Very nice car - gotta love those old "fat a$$" cars from back then. Had my 51 for about 15 years now - still running the 239, but have upgraded the driveline so she's a little more driveable on the highway. In all the shows I've been to over the years, I've only seen one other 51 and it was a fastback - so yup these babies are a little rare.
Very nice car - gotta love those old "fat a$$" cars from back then. Had my 51 for about 15 years now - still running the 239, but have upgraded the driveline so she's a little more driveable on the highway. In all the shows I've been to over the years, I've only seen one other 51 and it was a fastback - so yup these babies are a little rare.
Enjoy
When you say you kept the 239 and upgraded the driveline, does that upgrade include a newer transmission? And which diff did you choose? I'm researching and planning the same thing so any advice would help! Photos would be great too if you still have any.
Switched the 3spd for a T5 out of an 86 S10, and the rear axle is from a 98 Jimmy 4x4 with 3:42 gears. At highway speeds she's now turning about 1800rpm, and can stay there all day long. Mileage improved a bit too!!
Switched the 3spd for a T5 out of an 86 S10, and the rear axle is from a 98 Jimmy 4x4 with 3:42 gears. At highway speeds she's now turning about 1800rpm, and can stay there all day long. Mileage improved a bit too!!
Did the transmission bolt up to the 239 without too much work?
Switched the 3spd for a T5 out of an 86 S10, and the rear axle is from a 98 Jimmy 4x4 with 3:42 gears. At highway speeds she's now turning about 1800rpm, and can stay there all day long. Mileage improved a bit too!!
Did the transmission bolt up to the 239 without too much work?
Yes and no. An adapter plate is needed - they are commercially available but $$$, and the couple of companies I contacted could not confirm they would work with the old Pontiac bellhousing, so I made mine out of 3/4" aluminum plate. I'm still running the original clutch (rebuilt), throwout bearing and pedal/linkages. I was able to get a larger clutch disk (11"). The input shaft on the T5 needs to be removed and the bushing end shortened based on my plate design. The biggest issue is the trans cross member needs to be cut out and modified to catch the back mount on the T5. Check out the "Ultimate T5 Guide" over on the HAMB - I used it extensively.
Switched the 3spd for a T5 out of an 86 S10, and the rear axle is from a 98 Jimmy 4x4 with 3:42 gears. At highway speeds she's now turning about 1800rpm, and can stay there all day long. Mileage improved a bit too!!
Did the transmission bolt up to the 239 without too much work?
Yes and no. An adapter plate is needed - they are commercially available but $$$, and the couple of companies I contacted could not confirm they would work with the old Pontiac bellhousing, so I made mine out of 3/4" aluminum plate. I'm still running the original clutch (rebuilt), throwout bearing and pedal/linkages. I was able to get a larger clutch disk (11"). The input shaft on the T5 needs to be removed and the bushing end shortened based on my plate design. The biggest issue is the trans cross member needs to be cut out and modified to catch the back mount on the T5. Check out the "Ultimate T5 Guide" over on the HAMB - I used it extensively.
What a neat car, I love the steelies, wide whites and just a bit lowered stance, looks awesome! As Turdmagnet said those fat bottomed cars are just plain cool, love it and even more cool that you get to enjoy with your kids!