2024 Canadian Poncho Calendars are Now Available! CLICK HERE

 

 

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: motor change 1956 pontiac pathfinder deluxe


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 94
Date:
motor change 1956 pontiac pathfinder deluxe


HI AFTER DOING  A LOT OF RECHERCHE I COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT  IS NOT SIMPLE TO REBUILD MY STOCK ENGINE SO I HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS WHICH MOTOR MAY I PUT IN THIS CAR
I CAN GET MY HANDS ON A 454 CHEVY  CAN I FIT THIS TO MY CAR OR IT WILL BE DIFFICULT
THERE IS A WAY TO KNOW WHICH MOTOR WILL FIT OK WITH OUT DOING ANY MAYOR ALTERATIONS
THANK YOU


Attachments
__________________


Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 2249
Date:

I am putting a 454 (bored and stroked to 496) in my car but it is not an easy job. Firewall modifications or driveshaft lengthened, custom engine mounts, special (expensive!) headers, special oil pan, etc. etc. etc.

If you want a direct bolt-in upgrade, go to a SBC (Small Block Chevy) like a 350, or if you want to go a bit better, a bored and stroked SBC = 383 cubic inches, will give you easily over 400 horsepower. These are available as 'crate motors' from all kinds of places at reasonable prices with all new internal parts (much better than a rebuild).
http://www.competitionproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=LB383CD

All you will need to do to install a SBC is get the correct bellhousing becaues 6 cylinder and V8 had different bellhousings (I bought mine on eBay) and motor mounts - I recommend staying with the original type front mounts
http://www.classicchevy.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=18%2D08&dept%5Fid=2209
http://www.classicchevy.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=18%2D06&dept%5Fid=2210

Or you can change engine and transmission mounts and use ANY chevy bellhousing but you will have to add a tranny crossmember, custom exhaust, etc.

Advantage of SBC over a 454 are
(1) your car could have had a SBC as original equipment - BBC not introduced until 1965 whreas SBC introduced 1955
(2) SBC parts are WAY cheaper and more readily available, especially high performance parts
(3) BBC weighs more

There are some details like radiator and fan location but that is the basics.

Let me know if you want more information.

Dave

__________________

56Pontiac  1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod

  1964 Acadian Beaumont SD convert, 283 - factory 195 hp, Powerglide, 3.08 10-bolt - Cruiser

  2012 US-built crew cab truck - Daily Driver and Boat Trailering



A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 35601
Date:

If you are going to get a DOG, It MIGHT as well be a BIG DOGbiggrin

__________________

 



Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 4767
Date:

i Put a sbv8 into my 55 gmc and i went with the mount on the front of the engine. i do have a spare set that have to be bolted to the front crossmember. i used a bellhousing out of a late 60's truck for the rear mounts. pretty easy just have to source the parts.

__________________

sTevE

55 GMC, 70 Pontiac 2+2 rag



Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 98
Date:

If you are going with any SERIOUS horsepower you DO NOT want to use the original style front mounts. Anything over 300 horsepower you should go with sidemounts, bell mounts and a rear tranny crossmember, otherwise you are asking for trouble. For what these setups cost from places like Danchuk, Old car Centre, or Classic Chevy it is cheap insurance. Using the original styule mounts is asking for trouble.

__________________


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 64
Date:

You can make or buy a set of side motor mounts cheap. If you're not that great of a fabricater I would suggest buying them.  I usually use an empty engine block and an empty trans to get the engine to sit where I want.  Basicly its a matter of getting the engine where you need it, if you are using HEI you need some room at the back of the block. I generally use the 3/4 ahead side mounts.  After the engine is where you want, measure for a trans crossmember and driveshaft.  You will be pretty much on your way ater that. Here's a shot of the engine with side mounts and a shot of the trans crossmember.  I made my own but you can but universal crossmembers at a reasonable price.  Good luck!!!

Attachments
__________________


Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 4767
Date:

i agree with the 2 previous post, for serious horse power and torque the stock setup wont do. but for a cruiser you cant beat a stock setup. i don't drag race the old truck and whos gonna brag that they beat a old farm truck. no modifications and i'm even using the stock linkage for the clutch with a newer 5 speed

__________________

sTevE

55 GMC, 70 Pontiac 2+2 rag

Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
.
Support Canadian Poncho!
Select Amount:
<
.
.
.