Ann and Steve Erb race a killer Golden Lime Metallic 1970 AMX at dragstrips throughout the Northeast. Ann drives the AMX in Ram Racing’s Naturally Aspirated Shootout Series and the NMCA’s Comp Cams Pro Stock class. While it’s rare to see an AMX in a field full of Fords and Chevys, the Erbs are AMX fans from way back. The best pass to date on the AMX has been an 8.76 @ 154 mph.

Ann had been bracket racing a Bittersweet Orange ’69 AMX street car for years. The car would run mid-to-low 10’s in the quarter mile. “We always loved the Heads Up street car racing scene and always dreamed of being able to compete in that type of racing, with an AMC of course!,” said Steve. “We were able to make that happen with our ’70 AMX. We still aren’t as competitive as we would like, but we’ve recently made some huge progress and are looking forward to the future.”

When Steve and Ann started racing the car, they had planned on Ann running one series and Steve running the other. Ann was the first one in the seat because she had more experience racing in an AMX. As time progressed and more runs were made on the car, Steve found that he enjoyed working on the car more than driving. Ann is in the seat for the 2009 season and Steve stays busy dialing the car in.

The 439ci AMX is based on an Indy Cylinder Block and Heads. AMX engine guru Barry Allen assembled the bullet.

The car is powered by a 439 cubic inch AMC based engine built by Barry Allen. It features an Indy Cylinder Headblock as well as Indy Cylinder heads and intake. “Barry Allen is THE MAN when it comes to AMC’s,” said Steve. “He is known throughout the AMC community for building bad ass AMC’s, so it only seemed natural. To top things off, he’s a great guy, he’s a racer, and he’s great to deal with as well.”

The Erbs realized the challenge of running an “off” brand when they started the AMX project, with selection of engine parts being limited compared to the Big Three. Whereas a Chevy or Ford racer might have ten choices of cylinder heads for an engine build, there are only one or two heads available for the AMC. In addition to limited selection, the R&D isn’t as readily available compared to the other brands.

“Another issue is part’s availability. Where parts for other makes are on the shelf, we will experience a lead time issue,” recalled Steve. “We ran into that this winter with some parts, which caused us to miss our first NA Shootout Points Race. These are issues we are willing to deal with so we can run our AMC with AMC power.”

Photo Credit: Erb Racing Without wheelie bars, the AMX has been a handful at launch. 900 hp + a 97 inch wheelbase = a wheelie.

The AMX’s rotating assembly consists of a custom Moldex billet crank, Manley 6.000-inch steel rods, and forged 15.0:1 Diamond pistons. The Indy heads are 401-1 aluminum castings with 300cc ports and 2.30-/1.75-inch valves.Jesel shaft-mount rockers, COMP offset lifters, and tapered pushrods maintain valvetrain stability. Horsepower output is around 900 hp at 8,800 rpm with torque at 650 lb-ft at 6,800 rpm

The drivetrain combination is a Chevy 2-speed Powerglide transmission matched to a TCI converter. The rear axle is a Dana 60 rear end with 4.88:1 gears bolted to a spool-type differential.

Chassis and suspension updates include QA1 coilovers up front with a ladder bar/AFCO coilover setup in the rear. The roll cage has been updated to 8.50 et specifications. Brake updates include Wilwood11-inch discs with two-piston front calipers and Aerospace 10-inch rear discs with two-piston calipers

Wheels & tires are Weld Alumastar 15×3.5, front, 15×10, rear with Moroso 28×4.5×15 DS-2, drag fronts; Mickey Thompson 28×10.5×15 ET Drag Tires in the rear.

The short AMX wheelbase, combined with the engine power and small 10.5 inch Mickey Thompson tires, makes the car a real challenge to drive. Steve admits that they are still finding their way with the suspension. The smallest suspension change can make the car react extremely differently. With more passes they are getting a handle on the suspension, but they have a long way to go and are looking forward to making some rounds at the upcoming races.

Ann says that the car is very touchy to changes on the launch. “The biggest challenge for me is confidence, in not knowing what the car is going to do on the launch,” said Ann. “We had three wheelstands that were pretty insane. Other than that, the car is as straight as an arrow down the track and feels great at the big end too.”

Steve and Ann Erb carry the torch for AMX fans everywhere.

When asked about future plans with the car, Ann and Steve admit that they have a love/hate relationship with the AMX. “We have had a TON of issues with the car over the past two years, mostly caused by us,” said Steve. “We’re still learning, and will continue to do so. We knew the car could run some good numbers, but were just having a hard time getting it there. We were very frustrated. With the recent improvements we’ve found in E.T. (with the help of Booze Brothers Racing, Perky, E&E Metal Fab., and our crew, Jeff and Tory), we’re excited again. We will continue to run the RAM Racing’s NA Shootout and hope to race at some of the NMCA events next year.”

In September 2008, Steve filmed Ann at the wheel of the AMX at US13 Dragway in Delaware, making what they thought would be a typical pass. Ann brought the revs up to the standard 6,000 RPM’s and launched into a bumper dragging wheelstand, followed by a light nose plant at the 60 foot beams. Ann rode the wheelstand out and finished the quarter mile pass. When they inspected the car afterwards, they found that it had the standard wheelie damage – the header collectors were smashed, the oil pan was dented, and the front shocks were blown.

Ann is quite the Wheel-woman and once Steve gets this car gets calmed down (wheelie bars have been added), it should produce some impressive 60-foot times. Watch the YouTube video below of the run from 2008.