Amazon: - I just want to cruise

vest 48 · Mar 6th, 2008, 03:03

Hi

I have a 1966 Amazon that has been in my garage since 1990. I bought it from a doctor that needed the parking space. I'm ready to put it on the road. I don't want a hot-rod. I want to be able to drive daily, keep up with traffic at high speed and buy the gas that is available at the pump. I was told to install an "A" cam. Any suggestions. STOP LAUGHING!
I have new fenders in the box ( perhaps 10 years old ). I've had several Volvos back in the 70's and 80's. ( 122's, 140's, 164's ). I'm tired of driving that Explorer. B18 block. Twin SU's. I haven't welded in years.

Baltimore, Maryland

222s · Mar 6th, 2008, 07:46

Forget the A cam if you want performance!

A nice spec for a quick daily driver is a D cam, twin SUs, twin downpipe exhaust manifold & Simons sports exhaust system. Oh, and for high speed cruising, an o/d 'box is very useful! That's what I have in my car (although it's all on a B20) & it will cruise very happily at 85 / 90 mph.

Gordon Hunter · Mar 6th, 2008, 08:53

Do it.

Just get stuck in.
You probably won't find a more practical classic than the Amazon.
Parts are all still available. You'll get all the help you need through this forum too.
Good advice from Paul about the D cam.

Let us know how its going.

Gordon

Pigeon · Mar 6th, 2008, 14:54

The most important mod for "high speed cruising" is an overdrive. To cruise all day at 85-90mph the overdrive is the important bit, although it'll still do it without, it'll just be less relaxing. It doesn't need any kind of performance upgrade to do that. You don't need to modify the engine at all - no need to change the cam - although if you do then indeed the D cam is good.

To run on pump gas you're OK with compression ratio - just use the high-octane grade - but you'll want to either fit hardened valve seats or use lead replacement additive.

vest 48 · Mar 7th, 2008, 14:51

Thanks To All.

You Will Be Hearing From Me. Thanks Again.

caliwagon · Mar 8th, 2008, 00:04

One more vote for the D-cam here. I have a B20 with a D-cam, dual SU's, K&N filters, dual-outlet manifold, slightly modified exhaust (glasspack), etc... This is, in my case, all fitted in an slightly more aerodynamic 1800S, with an overdrive, but it really lives at highway speeds.

Mar 6th, 2008, 03:03	#1
vest 48 New Member Last Online: Nov 25th, 2016 15:03 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland	I just want to cruise Hi I have a 1966 Amazon that has been in my garage since 1990. I bought it from a doctor that needed the parking space. I'm ready to put it on the road. I don't want a hot-rod. I want to be able to drive daily, keep up with traffic at high speed and buy the gas that is available at the pump. I was told to install an "A" cam. Any suggestions. STOP LAUGHING! I have new fenders in the box ( perhaps 10 years old ). I've had several Volvos back in the 70's and 80's. ( 122's, 140's, 164's ). I'm tired of driving that Explorer. B18 block. Twin SU's. I haven't welded in years. Baltimore, Maryland

Mar 6th, 2008, 07:46	#2
222s Amazoniste Last Online: Sep 19th, 2016 21:52 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Emsworth View Photos By: 222s	Forget the A cam if you want performance! A nice spec for a quick daily driver is a D cam, twin SUs, twin downpipe exhaust manifold & Simons sports exhaust system. Oh, and for high speed cruising, an o/d 'box is very useful! That's what I have in my car (although it's all on a B20) & it will cruise very happily at 85 / 90 mph. __________________ Paul - 1967 Amazon 222S B20 o/d Estate & 1961 A-H Sprite Mk2 948cc WANTED - For '67 Amazon estate - offside rear quarter, preferably new old stock. Last edited by 222s; Mar 6th, 2008 at 07:48.

Mar 6th, 2008, 14:54	#4
Pigeon Volvo-loving biker Last Online: Feb 3rd, 2019 05:24 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: All alone in the crazy city	The most important mod for "high speed cruising" is an overdrive. To cruise all day at 85-90mph the overdrive is the important bit, although it'll still do it without, it'll just be less relaxing. It doesn't need any kind of performance upgrade to do that. You don't need to modify the engine at all - no need to change the cam - although if you do then indeed the D cam is good. To run on pump gas you're OK with compression ratio - just use the high-octane grade - but you'll want to either fit hardened valve seats or use lead replacement additive. __________________ Pigeon's Nest Be kind to pigeons

Mar 8th, 2008, 00:04	#6
caliwagon New Member Last Online: Jul 9th, 2009 00:48 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Los Angeles	One more vote for the D-cam here. I have a B20 with a D-cam, dual SU's, K&N filters, dual-outlet manifold, slightly modified exhaust (glasspack), etc... This is, in my case, all fitted in an slightly more aerodynamic 1800S, with an overdrive, but it really lives at highway speeds. __________________ -John M. 6 Volvos and counting...

Mar 6th, 2008, 08:53	#3
Gordon Hunter Ex 1800 Register Keeper Last Online: Apr 29th, 2022 17:04 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Central Scotland	Do it. Just get stuck in. You probably won't find a more practical classic than the Amazon. Parts are all still available. You'll get all the help you need through this forum too. Good advice from Paul about the D cam. Let us know how its going. Gordon

Mar 7th, 2008, 14:51	#5
vest 48 New Member Last Online: Nov 25th, 2016 15:03 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland	Thanks To All. You Will Be Hearing From Me. Thanks Again.

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