EdwinTheKid
Newbie
I Bought myself a 51 Super with the intent of getting the original 263 straight 8 running, but the engine had major water damage and needs some serious machine shop work to run, and the car is in pretty rough shape (lots of dents, a bit rusty, pitted chrome) and I don't really have the budget to do a full restoration, so I'm considering putting in a v8 of some sort.
I have done some research and thinking already, so I know that a nailhead should bolt up to the dynaflow trans and I won't have to get a new driveshaft/torque tube or fabricate new rear end stuff.
What Nailheads will fit/bolt on? What is easiest/cheapest to get?
My other option is put in a more modern v8, I was thinking probably a Buick 350, as there are a few available on my local craigslist and I'd like to keep a Buick engine if possible.
How hard is it to find/make the correct engine mounts? How well/poorly does a 350 fit in the engine bay? What about transmission- fitting it in, shift linkages, etc..? Rear end: how difficult is it to put in a new rear end- new mounts and all that. What is the best rear end to put in? Is there an optimal donor vehicle for this? Theres a 68 lesabre hard top with a rusted out body that I'm thinking could work to steal the rear end/suspension from, but lemme know if that won't work.
The final option is find a new straight 8, but I havent had much luck finding one.
Thank you for reading through this monster of a post and thanks for your answers!
I have done some research and thinking already, so I know that a nailhead should bolt up to the dynaflow trans and I won't have to get a new driveshaft/torque tube or fabricate new rear end stuff.
What Nailheads will fit/bolt on? What is easiest/cheapest to get?
My other option is put in a more modern v8, I was thinking probably a Buick 350, as there are a few available on my local craigslist and I'd like to keep a Buick engine if possible.
How hard is it to find/make the correct engine mounts? How well/poorly does a 350 fit in the engine bay? What about transmission- fitting it in, shift linkages, etc..? Rear end: how difficult is it to put in a new rear end- new mounts and all that. What is the best rear end to put in? Is there an optimal donor vehicle for this? Theres a 68 lesabre hard top with a rusted out body that I'm thinking could work to steal the rear end/suspension from, but lemme know if that won't work.
The final option is find a new straight 8, but I havent had much luck finding one.
Thank you for reading through this monster of a post and thanks for your answers!