javelin. They took that little AMC and turned it into a show stopper. Once me and my dad finish he turbo 6.2 Gremlin we are going to build a Javelin.

[@brianmaynard7320]

Find a 343.. Offy intake, Hooker headers, 850 Holley, new cam and lifters...and up-date the ignition system. My 69 Javelin was FAST.. Keep it AMC.. And PLEASE don't ruin it with a LS swap..

[@themangopyrate]

Pierre Cardin trim. I work with my dad at an AMC dealer late 60's to the 80's. That trim is special, thats a 304 motor if it's stock

[@garysheridan2787]

Rebuilding my '74 AMC Javelin now, it's gonna be sweeeet

[@payneasylum469]

sometimes i still miss my old 73 hornetx 360/auto. Had a mild build (365hp) 3:15 twin grip. It ran mid 13s with highway gears and 14inch wheels lol.

[@jefferyr.powell5214]

it is nice to see someone giving amc some love

[@jamesc.flanagan6361]

Just started today. Muscle cars today. Thank you.

[@nailed2thecross01]

Awesome to see an AMC!

[@RestorationObsession]

One of my top 3 favorite car shows on the net

[@djdonohue]

Hell of a racer that Mark Donohue. :-)

[@k.c.williams3385]

Tommy's humor is the best, along with skills

[@TheJesterstoybox]

I remember when my cousin had one of these growing up. Love seeing one anytime!

[@alexlang5649]

A very good looking car

[@tomnekuda3818]

I, like a lot of people, did not appreciate the AMC cars(Javelin, AMX, Red/White/Blue Rebel, etc) enough when they came out. When we finally noticed that their pony cars were great cars, AMC was on their way to extinction. As an old geezer I have come to really appreciate their lines and the potential of their engines. Unfortunately, these cars are more rare than chicken lips......we shoulda noticed......... I'm really glad you found one to play with......good luck! P.S. What's with Tommy? I counted about 5 put-downs of AMC during the show. He must have PMS or his wife has him sleeping on the couch.

[@williamgregory6684]

I rode in a 71 or 72 Javelin in 74 with 304 and my friend took it up to 110 mph before he backed off!

[@KevinMn1]

Great content as always. Really love the collaboration between teams.

[@stephenscott5817]

Good to see you boys back!!

[@dylandrury2884]

I had to click, I own a 68 with a 290 and just don't know where to start on getting the old girl right again. Great video!

[@DrewBe59635]

This build I'm excited for. Please keep that awesome headliner.

[@stephenmanley4097]

Cool new project guys 😀👍

[@edwardndriskoll]

The true underdog.

[@darrylgibbs7553]

After market part are plentiful to make this a successful contender.

[@edwardndriskoll]

@@darrylgibbs7553 Whose perfect. Your mom didnt give up on you.