I would love to put a 389 in my Laurentianbut I'm wondering how doable it will be without major modification. Since the original 283 is long gone from my car, the 389 was the first engine I thought of that screamed vintage poncho. Any thoughts?
A Canadian Pontiac engine would be my choice, 348 tri power would be nice, 409 better. I think using that American Pontiac engine would be a nightmare for modifications.
A Canadian Pontiac engine would be my choice, 348 tri power would be nice, 409 better. I think using that American Pontiac engine would be a nightmare for modifications.
YES YES Rat boy is Smart Boy 348/409 would be WAY COOL
I saw a 55 Chevy with a 409 at a show, that thing was too cool. Only a few engines draw a crowd when the hood is up. A HEMI is #1 followed by the Big Blocks both W and Mark IV versions.
I would love to put a 389 in my Laurentianbut I'm wondering how doable it will be without major modification. Since the original 283 is long gone from my car, the 389 was the first engine I thought of that screamed vintage poncho. Any thoughts?
Will i have a better idea. Do something that is not only the right thing to do but also the easiest thing and lowest cost thing to do. Get a 283 V-8 and put that in there where it belongs. Your car will not only look better with the hood up, it will also handle better with the lighter 283 as opposed to the heavy 389. You will have more coin in your pocket and your bank account to spend on other things for your 57 because it will be lower cost to build a 283 as opposed to the 389. When selling your car, you will have a bigger market and get more for your 57 if it looks original. Keep in mind that the 57 is a four door and a four door is slightly more marketable with an original looking engine. Do not let Carl lead you astray because he is just having some fun on here anyway. In all seriousness a 283 Chev V-8 should be in your 57 Pontiac or at the very least another Chev small block V-8 like a 327 or a 350 or a 305 or a 267 and then you can always make them look original. If you plan on going the high performance route then the Chev V-8 small block again will be a better choice because it will cost you less to buy performance equipment, like intake manifold, headers, camshaft, valve train parts, ignition parts etc. are all lower cost and far easier to find if it is Chevrolet V-8 small block. The 389 will cost more and be a bigger head ache to actually install because you will have to make many changes to acomodate the Pontiac 389 big block. Just my thoughts and what ever you decide, good luck with the resto on your fine 1957 Pontiac. Cheers. George.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
should be pretty easy installation mtr. mounts will have to be made up if using stock frt.frame. wiring will be moved side to side as starter is on the left side & a crossmember made for trans. D/shaft, exh.ETC. & "bob's your uncle" BUT remember this ,if you have to rebuild this 389 get ready to pay about 3 times the $$ of a SBC. When i did my 64 Catalina I had the machine shop do their thing on machining & heads then I got it back in a "basket" & assembled it myself!! Still ran over the $3500 without having to bore it out!! Parts are the killer & thats not including the 2x4 set up!! What trans are you going to run?? Nothing from a Chevy will bolt up, need Buick Olds,Pontiac [BOP] bolt pattern & flywheel or flexplate "HAS TO BE Pontiac"!!! What yr. 389 is it?? they are a torqer engine but you don't want to rev it over 5500 to 6 grand!! Mine will "spin em" in 2nd gear with 2:67 out back & a Turbo 350 transmission from a mid 70's Olds. Used to "chirp" in 3rd when I had 3:42's Dualquads & a Comp Cam H268?? 3700+ lb. tank!!!!
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
For the vintage look, a 283 (or at least any SBC masquerading as a 283) with a dual quad WCFB intake or an Edelbrock re-issue triple deuce intake with chrome army helmet air cleaners.
Any objections to a hopped-up 261 six?
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67 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe, Oshawa-built 250 PG never disturbed.
In garage, 296 cid inline six & TH350...
Cam, Toronto.
I don't judge a man by how far he's fallen, but by how far back he bounces - Patton
I would love to put a 389 in my Laurentianbut I'm wondering how doable it will be without major modification. Since the original 283 is long gone from my car, the 389 was the first engine I thought of that screamed vintage poncho. Any thoughts?
Do not let Carl lead you astray
because he is just having some fun on here anyway. Cheers. George.
LOL Ok I changed my mind 427 small block "done up 283 looks"
Gotta research your swaps carefully. Check your oil pan sump dimensions, steering and exhaust for clearance before you commit to 389. Here's what happened when a guy asked me to install an 455 Olds engine in a 64 Wildcat and the vehicles showed up at my shop before I had studied. Can't modify the firewall for clearance (fairly sure it's a sin) and needed the engine to sit down straight so gave the frame crossmember a shave. Oh and needed a Toronado left manifold. Best if you could have a close look at a loose 389 for some dimensions and details and if it appears to fit....well........ 3 dueces and a 4speed and a ....... you get the picture. I think it's a cool if not the most economical choice
For the vintage look, a 283 (or at least any SBC masquerading as a 283) with a dual quad WCFB intake or an Edelbrock re-issue triple deuce intake with chrome army helmet air cleaners.
Any objections to a hopped-up 261 six?
Cam you know how i feel about that beautiful 261 engine but i get the general impression that the 261 inliner is not a consideration here. It sounds like Will needs the bigger ponies under the hood on his 57 Pontiac. Will if you are listening, how do you feel about a souped up six. 261 souped up six that is because it will drop right in with no work. No mucking around to get that 261 six in there because 57 Pontiacs came standard with the 261 inliner six. The only draw back is that speed equipment for the six is expensive compared to the Chev V-8 small block. Unless you can buy the speed equipment good used and low cost, it is still a better deal to drop in a Chevy bent eight of the small block variety. Will in case you are interested here are some photos of what an original 261 inliner six cylinder motor looks like for you 57 Pontiac. This is the motor in my 57. Again good luck in what ever you decide. Cheers. George.
George, you need a label made up for "under the Bonnet" that says "WOW!! I COULD"VE HAD A V 8" !!!!
Pete when i had my 1970 Chevelle with 250 Chevy six inliner power, i had a large decal on the firewall that basicly said "NO V-8's ALLOWED" It was a decal i got from our INLINERS INTERNATIONAL CLUB. A large red circle with a red slash through it and the V-8 saying in the middle. You know sort of like a no smoking sign but no V-8's instead. I use to love the reactions i would get at car shows with that sign on my Chevelle's firewall. I find there has been some changes for the better in our great hobby. More and more folks are chosing to not only keep the inline six but to actually like it. I have observed more and more restored sixes as well as souped up sixes in vintage cars at car shows. There is room for every body in this great hobby of our's. Cheers. George.
-- Edited by long stroke on Tuesday 20th of November 2012 12:08:42 PM
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
George I can't remember what co. made the V8 drink, but that was their slogan back in the 70's Thought it 'might' apply here?? Like the "no V8's allowed too!!!!
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
George I can't remember what co. made the V8 drink, but that was their slogan back in the 70's Thought it 'might' apply here?? Like the "no V8's allowed too!!!!
I remember the veggie drink well and they still make it. I think it is Campbell soup that makes the V-8 drink. George.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
Thanks for the input guys. I would happily put in a SBC but it would have to be of the proper vintage. Thought the 389 would be a unique touch, but it sounds like more money than it really needs to be for what i want. The done up 6 cyl would have been nice, but my Laurentian is a factory V8 car. But my 55 Chev is not and has a 235 with a offy 3X1 Intake, Fenton duals and cyclone gears.
Thanks for the input guys. I would happily put in a SBC but it would have to be of the proper vintage. Thought the 389 would be a unique touch, but it sounds like more money than it really needs to be for what i want. The done up 6 cyl would have been nice, but my Laurentian is a factory V8 car. But my 55 Chev is not and has a 235 with a offy 3X1 Intake, Fenton duals and cyclone gears.
WILL, wow........ now that is really sweet brother. Very very nice indeed, very nice. Please show the brotherhood here more photos of your sweet 55 Chev. I tottally agree with you, to keep the 57 Pontiac original with an original 57 283 V-8. I know someone that may be interested to sell his 57 283 V-8. I will PM you this guys name and phone number. Will good luck with both your fine rides, the 57 Pontiac and the 55 Chev. Cheers. George.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
I'm seeing the 55 chevy was a three on the tree, but looks like it may be on the floor now [nothing hooked up to levers on column] & cross shaft still in there. COOL!! That "in-liner" with the "tri power is neat!!!
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
Can't modify the firewall for clearance (fairly sure it's a sin) and needed the engine to sit down straight so gave the frame crossmember a shave. Oh and needed a Toronado left manifold. 
