1949 Pontiac engine options

I have 1949 Pontiac with straight 8 hydromatic currently. It is 42,000 mile engine but has been sitting long time, last had running maybe 7 years ago. I wanted to update little for more reliable engine. I currently have been kicking around few options of what I have laying around garage. The car is going to be very very mild custom, removed stock grille (still looking for just that right replacement grille), most trim removed and filled. Just going to be nice clean smooth car but want to drive it anywhere I want to go.

1.) I have a 1967 Chevy 250 inline 6 with Offy 2-carb intake, I bought .040 over pistons and was thinking getting whole thing rebuilt and try to get get some performance with an overdrive trans and have something different from SBC

2.) I have a 1967 327 large journal SBC with maybe 400+ HP that would just make it true hot rod for most part.

3.) Sell all engines and parts I have and look for Pontiac V8

4.) Or just stick with the 1000# engine and trans currently in the vehicle

 

At this point, off-beat and antique motors get my attention.
HAMB'er Greg in Jax posted this nice looking straight-8 Pontiac.
More can be found HERE:http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=605805&highlight=pontiac+straight

 

I was toying with the notion of dropping a 401 nailhead that I got into my 49.

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Why not a simple 350 with auto trans. I'm doing it to a 49 Chevy and finding it not so difficult so far. And you could trade any of the motors you have for a good 350 and trans I'd bet. Going to the six cylinder may prove to be a little more difficult and costly.

 

hell id keep the straight 8 in it. I love those things with a porter glasspack or even a cherrybomb...ive got one that came out of a runnin car back a few yrs ago. clean as a whistle even still got the trans hooked up .oh anyone want to buy it get intouch with me I need the room!

 

389,400,428 or 455 Pontiac would be fun.

I wouldn't use a Chevy six unless it was already running and complete. same with the 327.

 

Pontiac V8

 

Since, you mentioned "reliable", I'd weigh in that the factory engineered stock engine would probably be more reliable than any modification. Keep a stock of essential parts and know them well, and you wil lbe unstoppable.

 

Buick str8-8 overhead.........I think they used them until 1952,......

4TTRUK

 

I had an Olds 350 in a '54 Pontiac in the '80s just because I got the engine for next to nothing when my 40,000 miles original straight 8 lost oil pressure. Back then rebuilding the original motor was pricey and if the hydromatic went out I'd have been SOL.

Any V-8 drops in pretty easy, with more room than a Chevy of the same year. If you had a Pontiac V-8 that would be best; maybe you can trade one for the 327?

 

Back in the day I had a '47 Pontiac and I split the exhaust manifold and put steelpack porter mufflers on it...it sounded awesome! These motors are not very fast but they are reliable...

 

Motor will run about forever if you keep it maintained. If it runs, run it.

Steering clearance can be an issue with a V8 in this chassis, although the inline eight cars allow for more setback than the later cars that came with a V8 from new.

 

Maybe I will get it running and see how behaves and go from there. Would love to find dual intake for it that would push me to keep it original.

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Its a tight fit but it will go. Heres the Nailhead in my '50 sedan Delivery.