The quest for power or keep it origonal So I got a knock last year and was discouraged enough to think about changing the entire drive train to a 500 cu caddy,t400 and posi diff froma 71 skylark.....But after getting all those parts together, I got the funds and the sense together to keep it original. It'll be going in for work with in the next couple of weeks, I'd like to do it myself but a nasty work injury makes it imposible. Cant wait to drive it again, its more comfortable to drive than anything else I've ever owned. The shop is having trouble finding a rebuild kit for the engine, any ideas? I'm going to research it tonight and tomorrow. When i got he car it was like waiting for the birth of my first kid, now I'm waiting for the 2nd kid, figuritively speaking of course. Dont know wha to do yet with the 500 caddy and t400. Maybe a monza or somthn like that.....fun fun fun :3gears:
Sweet car. I think you're wise to do what you're doing to keep it original as possible from the standpoint of getting your money back out of it on the collector circuit The 58 is a real unique piece, and it will be a real cool cruiser when you get done.
Mark, I get all my parts from Carmen Faso in N. Tonawanda, NY (buffalo) 716-693 4090 He is a great resource for the Nailheads. Ted
Carmen is a great guy and deserves the business. Plus, he is a true nailhead guru. If he can't help with everything you need, TA performance is a great resource too.
Thanks guys it gives me good place to start, and actully I'll never sell it, I'll be old but I hope to still be driving it when the old beast turns a 100 yrs old. thanks again.
Looking for a 364 4 barrel intake and carb Well like the title says, I'm looking for a 4 barrel intake and carb for a 1958 buick 364, I dont need it.....I want it. Already got the 2 brarrel set up but want a 4. I want to build it a little for a little more power so I'm starting with that. Next is a cam, and duals. Its on single right now, thats got to go. and I plan of flame throwers will go in after a little time goes by. Anybody out there that feels the need to give a guy a good deal on a intake and carb, please feel free. Cheers :TU:
Mark, as good as the 364 is a stock 401/425 in stock form will out power the 364. Considering weight, etc. The swap is basically a bolt-in. Just my thoughts & opinion. Tom T.
keepn it origonal or go for power Thanks Tom, I've thought of going to a bigger displacement, however the "keeping it origonal" ecoes in the back of my mind, I dont know if its really that important, I dont plan on shitbaggn the car, its just nice to have it when I have to put somebody in thier place. From what I've been able to research it looks like a 401 and 425 is easier to get parts for, right/wrong? I guess I'll find out when I finish tearn the 364 down to see how bad it really is, a little confused right now. Its a #3-2 car, 1958 buick special 2 door hrtp. . When it first happened I got ahold of a 500 caddy engine and a t400. So I do have that to fall back on, but the origonal thing bugs me, how much does it diminish the value by not having it origonal?
Need more input, money wise it would be cheaper to do the 500 cu and t-400 and change the rear end, get a costom driveshaft. End result would be a tourqe monster, but i dont know if I would want to thrash a good car like that. To keep it origonal would make it the good cruiser it was before the knock.It had balls and I dont know how much more power I can get out of it. I've allowed money for boring and a better cam, aside from a 4 barrel and dual exaust, not really sure how much more that'll give me. The kid in me says more power, the adult in me is thinking about the neigboors wife....I mean thinking about the origonality of it.This is why I need more input.
If you were going for a swap I'd think it would be worth a try to barter off your 500/trans for a 425/trans out of a mid 60s Buick. Although less original I think it would have more appeal. Also easier to swap in, do mods, and get more seat of the pants power. I also think that the 425/465 with alluminium valve covers is one of the best looking engines out there. Here's a pic out of a 66GS Riv I had with the dual quad option.
Mark, if you do use a 401/425 along with your DynaFlow no one but you would be any wiser. Unless you check engine codes the power plants will look exactly the same. And did I mention it's a bolt-in???? Tom T.
hey Tom, you have a good point, being that some of us would be the only one to know the difference. I hate to pick your brain too much, but any chance you know the yearsand or models they made those? it would really narrow down the search. And yes the direct bolt in is a huge deal. I'll see whatI can find :TU:
Mark, as a direct bolt-in a '59-'61/401 have a rear sump pan, so no mods there are nec. You can use your 364 manifolds & all. A '62-'63 will also fit, but you will need to use your oil pan & a new pick-up tube for the oil pump. A '64-'66 has the rear of the crank different from other years as they used a Turbo 400 trans. Not a major deal, just more work & mods. It seems that the '64-'66's seem to pop-up more readily than earlier units.
Thanks Tom, your input is going to save me a world of hassle. I'll have to buy you a beer If I'm ever on that side of the country :beer
