Joe, One thing to keep in mind if you plan on one of these new 318 blocks, after 1961 the crankshafts are not compatable with your transmission. Since these engine blocks come without cranks, I think a 61 or earlier 318 crank should fit. Or you could update to a 727 Torqueflight and use a 62 to 66 318 crank. I am not sure if later redesigned 318s use the same crank. If you are looking for the least expensive option and are not interested in originality, try to find a good healthy low mileage late 318 with tranny and put in both. Should only cost a few hundred to 500 bucks. These will probably be in better condition the the originals anyway. Sounds like it is time for Jason (and everybody else with teenagers starting to drive) to get lessons on car maintenance. Things like fluid level checks, leaks, tire pressure, monitoring gages, strange noises, changes in the feel of the car's handling, brakes, engine performance, and what to do with each situation. Somethings you can limp along with to the next phone or service station, and sometimes you need to pull over ASAP. AAA Plus is a very good idea if you are driving an older vehicle. I have used it several times. Dave Homstad
----- Original Message ----- From: Dave Stragand Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2001 8:57 AM To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: [FWDLK] A Sad Tale
Hi Joe,
A 277 and a 318 are almost indistinguishable from each other. There is a
guy who keeps advertising in Hemmings that has new old stock Chrysler
industrial 318 wide blocks (short blocks) for only like $300 -- in the
original cosmoline and crates! That would mean all you'd need to do is have
your current heads checked out, and bolted on. I know you're both
mechanical enough to be able to do that -- it's not as dificult as you'd
think... then drop then engine in (maybe two hours)...
Anybody out there have the number of that guy with the short blocks?
Just a thought...
-----Original Message-----
From: joe frega [mailto:joefrega@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2001 9:25 AM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [FWDLK] A Sad Tale
Hello everyone,
Last weekend was prom weekend and Jason took several
friends in his 56 Belvedere and caravaned about 60
miles to a local state park for the day after prom.
On his way back, he called and said his car had
overheated. Long story short - after a $300 tow bill
and an assessment by my mechanic, the engine is shot.
Jason is devastated.
Mechanic estimates $3000 for a rebuild and estimates
$1000 to swap engines from our other 56 belvedere.
The other engine hasn't run in 5 years and the fellow
in Texas that we got it from told me that he had put
in a new crank shaft and had it running. I'm trying
to get a hold of him now to find out what more he can
tell me but if it needed a new crank shaft (and the
work was done by another family member) I'm concerned
about the quality of the engine.
The obvious problem is that I don't want to throw time
and money into the second engine if it will turn out
to be no good anyway. I may end up trying to sell
both cars as is. Jason is really upset about that
prospect.
It's a sad tale about a great looking red/white 56
Belvedere which has bitten the dust. You may recall
that Jason and I worked on the car together when he
was 15. He's now 17 1/2 and it has been his daily
driver and pride and joy since he got his license.
Does anyone have any thoughts/suggestions or another
engine to sell? (277 ci w/powerflight)
Thanks for your thoughts
Joe (and Jason)
56 Belveder(s) both currently dead :(
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices
http://auctions.yahoo.com/
|
Back to the Home of the Forward Look Network