1983 AMC Eagle SX/4 from North America - Comments

Rear main seal leaking slightly when I acquired the car (but doesn't seem to be a common problem with other Eagles).

Idle jets in the Carter 2bbl carburetor are clogged. This is a common problem and is fixed easily, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Causes a slightly rough idle and sometimes the engine will stall when coming to a stop mostly when the engine is cold.

Upper radiator hose leaked when I acquired the car. I have since replaced it. This was caused by excessive pressure build up in the cooling system. The lower radiator hose is evidence of this because it was bulging. I replaced the original radiator cap with one with a lower pressure relief valve to prevent any future complications.

Emissions tubing from the exhaust manifold to catalytic converter was rusted away and the car would not pass emmissions. This was replaced with metal tubing near the manifold and heat treated hose from there to the cat.

After crashing my 87 Dodge Daytona twice it was time for another car. I was looking for a car with a little character. It took me a little while to find it, but I have enjoyed it since day one. I didn't want a Civic, Taurus, Camaro, Mustang, or any of those cars that everybody and their mother has. I hardly ever see Eagles nevermind the SX/4 hatchback version. It even gets people's attention sometimes when I'm driving around town.

Here are a few specs off the top of my head (may not be exact) :

258 ci (4.2L) OHV I-6 engine

Carter BBD 2 barrel carb

115 HP

225ft/lbs torque (something like that)

Selectable RWD or 4WD

15mpg if your lucky

Weighs about 3000lbs.

Completed Modifications:

-Larger 2002 Jeep Wheels and Tires (barely fit, but look real nice). Tires are 215/75/R15 vs. stock 195/75/R15. I also used 5/16" wheel spacers in the rear because the rear track width is shorter than the front.

-K&N E-1080 High Flow Air Filter

-Cape Conversions TFI ignition upgrade (includes larger distributer/rotor, high output coil, thicker ignition wires). This kit allows you to overgap the spark plugs due to the higher voltage coil, which creates a larger combustion and slightly more power. It also revs much higher because the the large distributor eliminates crossfiring which occurs in the diminutive stock cap.

Future plans:

-Mild suspension lift to provide more tire clearance and tougher look.

-Auxiliary Lighting: fog lights, driving lights, insane back up lights

-Install CD player + new speakers

-Higher flow exhaust system (+a couple HP)

-Advance ignition timing (+a couple HP)

-4.0L Jeep head conversion (+30-40 HP)

-Auxiliary transmission cooler

-Weber carb to replace the crappy Carter (+a few HP)

-Dash mounted tachometer

-OEM rear spoiler.

The only complaints I have about the car is that the front seats were replaced prior to my ownership with the improper color. The rear seating is tight, but my friends don't seem to mind because the car is so damn cool. There are also no cup holders, but I'm taking care of that soon.

How much power? I had an 80 Eagle wagon, and it sure didn't feel like it had that much power. I suppose the wagon was a bit heavier than the SX/4, so that may account for it. The 258 were tough as nails, but quite underpowered. A hotter ignition and perhaps even an add-on fuel injection system, Chrysler actually made a system for AMC/Jeep 258's, would certainly wake the engine right up.

Hi there,

I'm the guy who wrote the original review. Just wanted to respond to that comment. I looked up the engine specs recently... 112hp and 210 ft/lbs. '83 SX/4 weigh in at 3033 lbs while '80 wagons are 3407 lbs so that might explain it. Also, keep in mind Eagles were equipped with a variety of gear ratios depending on the year and things like a towing package option. Also, I feel my car feels a little slower than the original specs might suggest, probably because of the crappy Carter BBD carb (you were lucky enough to not have the computer controlled version in your '80 but it still sucks). I have a rebuild kit for the Carter, but I've heard great things about the Webers available to for the 258, these are advertised mostly to the Jeep community.

I have completed some of the mods listed as future mods in my original review:

-Suspension lift: about 1" in the front, 4" in the rear

I used thick rubber spacers in place of the thin stock upper coil spring pads... it was a pain, but it produced enough lift to clear the tires pretty well. As for the rear, it just looks ridiculously awesome. I used some 3" lift blocks and had to have some custom U-bolts made and some Monroe shocks with overload springs with stud extensions. I had to cut off the muffler temporarily because the driveshaft angled more after the lift and it would hit the exhaust pipe now and then.

-Stereo: I took my Aiwa head unit out of the Dodge Daytona I totalled and made a custom bracket for it that looks quite nice in over the stock radio area. I still have the stock speakers, but their inadequacy is drowned out by the 200 watt Infinty BassLink subwoofer in the back with a gain control knob on the dash.

I just got 4 Hella 530 fog lights (2 for the front, 2 out back) yesterday. Its been rainy, so I've been working on the console mounted switch box and wiring the Bosch relays. I still need some Hella 530 or 550 driving lights. I also managed to track down a OEM spoiler, but haven't put it on yet. Make sure if you get one of these to get the electric hatch release because the spoiler covers the keyhole.

If anybody has any questions or whatever, email me at Acheron3000@hotmail.com or catch me on AOL Instant Messenger - Acheron3000.

Very well done review. It's nice to see that I'm not the only one in the world who thinks their car is some sort of utility/off road vehicle.

Some good upgrades mentioned.

I'm interested in some detail regarding your 'head conversion' that you mentioned in your upcoming mods. Can you elaborate on that a bit for us ;)

Thanks

Jade

'83 Eagle Wagon

Victoria, BC

CANADA.

Nice review. I own an '82 Eagle SX/4 with the I-6, and the mods you had mentioned seem very profitable as far as horsepower gains. I've thoroughly rebuilt the 258 with a CompCam 'High Energy' camshaft, performance rings, and other stock components. The original head was acid dipped and machined, and topped off with a 4WD Hardware aluminum valve cover.

Offenhauser offers a very nice 4bbl intake manifold if your looking for a cheaper and less fuel efficient alternative to the MOPAR MPFI unit. I've bolted on the Offenhauser intake manifold and I'm running a 500 cfm Carter AFB carburetor.

I also upgraded the ignition system with an MSD 6A module and Blaster II coil, 8.8mm Accel wires and Splitfire plugs.

The grunty little 4.2 now produces 204 peak hp, and 397 lb/ft of torque. I'm also running 2 and 3/4 exhause beyond the cat, with a flow-through DynoMax UltraFlow muffler, and the tailpipe elbowed out infront of the rear passenger side tire.

Future modifications:

-Heddmen dual outlet header

-4 speed manual transmission as apposed to the 3

speed auto from the factory

-rear axle to be mounted above the rear springs for

lowered right height and center of gravity

-I'm gonna take an old school approach toward the

front coil springs; a few heavy set friends and

a torch.

-questions/comments to toothless_dream@yahoo.com.

Great review indeed.

About three weeks ago, I bought a 1986 Eagle Wagon through the want-ad's. It has approximately 38,900 miles on it, but does need some tender loving care.

I believe there may be vacuum hose leaks, for it tends to not like to idle, and stalls out often if I do not drive two-feet style (one on gas, one on brake) when slowing, stopping, or turning. I know, the carb sucks.

Other than that, it's only minor cosmetic stuff. I just got back from a week in Florida and I knew why I had missed it so much as soon as I pulled up to my house and saw it again. It's one bad-ass automobile.

I would love to talk Eagle talk with you. Drop me a line.

AIM: Beatsphan

EMAIL: Beatsphan@aol.com

Corey

I just bought a 83 Eagle wagon and it is good to have another one. I had 2 80 SX/4's, but sold them about 9 years ago, boy have I missed them. The wagon is in awesome shape mechanically, but is missing the fender flares and has a couple of dents. Also the dr. door and fender are

white. (rest of the car is blue) It runs excellent and 2 days after I bought it I took it to New Mexico on an emergency trip (I live in Montana = 3500 Mile trip) The water pump went out after I got there, but that was it. I noticed on this one and the other 2 I had, they do have some minor problems that frequent them all... door handles break, never seen a hood release handle on the cable that wasn't broke., headliners like to fall down., valve cover gasket leaks., The hindges on the hatchback's break (if you can find them at the junk yards you better buy a couple or more). and the ones I owned, the transfer case was the weakest link in the drivetrain and wear out sooner or later. BUT... overall my most favorite car ever made.

I would be interested in the 4.0 head swap if it's a real deal. please let me know more about it and what it involves

I know a great deal about these cars from my past 2 and if I can be of any help please feel free to write:

mwood65@onewest.net.

I just purchased an 82 AMC Eagle SX/4. I seem to have the same problem I see a lot of you have, with the idling and the two feet driving theory. If anybody could help me out in the quest of restoring this beauty of mine drop me line. Anybody ever souped up a Eagle out there? I have intentions of making my Eagle fast and furious! Please Help Me!

MannyFresh80@msn.com.

I am interested in any frame tie kits and/or lift kits that are available for the Eagle Wagons. Or will I just have to modify myself? I also have some hints on bypassing the computer control for the Carter bbd. The Eagle Web page has some good links to this. If you don't want to bypass the computer, you need to give the needle valves a good cleaning and verify that the co2 sensor is sending the proper signal to the computer. Other than the plastic stepper motor cam I have not had any problems with my Carter.

Hey, It is cool to see other people who love the Eagle SX/4! Mine was bought about 3 years ago after a kid had some work done on it in our shop. I paid very little for it and decided I would fix it up with the help of my father and his car rebuilding expertise. Mine had the 4-cylinder 2.5 in it, so instead of rebuilding a small engine older engine, I got a 1992 fuel injected Ford 302 HO motor out of a cougar. It has a better firing order than the standard 302 and better performance. Thankfully, due to my Dad's amazing skills we actually fit it into the front of the car. It is all set in and welded up. Right now we are working on the fuel system, which of course had to be modified, and the clutch. I have big plans to make this car a true beast of the road. I am still searching for exterior pieces of the bumper though. If anyone knows where I might get some of these peices it would be extremely helpful.

Papa_smurf05@msn.com

Keep the Eagle alive.

Hello Eagle owners! I have read all the entries on the panel. It's nice to see I'm not the only Eagle owner. Does anyone have an idea as to where I can find a parts store for my 1983 Eagle SX/4 coupe? I'm putting new tires all the way around on the stock rims and need to know how much of a lift I need in the front and rear. The stock tires measure P205/70 R15 with an overall diameter of 26.3 inches. These are only 205 mm wide (8.07"). I plan on getting 4 new Dunlop Radial Mud Rover 32 x 11.5 R15's. I seen a review on the panel that said the guy needed 5/16" wheel spacers installed for his 215mm wide tires. Does anyone have a clue? I do have furture plans my Eagle, but they all have to do with being strictly "off road". Have title, will have fun, but with no registration or insurance. Any thoughtful "add-on ideas" are greatly appreciated.

http://www.amceaglenest.com/ has a wealth of information regarding eagles. They are a great bunch of people, willing to help you with any Eagle problems you might have. There's even a forum where you can post parts for sale or wanted. Completely free site too.

You are so right about the amceaglenest, there is no question or topic that someone isn't willing to help or help find parts. I just bought a 1981 SX/4 and they have helped me with a lot of parts and a few problems; I just can't say enough about them. So if anyone needs help of any kind no matter what kind of Eagle you have, just post it and you will get loads of help.

Wisconsin Eagle SX/4 Nut.

Website is: amceaglenest.com

I have a 1983 Eagle Wagon. In reverse under load I have a hard clunking universals, and the drive line is tight. I need help.