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In this Discussion
- goose1127 September 2010
- Kellmyster April 2008
- Lee ODell September 2010
- Oldcar_Mechanic April 2008
- ponchoman57 August 2008
- Pontiac_Hunter April 2008
1955 Starchief restoration, w/o motor, what fits?
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I've been able to get a 1955 Starchief without the original motor. Previous owner (my dad) has the heads and intake manifold but no short block or tranny. I know where to get same year items, but wouldn't a nice 350 chevy and 350 tranny with parts everywhere be better? Does it effect value?? Or is there a different motor that just bolts in with same mounts and all to make the switch easier?
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You want opinions so I'll give you mine.
Take the time and find the right engine for it. I'm sorry but I hate it when people hack up a perfectly good car, (and this one looks like a great car, one I would love to have seeing a 55 Pontiac was my first car) and put a 350/350 in it. I think it would be a lot easier to put the original style engine in it instead of making the modifications to put something else in just because they are so plentiful. Besides, the original engine has all the power steering parts that fit without modifications.
I don't mean to offend you but you did ask.
I'm not a purist on a lot of cars, but ones like this one that looks very nice should be put back to look and be as original as you can. To me (but not to everyone) it is a devaluation to do what you think with the 350/350.
Just my 2 cents worth
Ron -
Oldcar_Mechanic wrote:I think it would be a lot easier to put the original style engine in it instead of making the modifications to put something else in just because they are so plentiful. Besides, the original engine has all the power steering parts that fit without modifications.
I don't mean to offend you but you did ask.
I'm not offended, because I did ask. Your thoughts are the way I have been thinking. I know were to get the right motor and tranny. I was going to rebuild anything I got anyway. I'm just worried about parts down the line, if they will be available. I'll see what I can round up as far as original year goes and see what happens. Is there any numbers on the block I should look for, I have original heads and intake? -
If it were my car I would try to keep it original as possible. However if you do decide to put something else under the hood maybe look for a nice 389 w/ 400 trans...I hate seeing chevy motors in Pontiacs!
And please keep us updated with any progress with the car!! Looks like it should be a fun project!
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Still looking for help. A few things I am not sure about. If I were to put in the same year rebuilt motor, are there some numbers I should try to match up on the block compared to my VIN?
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another opinion; i have a `57 chieftan 347" . my main concern would be the integrated front motor mount/timing cover. mine is cracked.my solution was to go with a 400/700r4 pontiac/chevy combo. motor and trans mounts took a little work but it fit perfect.i used an adapter from jegs to mate the poncho with the chevy trans. more performance parts and added dependability are a plus. just one more way to solve an old problem.
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I agree please don't put a chevy motor in a pontiac.
I have a 55 and the combo you are looking at is a good one I put the 400 in mine and love it, I wish I would have went with the 700R4 rather than the
th400 for the over drive.
You will have to make some motor mount brackets for the side of the engine, try to make sure you go with a post 1970 model 400 as the mounts are different. I used side mounts from a 78 Firebird, I just had to mod them a little.
I'm not a welder so it's not super pertty but it works great. If you would like I could post a couple of pics of that so you can see what I'm talking aobut. After all you do own one of Chevys cuter sisters...
you can see mine at http://magicclassiccars.com/mycar.aspx if you're interested, also you can email me from that web site too. I have other links that you may be interested in that help out. Good luck gotta love those Ponchos -
I agree no Chevy in a Poncho. A 389 or 421 with 3x2 carbs would look impressive, and a 700R trans would help with MPG. I think something like that would increase the cars WOW factor and value as well.
When I was in high school my Dad bought a new 389 powered 59 Catalina with 2 barrel carburator. I was a little disapointed he didn't get the tri power setup. However, that 2 barrel motor had alot of power and moved that barge down the road in a hurry. Unfortunately for me Johnny Law didn't approve of my exibition of speed.
You have a good looking car to be proud of. Lee
