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With a rough sketch drawn in 1971, Richard Teague began a revolution in automotive design...
quite a bit before its time. His car, the AMC Pacer, was first introduced in 1975, heading for a short life
of six model years and a production total of just over 280,000 units. The Pacer wagon was introduced in 1977,
and total production ceased in 1980. The smallest of the "Big Four" American automobile manufacturers at the
time (or, the only American car company independent of the "Big Three", as some say), AMC met its demise in 1987,
being bought out by Chrysler Corporation.
As Ricky Young of the Orange County Register stated, "When Pacers came out, it was the
era of the Ford Granada. Round was unheard of." It was not until the early 90's that round became commonplace.
The Pacer was ahead of its time. Criticized by many for its nonstandard design, it was at the same time praised for
its revolutionary concepts of passenger comfort, convenience, and economy. More than a decade and a half after
the end of production, very few specimens are still in existence, and those that are remain a novelty.
Though people often disagree on their opinions of the Pacer, it's very hard to dispute its uniqueness.
Throughout its history, the Pacer has played many roles: innovative automobile, laughing-stock of the showroom,
road "warrior", 70s pop culture icon, and more.
Above Information Courtesy of Jeni's Site
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Body Styles And Trim Levels
"X", "D/L", "Limited" -- What does this mean? The Pacer was available with a number of different packages
throughout the model years. Note that many of the features listed below were also available as individual options on a base model Pacer.
- X Package: Available '75-77 (a "sport package" was available in '78), this was the "sporty" Pacer package. It featured sporty
appearance options (vinyl bucket seats, sports steering wheel, custom trim, etc.), as well as sporty functional features (manual floor shift,
front sway bar). A "Pacer X" is denoted by special ornamentation on the exterior body.
- D/L Package: Available '75-77 as an upgrade option, the D/L ("De-Luxe") became the base package '78-80.
It featured options like individual reclining seats in Basketry print fabric, wheel covers, extra molding and trim, woodgrain instrument panel
overlay, etc. A "Pacer D/L" is denoted by special ornamentation on the exterior body.
- Limited: The Limited was the Pacer's super-luxury package, available '79-80. It featured leather seats, power door locks,
power windows, tilt steering wheel, and deeper-pile carpet (18-oz. vs. the standard 12-oz.). A "Pacer Limited" is denoted by special ornamentation on the exterior body.
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Pacer Sticker and VIN Number
Pacer Sticker and VIN Number Statisitics There are all sorts of statistics one can glean from a Pacer's stickers and other markings,
but the cryptic acronyms and numbers are sometimes difficult to decipher. You can find these two stickers on the inside of the driver's door of your Pacer:
- Door Tag: This alumninum "builder's plate" has raised characters, much like embossed numbers on a credit card. ("Builder's plates" were originally found in the railroading industry, made from cast brass.)
- Safety Certfication Label: This plastic-coated, tamperproof label certifies that the vehicle follows all safety requirements in the country in which it was first sold, as of the date it was manufactured.
See below to analyze your vehicle.
Above Information Courtesy of Jeni's Site
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Engines
Engines available were limited to 3 sizes, 232cid 6, 258cid 6, and the 304cid V8.
- 232 cid OHV Inline Six, 1V, - 1975 thru 1979 (Base Option, 49 State, Canada)
- 258 cid OHV Inline Six, 1V, - 1975 thru 1980 (California, Only)
- 258 cid OHV Inline Six, 2V, - 1975 thru 1980 (Optional, 49 State, Canada)
- 304 cid OHV V-8, 2V - 1978 thru 1980 (Optional, 49 State, Canada)
Note: 304 V8 only available with Model 998 auto transmission.
232 cid & 258 cid Inline 6 cyl.
American Motors Engine Build Code.
- Machined surface between #2 and # 3 sparkplugs.
- Note: 232 cid and 258 cid 6 cyl Engines built for sale in Georgia and Tennessee (Starting in 1977) have an additional non-repeating
7 digit number located the right side of the engine below the Build Date Code. (Examples: Kenosha: *E-1197277*, *W-1207177*- Brampton (Canada): *CO316477*.)
The numbers of the code identify the year, month and day the engine was built.
1st Character
(Year)
See Below |
2nd-3rd Characters
(Month)
01-12 |
4th Character
(Engine Type)
A, C, or E |
5th-6th Characters
(Day)
01-31 |
Years
1975
1976
1977 |
1st Character (Year)
8 - 1975
9 - 1976
1 - 1977 |
Letter Code
A
C
E |
CID
258
258
232 |
Carburator
1V
2V
1V |
Comp Ratio
8.0:1
8.0:1
8.0:1 |
Years
1978
1979
1980 |
1st Character (Year)
2 - 1978
3 - 1979
4 - 1980 |
Letter Code
E
C
A |
CID
232 (78 only)
258
258 |
Carburator
1V
2V
1V |
Comp Ratio
8.0:1
8.3:1
8.3:1 |
Oversize or Undersize Components
Some engines may be built with oversize or undersize components.
These engines are identified by a single or double letter stamped on a boss between the ignition coil and distributor.
| Code Letter | Definition |
B
.
M
.
P
.
C
.
|
All cylinder Bores
.
All crankshaft main bearing journals
.
All connecting rod bearing journals
.
All camshaft bearing bores
|
0.010 inch
(.254mm) Oversize
0.010 inch
(.254mm) Undersize
0.010 inch
(.254mm) Undersize
0.010 inch
(.254mm) Oversize
|
304 CID V-8 cyl.
American Motors Engine Build Code
- On a tag attached to the right Bank Valve Cover.
- NOTE: 8 cyl 304 cid Engines built for sale in Georgia and Tennessee (Starting in 1977) have an additional non-repeating 7 digit number
located on a machined pad on the left side of the block adjacent to front core plug. (Examples: Kenosha-Built *E-1197277*, *W-1207177*, Brampton Built *C.316477*).
The numbers of the code identify the year, month and day the engine was built.
1st Character
(Year)
See Below |
2nd-3rd Characters
(Month)
01-12 |
4th Character
(Engine Type)
H |
5th-6th Characters
(Day)
01-31 |
Years
1978
1979
|
1st Character (Year)
2 - 1978
3 - 1979
|
Letter Code
H
H
|
CID
304
304
|
Carburator
2V
2V
|
Comp Ratio
8.4:1
8.4:1
|
Oversize or Undersize Components
Some engines may be built with oversize or undersize components.
These engines are identified by a single or double letter code stamped on the build code tag attached to the right valve cover.
| Code Letter | Definition |
B
.
M
.
P
.
C
.
|
All cylinder Bores
.
All crankshaft main bearing journals
.
All connecting rod bearing journals
.
All camshaft bearing bores
|
0.010 inch
(.254mm) Oversize
0.010 inch
(.254mm) Undersize
0.010 inch
(.254mm) Undersize
0.010 inch
(.254mm) Oversize
|
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Transmissions
There are 2 Manual (all are floor mount) and 2 Automatic transmissions (floor or column mount) used in Pacer Production.
- Tremec Model 150T - 3 speed manual, (machined to American Standard sizes) standard equipment on 232 cid, and 258 cid 6 cyl motors. (until 1979)
- Warner Model SR4 - 4 speed manual, (machined to Metric sizes) introduced in 1976, optional equipment on 232 cid (until 1979) , and 258 cid 6 cyl motors (then standard in 1979).
- Chrysler Model 904 - 3 speed automatic, standard equipment on 232 cid, and 258 cid 6 cyl motors.
- Chrysler Model 998 - 3 speed automatic, standard equipment on 304 cid V-8 motors.
- Laycock de Normanville Overdrive unit. (rare option, used with T150 3 spd manual transmission).
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS
Model 150T has a nine character identification number stamped on the left front case flange.
Identification numbers are decoded as follows. The first 2 numbers represent the transmission service code, part number
and speedometer drive gear (e.g. FE, FH, FJ, DR, GS, GT, GU, GV) 3rd number is Month of build, 4th number is Year
of build, Last 4 are sequence number. The 150T uses an external-type, adjustable, floor shift linkage. The case is made of cast
iron and the extension housing of cast aluminum. The case can be identified easily by its nine bolt top cover, which is
narrower in front. This transmission does not have a drain plug.
OverDrive Unit is an electro-hydraulic actuated, planetary gear type, mounted to a special
adapter at the rear of the transmission. When actuated the output shaft rotates at a higher speed than the mainshaft,
thereby accomplishing a 30% reduction in engine speed in relation to vehicle speed. The overdrive is actuated by a switch
located beneath the steering wheel, energizing a solenoid on the overdrive unit, via a switch on the transmission, which is
cut in only when Third gear is engaged.
SR4 4 speed manual transmission has an identification number tag containing Warner and American Motors part numbers,
and is located at the rear of the transmission, and the Warner number is usually cast into the side of the case.
The SR4 has an internal, non-adjustable shift linkage. The case and extension housing are cast aluminum.
Top cover is rectangular with 4 or 6 bolts, and case is equipped with a drain plug.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS are fully automatic, manually controlled three-speed transmissions
with hydraucally applied clitches, bands and servos, and a troque converter and complementary plentary gear system.
Case and converter housing on 904 and 998, is an integral aluminum casting.
904 used with 232cid and 258cid 6cyl engines uses a conventional torque converter.
Equipped with single wrap rear band.
Codes and Part Numbers Part Number consists of a 7 digit stamped on the left side
of the case just above the oil pan mating surface. Kenosha-built cars used Final Line Building Sequence Number followed by
2 numerical digits to signify year. Brampton-built vehicles used Body Sequence Number preceeded by letter C and followed by
year digits. Cars built for sale in Georgia and Tennessee have a different system. The above numbering system is used and
stamped on the right side of the converter housing, on the starter housing boss. Further, the part numbers are preceeded and followed by an asterisk to preclude alterations.
Following the part number is a coded 4 digit number indicating
date of manufacture (Above 5269, add 1 for each day after Jan 1, 1976. eg 5281 for Jan 12, 1976). Last group of numbers is
the transmission serial number.
998 used with the 304 cid V8 engine uses a lockup torque converter.
Equipped with double wrap rear band, also differs from 904 in valve body and has reinforcing ribs cast into top of rear servo
boss on the case.
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Rear Axles
Pacers are assembled using AMC's 7 9/16" ring gear units. These are semi-floating with hypoid gears and tapered axle shafts.
Twin-Grip limited slip differential is an available option. The rear axle housing consists of a nodular cast iron center section and two axle tubes
which are pressed into the center section. The center section houses the drive gear, drive pinion, and differential assembly.
A vent fitting and hose assembly are mounted on the right-hand axle tube to relieve internal pressure build-up. A Letter Code used to identify the axle ratio
will be found on most differentials, stamped on the right axle tube housing boss, on the rear side,
adjacent to the dowel hole.
| Axle Size and Ratio Identification 7 9/16" |
| Std Differential | Twin-Grip Differential | Axle Ratio | Pinion/Ring Gear
Tooth Combinations |
|---|
| H | U | 2.73:1 | 15/41 |
|---|
| F | T | 2.53:1 | 13/40 |
|---|
| K | V | 2.53:1 | 17/43 |
|---|
| Rear Axle Application Chart - Pacer |
|---|
| Years | Code | Ratio | 49 States |
T150 | 904 | SR4 | 998 | California | High Altitude |
|---|
| 1975-76 |
H | 2.73 | Standard | Not Available |
|---|
| F | 3.08 | Optional | N/Available | Standard | Optional |
| K | 2.53 | Optional | Not Available | No Option |
|
|
| 1977 |
H (U) | 2.73 | Standard | No Option | N/Available | No Option |
|---|
| F (T) | 3.08 | Optional | No Option | Optional | Standard |
| K (V) | 2.53 | Optional | No Option | Optional | Standard | N/Available | Optional | No Option |
|
|
| 1978 |
H (U) | 2.73 |
Standard 232 | Not Available | Standard 232 |
|---|
| Std 258 | No Option | Std 258 | Optional | N/Available | SR4 Only | No Option |
| F (T) | 3.08 |
| Optional w/ 258 CID | N/Available | Opt W/904 | Optional |
| K (V) | 2.53 |
| Optional | Not Available | Optional | Std 232/
Opt 258 | Optional
No HA | No Option | 232 W/SR4
No 258 |
|
|
| 1979 |
K (V) | 2.73 |
Std 258 | No Option | Standard 258 |
No Option |
|---|
| Std 304 | No Option | Standard 304 |
No Option |
H (U) | 2.73 |
Opt 258 | No Option | Calif Std 258 |
Calif Opt | Standard 258 | Optional w/ 904 |
| Opt 304 | No Option | Standard 304 |
|
|
| 1980 |
K (V) | 2.73 |
Std 258 | No Option | Standard 258 |
No Option |
|---|
| 304 | No DATA |
H (U) | 2.73 |
Opt 258 | No Option | Calif 258 |
Calif Opt | Standard | Optional w/ 904 |
| 304 | No DATA |
| Years | Code | Ratio | 49 States |
T150 | 904 | SR4 | 998 | California | High Altitude |
|---|
AMC VIN (serial number) Decoder
| A | 7 | A | 6 | 6 |
7 | C | 2 | 23000 |
- A = AMC
- 7 = year (1977)
- A = transmission type ()
- 6 = car series (Pacer)
- 6 = body type (2 door sedan)
- 7 = model = Pacer
- C = engine (258-2v)
- 2 = assembly location (Kenosha)
- 23000 = production sequence number
|
| Manufacturering Year |
| Letter+No | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 |
|---|
| A | American Motors Corporation |
|---|
| 0 | | 1980 |
|---|
| 5 | 1975 | |
|---|
| 6 | | 1976 | |
|---|
| 7 | | 1977 | |
|---|
| 8 | | 1978 | |
|---|
| 9 | | 1979 | |
|---|
| Transmissions |
|---|
| Letter | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 |
|---|
| A | 3 speed / auto / column |
|---|
| C | 3 speed / auto / floor |
|---|
| D | | 3 spd / man / floor w/overdrive | |
|---|
| E | 3 speed / manual / floor |
|---|
| M | | 4 speed / manual / floor |
|---|
| S | | 3 speed / manual / column |
|---|
| Car Series |
|---|
| Number | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 |
|---|
| 6 | Pacer |
|---|
| Body Type |
|---|
| Number | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 |
|---|
| 6 | 2 Door Sedan (Coupe) |
|---|
| 8 | | 2 Door Station Wagon |
|---|
| Group (Body Class) (Model) |
|---|
| Number | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 |
|---|
|
| 7 | Pacer |
|---|
| Engine |
|---|
| Letter | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 |
|---|
| A | 258-1V | |
|---|
| C | | 258-2v |
|---|
| E | 232-1v | |
|---|
| H | | 304-2v |
|---|
| Assembly Location |
|---|
| Number | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 |
|---|
| 1 | Kenosha |
|---|
| 2 |
|---|
| 3 |
|---|
| 4 |
|---|
| 5 |
|---|
| 6 |
|---|
| 7 | Brampton |
|---|
| 9 | Brampton |
|---|
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Bibliography
VIN DECODER information adapted by Charles D Patterson courtesy of data
compiled by John Rosa, from his "Javelin Home Page,
where it is available in Excel and plain text formats, and by G. T. Paine.
For further Pacer General Information, please visit Jeni's Pacer Site
for a wealth of Pacer Information, and if your Pacer is not Registered, also visit the Pacer Registration Site
for Registered Owners and their cars.
Reference Publications:
- 1977 AMC Technical Service Manual Vols 1 thru 3 A7710, A7720, A7730
- 1979 AMC Technical Service Manual
- 1975-88 Chilton American Motors Repair Manual 14300 - ISBN 0-8019-9075-0
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