Projects 1960 Pontiac • North of the border

I’m going to go against the grain here .

why not stick with the 261 ?

put a T5 or an auto behind it and your done !

lots of hop up parts available and will push that car easily .

thers a couple 261’s for sale locally to me right now listed as “ runners” and for decent prices

just a thought

 

Twice the horsepower is why, and am looking forward to hearing that V-8. i do have the 261ci I-6, and they are good motors, but that’s just not my plan. i won’t throw it out, so if someone else ever doesn’t like the 327ci, i guess they could put the 6 back in?

 

That tank could have a second life as a skid plate. Sparks would fly.

 

Cool car. Subscription checked.
The only thing worse than the smell of old gas is getting a mouthful while siphoning it.

 

kinda excited to have received my rebuilt 327ci V8! It’s way too early, but it’s nice to look at in the shop

 

Just like Patsy Cline, this Ponch is starting to fall to pieces, with today’s help from my best pals!

 

I don't agree with that statement!

 

great project, always one of my favorite cars

 

google agrees.

https://images.search.yahoo.com/sea...fr2=piv-web&type=sbc_dial/E211US0G0&fr=mcafee

 

Subjective...
https://images.search.yahoo.com/sea...sb-top&ei=UTF-8&x=wrt&type=sbc_dial/E211US0G0

 

Here is/was my 1960 Laurentian sedan. This one had the 261 straight 6 in it and a cast iron powerglide. The 261 was also put in Chev and Maple Leaf 1 1/2 ton trucks.

 

X-mas came early!!

 

i have never changed a Sraight six to a Vee eight in a Chevy before, and most of Yous guys probably know this, but just passing on what i’m learning:

#1) get the V-8 style shorter motor mounts to crossmember


#2) pick up a V-8 bell housing


…more to follow…

 

Around 8 years ago, i purchased this dashboard dress-up-kit at a swap meet which was from a Parisienne, but I’m going to substitute the Laurentian script:

 

Those are the basic parts for a V8 swap in a 58 - 64 Chevy X frame. It sounds like the Canadian Pontiacs used the Chevy X frame, instead of a Pontiac frame. The V8 uses a fan shroud, while the six does not...At least on Chevys.

The I-6 3 speed trans will bolt right up to a V8 and use the same driveshaft. However, to use a 3 speed overdrive, or a 4 speed trans. (Muncie, T-10, Super T-10 etc.), the front driveshaft will need to be shortened. At least they need shortened on US built Chevys. The 3 speed overdrive and 4 speed transmissions are longer than the regular 3 speed. The 3 speed overdrives and 4 speeds are the same length, though.

Does your Pontiac use the same center driveshaft support bearing as a 58 - 64 Chevy? If so, when it's time to install the driveshaft have the car's weight on the suspension before tightening the center support bearing bolts, (jack stands under the rear axle and front A-arms). This way, the support bearing is centered in it's fore and aft travel.

 

Thanks kindly for the information! …i would not have done that, but i definitely will now. Much appreciated!

 

Heavier support bearings are also available. Not cheap, though.

Inland Empire Driveline IE210527XS Inland Empire Driveline Super Strength Bearing Supports | Summit Racing

The original style can be reinforced, though. I had the perimeter of the base welded solid, (instead of the stock spot welds. Also had a narrow strap welded across the top, from side to side. However, it's a tight fit for an aftermarket or reinforced bearing support, to go through the center of the X.

1958-2002 GM Drive Shaft Center Support Bearing (speedwaymotors.com) (Here's a stock unmodified support bearing).

 

Awesome car! As you have already figured out, Canadian 60's are basically Chebbies under the skin. Stuff like steering and brake upgrades are easy...and now the flaming can start - 1960 Pontiacs are the ONLY cars that 59 Caddy taillights look right in!

 

Who did your engine work?

 

Looks like a nice project to me - I did not see anything that would terrify me in so far as the rust repairs are concerned but then I used to be a panel beater in my misspent youth. Having said that, it's no black art and there are tons of "how to" Youtube vids on welding / floor repairs etc. Get a good MIG welder and start practicing on scrap metal, you'll soon get the hang of it. And really as long as the bead is strong, grinder and seam sealer will make you the certified welder you're not, those are floor pans after all.

No Canadian Pontiacs in my past but dad had a 57 Plodge in Israel of all places, I spent many happy Kms in that car as a child!

 

Jim Krause on Pipeline Road. i bought the entire engine from him.

 

I did the same thing with my U.S. ‘60 Pontiac, I went to the wrecking yards and got as much of the Bonneville dashboard and interior stuff as I could find to spiff up my plain jane Catalina, including a rear speaker and a Vibrasonic. It was 1967-68, so there were plenty to choose from in the wrecking yards back then and the stuff was like new.
My GF and I worked on our night moves in that big back seat, parked by the Lagoon in Marina del Rey, Ca. Great car, great memories….

 

His company/shop name is Turbo Automotive. He's a great engine builder and a good friend

 

Totally agreed!!

 

Thanks!

 

The good, ol’ days! …i’ve never been to California, but i’m looking forward to visiting, at least once!

 

Just read the whole thread.Good luck I'll be following here in Ottawa!

 

Keep the 6. There are a of Hop Up parts still available.I have a 62 Belair 2dr post with a 235 powerglide .You can put a glass of water on the hood and it wont ripple the water.Pushes the car just fine.

 

i truly appreciate that input, m’man… it’ll be an easy switch back to the 6, if necessary, but for now, i’m going to stick with my plan , with the V8

 

I was in California Summer/06.Drove from San Francisco to San Diego.The ride on the PCH is beautiful but can be a little nerve racking too.....it's a long way down in spots!