1969 Amx-ls3

[Jimi-FM3]

Hey guys - I'm certainly not new to the site and I've had the pleasure of meeting many of you in person at the various shows and events we attend. This group has been great with assisting us with display cars at locations around the country and providing us enthusiastic volunteers for the events we produce.

I figure it's time to come out the closet and post my project up here for all to see. Yup, it's an AMC...but before you laugh too hard and pass judgement, let me say right up front, I'm not a fan of all AMC's - who could really love a Pacer or a Matador (no offense to hard core AMC fans)? No, I'm just a fan of the AMX - I fell in love when I was 15 years old, volunteering my services at a local body shop, where I worked sweeping floors and doing other dirty work in exchange for the opportunity to hang around some cool guys and cool cars. A customer brought in an AMX for some minor work and I was smitten. Growing up in central Illinois in the 80's, I'd never seen one before. Hell, most of them had rusted to the ground at least 10 years earlier, and with only 8100 69's produced, there were very few to begin with.

I've always been a fan of the long hood, short deck look like notchback Mustangs and Cougars, and I was really intrigued by the 2 seater configuration. A sports/muscle car all rolled into one. Well, it took me another 20+ years to finally find one - this one spent her whole life in sunny California and the body was original and unmolested when I bought it in 2002. Here's what's going on:

Paint and body: Turnkey Restorations - Oxford, MI
Suspension front: Global West, Hotchkis, Mustang Cobra
Suspension rear: AMC leaf springs and torque arms
Engine - 401 AMC - 325 HP
Trans - T10 4 speed
Rear - AMC M20 w/3:55 posi & Moser axles
Brakes front: Mustang Cobra/Brembo 13" disc
Brakes rear: SSBC 10" disc

Here's what's happening now:
Fabrication: D and Z Customs - Randy Johnson
Engine swap: 2010 LS3
Trans swap: Keisler 6 speed
Wheels: Rushforth Night Train - polished hoop, dark brushed centers
Tires: BGF KDW2's 255/35/18 and 295/35/18
Suspension rear: relocate leaf springs inboard 2", Global West spherical bearing leaf springs

Looking for completion later this year and then you'll see it everywhere we go on the event circuit. Hoping to debut it at LSfest in Bowling Green in September. Thanks to everyone here for motivation and inspiration!

[67ragtp]

Jimi,

Cool project, nice to see the AMX getting the treatment. Looking forward to seeing more pics as you progress. :thumbsup:

Rich

[XcYZ]

Pretty cool, Jimi!

[Bow Tie 67]

Pretty cool, she made it back to her birth area.

[camcojb]

very cool project, I'm also a fan of those cars. In fact, a few years ago before I bought my last Chevelle I was looking for an AMX.......... ;)

Jody

[Jimi-FM3]

Thanks guys - I'm pretty excited to have my own project going now and not just spectating on the sidelines. I'm really looking forward to that first autocross and hot lap shakedown - or maybe not! They're never done, right?

Here's a couple more pics - on the way to the body shop and the LS3 and the Rushforth wheels...

[Ricochet]

I figure it's time to come out the closet.

As I read your post and came across this - I started to get a little nervous there Jimi! :_paranoid :D

Cool car indeed. I have always been a fan of those cars as well. I remember a couple of them that ran around here that really left an impression on me. Looking forward to seeing it done. I know with you behind the helm - it will be nice and done right!

[radrambler]

JIMI

:woot: A KICK A$$ AMC ADDED TO THE GROUP...
cant wait to see the car with the lsx/6 speed...Randy get your camera out !! You have to post pics..
I would like to see how the front suspension/brake setup looks..Im interested to know what combo of parts are on it because i see some mods to the spring towers..

Tom

[Jimi-FM3]

Brent, we've hung out enough times at SEMA for you to know better pal! :yes:

Tom, the front suspension is comprised of Hotchkis upper spring mounts, Strange coilovers, Mustang Cobra spindles, Global West lower control arms and some custom fabricating. We're going to add a shock tower brace with both side/side and front/rear stabilization. I'll try to get some pics up here of that when we get it a little more torn down. It looks way roomy under the front fenders with no trunnions!!

[66LS7]

JIMI

:woot: A KICK A$$ AMC ADDED TO THE GROUP...
cant wait to see the car with the lsx/6 speed...Randy get your camera out !! You have to post pics..
I would like to see how the front suspension/brake setup looks..Im interested to know what combo of parts are on it because i see some mods to the spring towers..

Tom

Hi Tom,
between Jimi & myself we will have plenty of pics to post.:thumbsup:

[Steve1968LS2]

:D

:thumbsup:

[coolwelder62]

Jimi; Love those AMC's If you need anything else like a C-6 corvette sub frame clip to weld in that thing it's your;s N/C just supply the c6 componets.Let me know.Scott.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[camcojb]

Jimi; Love those AMC's If you need anything else like a C-6 corvette sub frame clip to weld in that thing it's your;s N/C just supply the c6 componets.Let me know.Scott.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
the one you built for my 73 is fantastic, great work.

Jody

[James OLC]

Awesome Jimi! Can't wait to see how the LS3 fits in there - should be a blast.:thumbsup:

[Jimi-FM3]

Jimi; Love those AMC's If you need anything else like a C-6 corvette sub frame clip to weld in that thing it's your;s N/C just supply the c6 componets.Let me know.Scott.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Scott - you're an evil tempter!! I appreciate it but I gotta get the drive train in and sorted out before I start going wild! Maybe a next winter project!!

[coolwelder62]

Jimi; I can have the clip ready ship mon. morning all you have to do is weld it in wed. morning.Scott:thumbsup:

[WILWAXU]

Great project! I've always like that body style.

[KeislerJeff]

Very sweet, looks like one to watch for sure. :thumbsup:

[radrambler]

:drool: Jimi; I can have the clip ready ship mon. morning all you have to do is weld it in wed. morning.Scott:thumbsup:


:wow:

Tom

[nvr2fst]

Well its about time you did something with the AMX. I didnt know you still had it. The good thing is I won't have to hear the karaoke tribute about them anymore. I'll stop in the Jimi the next time Im on that side of the county.

[DFRESH]

That's awsome Jimi---a buddy of mine from high school used to have one---the thing was fast--we used to race each other all the time---lots of fun. I always liked that car, it's great to see someone like you take this on since it will most certainly be done well. Does this mean next years Optima challenge will have an AMX entry? Hope you will bring out to some of the Cali events as well.

Was great working with you/for you at the Optima event this past year---so much fun.

Doug

[Jimi-FM3]

Yes, it'll start making it's way across the country to the various autocross and challenge events - probably won't hit Cali until early 2011. That's it's original home, it may not want to come back with me!

Probably not an entry for the OUSCI - a little conflict of interest there but it might make an appearance as our daily transportation at SEMA, provided it's done by then.

[Jimi-FM3]

I received some sweet news on St. Patty's day - the LS3 was on the dyno and did a baseline of 485HP with headers. After the cam and valve spring swap, final numbers were 525HP. I should have the actual sheets by the end of this week with more detailed info regarding the power band and torque numbers!

I'm stoked!

[98ssnova]

525 HP :wow: AWESOME:wow: congrats

[nvr2fst]

Jimi, those are some sweet numbers to be stoked about. Where did you take it for Dyno. I only know of two shops close by me.

Dave

[firstgencam]

I received some sweet news on St. Patty's day - the LS3 was on the dyno and did a baseline of 485HP with headers. After the cam and valve spring swap, final numbers were 525HP. I should have the actual sheets by the end of this week with more detailed info regarding the power band and torque numbers!

I'm stoked!

What cam and springs did you go with? I also have a LS3 and have been looking at different cams for it...

[waynieZ]

This should be a fun ride with that power in there. Nice project.

[Jimi-FM3]

Jimi, those are some sweet numbers to be stoked about. Where did you take it for Dyno. I only know of two shops close by me.

Dave

Turnkey Engine Supply in Oceanside, CA. They're putting it all together and it will be shipped here to Randy at D&Z Customs for install. West Bend dyno will be doing the final tuning - hoping to be at 550 when it's installed and done.

[camcojb]

Turnkey Engine Supply in Oceanside, CA. They're putting it all together and it will be shipped here to Randy at D&Z Customs for install. West Bend dyno will be doing the final tuning - hoping to be at 550 when it's installed and done.
very cool Jimi. That's my goal also for my LQ9-LS3 build, so I'll be keeping an eye on this one. No matter what this should be a ball to drive. :thumbsup:

Jody

[Jimi-FM3]

Thanks Jody - I should have actual dyno sheets to share with everybody next week.

[Ummgawa]

I don't know a single car guy that does not tip his hat to a 68-70 AMX. They are way cool.

[Stuart Adams]

Very cool car. Be cool to see it done. Good seeing you at Scottsdale.

[DFRESH]

Great numbers on the motor--get those dyno sheets up!!

Doug

[Jimi-FM3]

Well it's been awhile since I posted any updates - seems I have the simple Facebook thing figured out and I've really never taken the time to figure out the easy way to post pics here! Here's a link to the build pics of the AMX-LS3, it's coming along nicely at Randy Johnson's D&Z Customs!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...7&l=5fa72e162d

As you can see, we've changed the scope of the project a great deal. We are installing a complete custom front subframe and suspension system, four wheel floating disc brakes and a complete custom rear suspension system. We hope to be dialing it in about May and have it competitive by July! Be sure to sign up as a friend to follow along with the build!

[coolwelder62]

Jimi,AMX is going to be smokin cool.Would love to have one of those or a 71 javelin for my self.Please bring it to Kc.goodguy's.:thumbsup: Scott

[Jtomas801]

Looks great Jimi, I can't wait to see it out there and running with all those camaros!


I was wondering what happened with the AMX, It looks like you will be done way before I get my Javelin going.

Hey Scott, I still have the 69 Javelin shell ;)

Thanks,
Jon

[coolwelder62]

Looks great Jimi, I can't wait to see it out there and running with all those camaros!


I was wondering what happened with the AMX, It looks like you will be done way before I get my Javelin going.

Hey Scott, I still have the 69 Javelin shell ;)

Thanks,
Jon
Jon;Send me some photo's.And I will check into shipping cost.What's your zip code.Scott

[coolwelder62]

Jimi,keeping this cool AMX stock would totally BORING.I love the direction you are headed w/this project.Can't wait to see more.:thumbsup: Scott

[KEISLER]

Hi Randy and Jimi,

Your KEISLER RS600 close ratio 5-speed is getting close to completion. I've reserved one of the first units for you! (please update the specs on the first page .. here are the ratios: 2.80, 1.99, 1.33, 1.0, .67 33% RPM drop, 600 torque, 7000 RPM shifts, pro shifter, Keisler LS 621 bell, hydraulics.

from your friends at Keisler!

[coolwelder62]

Jimi, how's the AMX coming along.Scott

[Jimi-FM3]

About time to post another update - and announce that we are working hard in order to debut the AMX at the Heidts Performance Car Challenge on July 15th (no pressure Randy!)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3659&id=100000731312427&l=5fa72e162d

Randy has been doing the work of ten men over the last few months and we are starting to see some real progress and things are really coming together. We're also proud to announce - hang on to your hats...

The AMX will be prominently displayed at the 2011 SEMA show in the Centerforce booth!! We are really excited and want to thank Bryan, Will, Patrick and the entire team at Centerforce for the opportunity.

[radrambler]

Jimi
Thats great news.. Congrats..:thumbsup:
cant wait to see it..

Tom

[coolwelder62]

It's about time,something got done.:lol: Man I cant to see the completed project.:thumbsup: Scott

[Jtomas801]

Man, that looks awesome, can't wait to see it running.

Two quick questions, first what is the part number for those headers? and second on the dash bar, is it welded to the plates that are right above the kick panels?

Thanks,
Jon

[Jimi-FM3]

Man, that looks awesome, can't wait to see it running.

Two quick questions, first what is the part number for those headers? and second on the dash bar, is it welded to the plates that are right above the kick panels?

Thanks,
Jon

Jon, the headers are first gen camaro ls swap headers from Hooker, not sure of the part number. The bar under the dash is welded to the plates which are L shaped and welded to the inside of the fire wall and kick panel. The down bars come through the firewall and connect to the cross brace to eliminate front subframe flex and add rigidity to the chassis. The pedal assembly is also attached to the firewall and cross brace for rigidity.

[Jtomas801]

Thanks Jimi, seems pretty darn close to what I am doing with my javelin right now.

Thanks again and keep up the hard work!
Jon

[asifnyc]

:wow: amazing! :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Awesome work!

[KEISLER]

Hi Jimi & Randy,

Please post some pics of the RS 5-Speed for your AMX!

[GregWeld]

How the h377 did I miss this thread?! :wow: :faint:


Good to see you're going to have your own play toy Jimi!

Subscribed.

[Jimi-FM3]

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.101595639874813.3659.100000731312427&l=5fa72e162d

Here are the updated project pics including the Keisler RS tranny. Everything is on schedule to roll under it's own power in July...:yes: :yes:

[radrambler]

Jimi
Good deal on the progress.
Wish you would have made it to Nashville.. we had fun..

Tom

[Jimi-FM3]

Ok, here's another update post - things are moving along nicely, but it doesn't look like the debut at the Heidts event is a reality at this point. Randy is doing heroic things to make this come together, but he's sometimes at the mercy of parts providers. It looks like we're only off of our completion goal by a few weeks. On a project of this scale, to miss by a few weeks is phenomenal, I've seen goals missed by years!

The motor and tranny are in and the rear end parts are all here. We're making some custom mounting brackets for the rear end and then it will all start to come together quickly.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.101595639874813.3659.100000731312427&l=5fa72e162d

[coolwelder62]

Jimi,The AMX is looking awesome.I hope you can bring it to the KC.Goodguy's.:thumbsup: Scott Mock.

[Jimi-FM3]

In their August 2011 issue, Popular Hot Rodding chose the AMX as one of the Top 15 Trend Setting Projects for 2011!

I can't thank Randy Johnson at D&Z and all the sponsors enough for helping me make this project a reality!

[Ricochet]

Good times Jimi! No doubt will be a great car! And not another Camaro! :D I like Camaro's just like the guy next to me - but nice to see something different! Look forward to seeing it at SEMA! :thumbsup:

[coolwelder62]

In their August 2011 issue, Popular Hot Rodding chose the AMX as one of the Top 15 Trend Setting Projects for 2011!

I can't thank Randy Johnson at D&Z and all the sponsors enough for helping me make this project a reality!

Congrat's Mr.Jimi Day.I just got my Pophtorodn COOl.:thumbsup: Scott M.I also am a proud owner of an AMC.:thumbsup:

[Jimi-FM3]

Well, here we go. AMXess will make it's debut at the Holley LSfest 2011 in Bowling Green this week. Randy at D&Z Customs has been doing the work of ten men over the last two weeks to make this happen! It's far from done, but it will roll under it's own power and have a complete suspension system.

Still lots of tuning, wiring, interior work and details to finish up before it's SEMA unveiling, but this is a huge step in the right direction!

Projects updates here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.101595639874813.3659.100000731312427&l=5fa72e162d&type=1

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.253770197990689.73501.100000731312427&l=0781b2666c&type=1

[Jtomas801]

Looking good Jimi! can't wait to see how it runs.

I will hopefully have my 69 Javelin on the ground in a few weeks, but it is a very long way off from running.

Jon

[Jimi-FM3]

Looking good Jimi! can't wait to see how it runs.

I will hopefully have my 69 Javelin on the ground in a few weeks, but it is a very long way off from running.

Jon

Thanks Jon - good luck.

Links to the picture updates have been fixed.

[Autokraft]

Jimi,

Are you really planning on driving it to SEMA?:_paranoid

Car looks great! :thumbsup:

See you at the LS Fest!

[Jimi-FM3]

Jimi,

Are you really planning on driving it to SEMA?:_paranoid

Car looks great! :thumbsup:

See you at the LS Fest!

Yup, that's the plan - I'm hooking up with a group of guys including Albert Melchior to drive across the country then display at SEMA.

[coolwelder62]

Yup, that's the plan - I'm hooking up with a group of guys including Albert Melchior to drive across the country then display at SEMA.Sound's great Jimi.:thumbsup:

[Jimi-FM3]

WOW! Where do I event start? It's been a great week at SEMA and the OUSCI and I'm proud to say that AMXess held her own against some of the coolest and baddest cars on the planet.

SEMA week was a big hit as AMXess debuted in the Centerforce Clutches booth, right across the isle from GM. We couldn't have asked for a better spot and it was surrounded by people all day every day. The Centerforce team got exactly what they wanted, something to draw people to the booth, and they expressed their pleasure many times. I can't thank them enough for their sponsorship and the opportunity to show off AMXess on the worlds largest car stage!

Next, AMXess was invited to the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational at Spring Mountain Motorsports Park on Saturday. Many of you know that I'm the Race Director for OUSCI, so I couldn't drive, but the rules allow the builder of record to drive the car. Randy Johnson at D&Z Customs builds one hell of a fine car - all of his recent builds have been invited to OUSCI. How's that for a resume? Well, he was quick to say yes when I asked him to drive.

He did a great job and AMXess finished 16th overall against the finest cars and drivers ever assembled at OUSCI and took home a top 10 finish in the Raybestos Performance Design competition.

There are a few of you out there I'd like to thank personally:

Randy Johnson - you did a fantastic job and helped make a lifelong dream come true.

James Shipka, Mary Pozzi - you guys are awesome friends and I really appreciate your unending encouragement and enthusiasm.

James Shipka (again) and Ron Schwarz - your cars have provided a very clear vision and inspiration for AMXess.

Wally Olczak - my business partner who has put up with me and AMXess over the last year and a half.

All my sponsors - AMXess is a tribute to the manufacturers and vendors that make this hobby so much fun. I can't thank you enough.

Forum members - for your advice, feedback and continuing encouragement

My wife Jo - who has put up with my sh!t for 20 years and without her support, I wouldn't be able to do what I do. I'm certain you will be nominated for sainthood shortly after you die! Patience is truly a virtue!

There are many others and you know who you are. I couldn't be more proud and excited to come out and mix it up at many of the 2012 events!

[coolwelder62]

Jimi,The AMX was cool.I think Randy would have finished higher if I hadn't pulled a few of the spark plug wires off.:lol: Had a great time,Thank's.:thumbsup:

[56pickup]

Jimi! The AMX looks sick! Glad to be able to see it in person!

On a side note didnt know you were from milwaukee! Hope to see you crusin around some time!

:thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

Jimi -- Can't tell you how excited I was to walk around the corner on Tuesday morning and see that car! I saw it and immediately knew who's it was...

Loved it!

Thanks for taking your time to discuss trucks with me a bit too! And Wally for showing me around one!

Can't wait to see you all again "somewhere".... Del Mar maybe.

[asifnyc]

congrats, the car looks amazing! :thumbsup:

[clill]

Car turned out killer. That is the perfect body style. Can we get small lettering under the drivers door window that says "This is Jimmy"

[XcYZ]

Can we get small lettering under the drivers door window that says "This is Jimmy"

:lol: :lol:

I wonder how many people will get that joke. :D

[Jimi-FM3]

Car turned out killer. That is the perfect body style. Can we get small lettering under the drivers door window that says "This is Jimmy"

That makes me laugh out loud! Just for you Charley!

[GrabberGT]

Awesome car. Cant wait to see it in person.

What steering wheel is this and the Goldberg air freshener is I just have to have.

http://www.lateral-g.net/events/SEMA-2011/#

[73CPCAMARO]

Jimi,

Your car was a major highlight for me at SEMA. I love to see cars that are not normally built and you did an incredible job. :thumbsup:

Brian

[Rybar]

Jimmy very nice AMX, congrats on it being displayed at SEMA and Randy did a killer job on the build. :thumbsup:

[Motormouth]

That AMX was one of my favorite cars at the optima challenge this year!! Very nicely done. Its nice to see something a little different from the norm out running on the track! Great job with the event also, it was my first time attending and we had an awesome time! :cheers: