Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1968 AMC Ambassador engine/transmission swap, amc cars, amc matador coupe

Question
Hello.  I have a 1968 AMC Ambassador, equipped with a 290 V8 and automatic transmission.  Having covered nearly 270,000 miles they are well past their best.  I have been offered a 1978 AMC Matador coupe that is equipped with a 360 V8 and automatic transmission.  The car has only 33,000 miles, and the engine turns freely when connected to a battery.  It was laid up after a hard rear collision in 1985 and has been sitting undercover since.

My question is, will this power train fit into my Ambassador?  If so, what precautions would I need to take after all these years, especially with the transmission?  Thanks for any tips/advice.

Answer
I have never done this conversion but there was a 343 V-8 offered in the 1968 AMC cars. The 360 engine is a stroked version of the 343 that was available in the 68. That tells me that it should fit. You will probably have to play a little with the motor mounts. The radiator in 78 should be larger and I would suggest using it if it will fit. I would also use the rear end out of the 78 as the gear ratio is probably different. Of course the usual fluids and filter changes should be done as well as new plugs and ignition parts. The carburetor should be pulled apart, cleaned and a kit installed. Good luck.