CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

AMC Pacer

AMC Pacer — 1975–1980, 2-door hatchback coupe2-door station wagon, 232|CID|L|1 I6258|CID|L|1 I6282|CID|L|1 I6 (Mexico only)304|CID|L|1 V8. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine232|CID|L|1 I6258|CID|L|1 I6282|CID|L|1 I6 (Mexico only)304|CID|L|1 V8

Transmission3-speed manual3-speed with overdrive4-speed manual3-speed automatic

DrivetrainFR layout

About the AMC Pacer

AMC Pacer is a 2-door hatchback coupe2-door station wagon in the compact car class, with source data covering 1975–1980. The available vehicle data lists 232 CID I6258 CID I6282 CID I6 (Mexico only)304 CID V8 as an engine configuration, paired with 3-speed manual3-speed with overdrive4-speed manual3-speed automatic and a FR layout layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This AMC Pacer guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 232 CID I6258 CID I6282 CID I6 (Mexico only)304 CID V8 and 3-speed manual3-speed with overdrive4-speed manual3-speed automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

AMC Pacer specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	AMC
Model	Pacer
Model years	1975–1980
Body style	2-door hatchback coupe2-door station wagon
Vehicle class	Compact car
Manufacturer	American Motors Corporation (AMC)
Production	13 January 1975 – 3 December 1979
Market / country	FI, NL, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the AMC Pacer includes 232 CID I6258 CID I6282 CID I6 (Mexico only)304 CID V8.. Transmission information includes 3-speed manual3-speed with overdrive4-speed manual3-speed automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FR layout.

Engine	232 CID I6258 CID I6282 CID I6 (Mexico only)304 CID V8
Transmission	3-speed manual3-speed with overdrive4-speed manual3-speed automatic
Drivetrain / layout	FR layout

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	100.0 in (2,540 mm)
Length	171.8 in (4,364 mm) (coupe)176.8 in (4,491 mm) (wagon)
Width	77.3 in (1,963 mm)
Height	52.8 in (1,341 mm) (coupe)
Kerb / curb weight	3000 lb (1,361 kg)

AMC Pacer other specifications

Image	1975 AMC Pacer base model frontleftside.jpg
Caption	1975 AMC Pacer base model hatchback coupe
Name	AMC Pacer
Aka	VAM Pacer (Mexico)

AMC Pacer generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
AMC Pacer	1975–1980	232 CID I6258 CID I6282 CID I6 (Mexico only)304 CID V8	3-speed manual3-speed with overdrive4-speed manual3-speed automatic	FR layout

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for AMC Pacer

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about AMC Pacer

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the AMC Pacer have?

The available source data lists the AMC Pacer engine as 232 CID I6258 CID I6282 CID I6 (Mexico only)304 CID V8. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the AMC Pacer?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the AMC Pacer?

There is no single best engine oil for every AMC Pacer configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the AMC Pacer?

The AMC Pacer is classified as a 2-door hatchback coupe2-door station wagon.

What years was the AMC Pacer produced?

The available vehicle record places the AMC Pacer in the 1975–1980 period. Exact availability can vary by market.

What are the dimensions of the AMC Pacer?

The available source data lists length 171.8 in (4,364 mm) (coupe)176.8 in (4,491 mm) (wagon), width 77.3 in (1,963 mm), height 52.8 in (1,341 mm) (coupe), and wheelbase 100.0 in (2,540 mm).

What transmission does the AMC Pacer have?

The available source data lists 3-speed manual3-speed with overdrive4-speed manual3-speed automatic transmission options for the AMC Pacer.

Is the AMC Pacer FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the AMC Pacer is FR layout.

Who makes the AMC Pacer?

The manufacturer listed for the AMC Pacer is American Motors Corporation (AMC).

When was the AMC Pacer produced?

The available source data describes production as 13 January 1975 – 3 December 1979.

How much does the AMC Pacer weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 3000 lb (1,361 kg). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the AMC Pacer built?

The available source record lists assembly information as United States: Kenosha, Wisconsin (Kenosha Engine)Mexico: Mexico City (VAM).

What class of car is the AMC Pacer?

The AMC Pacer is listed in the Compact car class.

Which markets or countries sold the AMC Pacer?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the AMC Pacer with FI, NL, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the AMC Pacer?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the AMC Pacer?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the AMC Pacer is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the AMC Pacer have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the AMC Pacer?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

AMC Pacer images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.