I don't think that's a good combination. Those 348's are big and heavy and they burn a lot of gas. The four speed idea is no good either. Your right arm will be tired all the time from shifting and your left leg will be sore from clutching all the time. Wouldn't you really rather have a 4cyl or v-6 in a normal car? I will PM you my ph number, call me and I will let you know when I can pick up that old heavy gas guzzler and the trans.
Put a 409 crank in that and a set of big block rods with new pistons, relieve the heads with trips or 2 x4's and you will have plenty of show power and go power. Go over to the 348 site and the guys there will gladly educate you on what to do with that W block. www.348-409.com
No tunnel ram for 348. Lamar makes a modern sheet style tunnel ram, but it is for big port 409/aftermarket heads. These are not rpm motors with thier heavy pistons and small port heads. So get out your wallet and have fun!
348/409 were sweetest looking GM made. Something about those valve covers is just over the top! I have a set on the speed shop wall in the garage, wish I could have a 409 between the fenders too! Go for it. 348 isnt real power house but run respectable on the street.
Sounds good to me. Like others said the sweetest looking GM motor - hell I'd go so far as to say the sweetest looking motor bar none!! We never did get many of them over here (only ever heard of one car with one) but I fully intend to get hold of one someday.....
You might want to rethink the 4:56's if your planning on driving it on the street. The W motors, especially the 348's don't like high revs. They do make awesome torque. Terry
I have a deuce roadster project with a 348/4 speed. Sure hope it's legal to drive if I ever get it finished.
My dads 1st car was a 58 Impala with a 348 (1962 era). I remember him telling stories of straightening out push rods on sunday morning before church because of saturday nite activites. lol I just got a 348 for my sectioned 49 Chevy truck. Kool looking motors.
Stick Shift: In the mid 60s I kept a stash of push rods and valve cover gaskets for the Sunday morning rebuild. I had a 348 in a 58 Bel Air 2 dr Hdtp with 4 speed and I was unable to resist a few Saturday night confrontations. We used to race for a 100.00 bills. That got rid of the wanna be's and brought in the serious players. Those were the days.
Go for it; however as everyone else already stated it will cost more $'s to build. As already mentioned use a 409 crank or better yet, a 427 crank if you have one... Gotta love those 'W' valve covers...... Torque motors, not high RMP.....
Its worth it for the looks alone.I was going to put one in my 56 but decided I wanted to have an engine in it that I could go to a parts store to get parts for if it broke down in the middle of nowhere.Still have the engine and may eventually put it in someday.
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