Austin-Healey Update

For those of you following my efforts to turn a relatively valuable Austin-Healey into a less-valuable hot rod, here's the motor and tranny almost ready for the install:



And here's the rest of the story of my travels to the dark side:

http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?13,8264

 

Oh that looks like fun. Not sure what oil filter that is but the Motorcraft FL-300 is shorter than the regular one and might make servicing easier. I used them in my Cougar with the oil cooler. If it were me I would use an electric FP just so I didn't have to face the difficulty of changing out the mechanical if it failed.

I'm surprised that the Tiger manifolds fit the GT40P heads so well without interfering with the plugs.

 

I assume you're doing a big Healey. Years ago, Buster Henderson (aka 3 deuces) did same car for a customer. As I recall, he put a SBC, Chevy trans, 9 inch Ford and some mini tubs in the car. From the outside, it was stock appearing (except from the rear) and was a really clean conversion. You may want to ping him and see if he still has any pictures. They would not be digital, if he does.

 

Went with the mechanical FP, because I couldn't stand the constant clicking of the electric version. Seems like the biggest problems with GT40Ps and spark plugs have to do with aftermarket headers. Most 5.0 headers are going to give some problems. Since I'm using the cast iron Tiger manifolds, spark plug boot fit seems pretty good.

 

Yep, it's a big Healey. Austin-Healey V8 conversions have been going on since the '50s. Ol' Yeller guy Max Balchowsky is reputed to be one of the first with a 283 swap. Here's a later SBC swap:



With the introduction of the narrower thinwall casting Ford 260, the SBF swap became popular. It requires a lot less sheet metal removal. Credited with the first SBF swap was Larry Zirbes, the General Superintendent of Ford's Cleveland engine plant where the 260 was produced. He got a head start on everyone and his swap was featured in the August, 1963 issue of Hot Rod.

I'm trying to make this a "traditional" swap, with a few liberties. No tubbed rear, but original wire wheels and a stock rear end. It won't be a Cobra killer, but still should be big fun.

 

Where's the pics? Man I love Healys. I'm doing a 53 MG TD. Narrowed Corvette rear, 350 and 5 speed, with Corvair front suspension. Everything fits under the hood and looks kind-a stock except for the wheels and exhaust. Just got the body back from the paint shop.

 

Great looking TD! Should be a real handful when you're finished. This kind of thing is sort of a dark corner in the world of traditional hot rodding, good to see others that enjoy it. As far as more pics go, clicky: http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?13,8264

 

Anybody remember Stormin' Norman Cowdry? He ran a blown alcohol Healey in the '60's.

 

Sure do. Here's another view of his "13 Superstition" (apparently Norm didn't give a crap about painting your race car green and numbering it "13")



How about these times for 1966:

1/4 Mile ET: 9.000 at 11-11-66 (Drag News) | 1/4 Mile MPH: 165.44 at San Fernando 4-8-66 (Drag World)

Not too long ago a HAMBer did a real nice model of 13 Superstition. Wish I could find the link.

 

Meant to include the link to the Max Balchowsky SBC Healey swap. This is a very cool story: http://www.onlinebiographies.com/page11.html

 

That is a waste if a perfectly good MG AND HEALEY

Kidding - love the ideas keep the pictures coming.

Ex Limey

 

Good to see you making progress, Rick. I got a set of custom-made SBC headers with that butchered 100M I owned back in the '70s which made spark plug changes pretty easy. I'm sure you'll love the result.