1955 pontiac chieftain wagon build

Hey guys, I am starting my build on my pontiac. 1955 chirftain 870 four door, it has the factory strato streak 287(?) with the carter 4 barrel option. Anybody know any good power adders for these? I want it to be returnable to stock but am very open to cams, heads, headers, that sort of stuff. It is my first build so any insight would be awesome. Thanks guys

 

Personally , I wouldn't go much furthur than adding dual exhaust if it was just a cruiser. There is a cast iron elbow for the driver side manifold for this or get the prebent pipes from Kanter and the elbow isn't needed. Headers are a custom deal and could be very expensive. There are also plenty of multiple carb intakes out there as well.

The reason I say this is any Pontiac 55-60 because of the trans bolt pattern which would include the 389 would be a very easy swap. I would think better money would be spent on more cubic inches. And the 55-56 exhaust manifolds have smaller openings which would be restrictive on a larger engine and would need changed as well.

 

Where can I get the elbow for yhe exhaust? Also, were there fender skirts available? I will be putting pics up tonight, finally got the camera back!

 

I think Ames or if not try California Pontiac restoration.

 

Thanks for the help man. I am very excited about doing this. I got the car ten years ago when I was 16, I just never touched it. I am finally doing it though. Here are some pics of it with plenty more to come along the way. I do have the original light up hood ornament as well, it is just not attached in these pics!

 

The 389 with a single AFB wud give you lots of ponies. It wud be an easy swap and there are a number of cams available for it. I don't know if I'd keep the Hydramatic as they can be touchy. On this side of the country, it'll cost ya about $2k plus parts to have it rebuilt, if you can find someone willing to do it. If you go to a '65 block and up, you can bolt up a Turbo 400 directly, which will handle the horses. You can also get an adaptor to bolt up a 2004R or a 700R4 O/D which wud help with mileage if you're cruisin' regularly. Looks like you've got a real nice start for a great cruiser. Best wishes and enjoy!!

 

Your car looks to be in great shape and Bowtie Coupe and 55chieftain have some pretty sound advice. The 389/TH400 combo would make that wagon a pleasure to drive and you can get still stuff at auto parts stores. Keep us posted, I'd like to see how this turns out.

 

Thank you guys! I think for the moment I will get the 287 running, but be looking for the 389. I rebuilt the carb yesterday (first one I've done!) and today I will be running all new fuel line and re sealing the gas tank. The whole car is pretty much rust free except that darn fuel system haha. I will keep yall posted for sure. I will grab some pics under hood today too