That is, of course, until it stuffed an AMC 304 V8 into it. AMC began the practice in 1972 and stopped in 1977, one year before the Gremlin's untimely demise in the U.S.

This third-series AMC V8 engine was available in 304, 360, and 401 cubic-inch sizes. Let's take a closer look at this family of long-lasting and powerful motors.

With the actual in-house prototype designs beginning in 1971, the Pacer was to originally utilize a Rotary Wankel engine, but the extra costs involved, poor Rotary fuel mileage and the fact that we ...

Thus, at its peak, the AMC 304 V8 kicked out upwards of 210 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft of torque in its early years but made a paltry 125 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft of torque by the end of its run.

With the actual in-house prototype designs beginning in 1971, the Pacer was to originally utilize a Rotary Wankel engine, but the extra costs involved, poor Rotary fuel mileage and the fact that ...

The AMC Pacer, meanwhile, was to be AMC’s breakout success all-new compact car, but it never happened. Produced from 1975 through 1980, the Pacer was built around a spacious, four-passenger ...