The Engine, the Heart of the Car
(Page 2 of 2)


The leaks were obvious once we pulled the engine back out.

More evidence of engine oil leaks. After we thoroughly looked everything over, we found that the leak was caused by the oil pressure sending unit. It couldn't handle the increased pressure from the high volumn oil pump.

One slight bit of damage - in lowering the hoist, the help went too fast and dropped the engine. The pulley on the front took most of the impact, damaging the lip.

The new suspension and power brake parts stand out in the empty engine bay.

Ok, so how do you turn an automatic transmission into a manual? Simple answer - install a Lokar shifter. Now the only question is why?

Of course with a floor shifter, it had to come through the floorboard somewhere. Kurt wasn't happy about losing the antique embossed rubber mat, but he wanted the power of the shifter. Floor shifters are also faster to use when racing.

The modified 327 back from Pete. It still looks like an engine, but much less stock now.

Kurt waited no time the day the engine came home with getting it back onto the engine stand and starting the reassembly process.

The internal workings of the engine.

While at Carlisle, Kurt's wife spotted this in line fuel filter. The fins are a close match to the valve covers and air cleaner that Kurt wanted for the wagon.

The reassembled engine, still '56 engine red. You can see that nifty fuel filter tucked up close to the carb and air cleaner.

Kurt wanted to keep the generator, if possible.

The top of the new engine. Finned Edelbrock valve covers, the finned fuel filter, and a finned air cleaner provide a very retro look. The 1" spacer under the carb provided clearance for the air cleaner from the coil.

One newly rebuilt and modified 327 ready to go.

To put this engine in, Kurt emailed the guys in the Capitol Classics car club to see if anyone wanted to help. Four members and 3 friends showed up for the drop in party. One of the two teenage boys is under the car and the other is running tools. With all the extra hands, the engine went in quickly and smoothly.

However, the new heads were 3/4" taller than the originals and there was no room behind the valve covers for anything. Kurt provided the additional clearance by removing the fins from the back of the valve covers. This built engine is all under the hood.

Just one thing to say - All Throttle, No Bottle.

It looks and runs great too.
The generator had to be replaced though with an altenator, to clearance the master cylinder and power brake booster. Which meant that the wiring harness for the engine had to be upgraded.
And Kurt later added MSD ignition with the Petronox ignitor instead of the original points.

 

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Engine and Chassis
Early Mods
Dismantling
Tear Down
Dogleg Rust Repair
Frame
Body Work
Body Work
Painting
Painting
Reassembly
Reassembly
Before and After
Before and After