AMC Pacer Parts & Accessories

AMC Pacer Parts & Accessories

The AMC Pacer was a unique wide-body subcompact produced from 1975 to 1980, notable for its extensive use of glass, a 77-inch width that rivaled full-size cars, and asymmetric doors with the passenger side longer than the driver's. Introduced as the first wide small car, it was originally designed around a rotary engine that never materialized, so AMC substituted its 232 cubic-inch inline-six and later added the 258 six and 304 V8 options. Despite its unconventional styling, the Pacer sold over 280,000 units across its production run and has since developed a devoted following for restoration and restomod builds.

Popular Upgrades

Pacer owners most often source cooling system parts — the wide body and large glass area create a demanding thermal environment — along with carburetor rebuild kits, ignition components, and front suspension bushings. The 258 six responds well to performance carburetion and a free-flowing exhaust, while restomod builders frequently swap in a small-block V8 for significantly improved power-to-weight performance.

Why does the AMC Pacer have asymmetric doors?

AMC designed the Pacer with a longer passenger-side door to improve rear-seat access and curbside safety. The driver's door is shorter to prevent the driver from swinging it into traffic. This feature was unconventional for American cars at the time and remains one of the Pacer's most distinctive design details, contributing to its cult status among AMC enthusiasts.

What caused the AMC Pacer's cooling problems?

The Pacer's extensive greenhouse glass creates significant heat buildup, and the original 232 inline-six was undersized for adequate cabin cooling in hot climates. The addition of air conditioning placed heavy loads on both the cooling system and the engine. Owners report improved reliability after upgrading to a higher-capacity radiator, an electric cooling fan, and a properly sized carburetor jet kit for summer driving conditions.

Find the cooling, suspension, and engine parts your AMC Pacer needs. Browse related categories: exhaust systems, suspension components, and air intake upgrades.