When it comes out of a Original 1957 Chevy, thats when. I have known of this engine for about a year now. The guy originally wanted Big bucks for it, so I just kinda kept tabs on it. Well When I got the new 32 sedan project and knew I wanted to build the car circa 1957 with nothing newer than that, I knew I had to have this engine. This engine is absolutly perfect for this project. It goes along with the whole theme perfect. I don't plan on doing anything to it but changing the plug wires to black and replacing the broken dist, cap. I do want to find an original 4 BBL air cleaner for it though, that is unfortunatly missing. But as far as everything else it is perfect. Generator and all. I'll post some engine install pics when the adapter comes. I got the toploader and all the clutch parts ready to go. Ordered some new Firestones and mounted them on some 16 wires that have been around for awhile. They look freash in the Spy shot I have included but they actually have some wear to match the body and eveything else about the car.
Nice Chevy man! Those early 4 bbls are a nice touch too. Most people trash them, and put a holley on it.(at least they used to). I would collect them for free,now I have a nice stash! Sorry I don't have an air cleaner that fits though. Let me know if you need parts,for old delco dizzy's,i have a 'few" also Sparky
That is the only way I would do a Chevy. I like it when they look period like that one. Even better that it IS period. What toploader are you gonna use?
What's a really rare is if you can find the original '57 Rochester fuel injection, now that's vintage! I'm trying to do the same thing but with a slightly later model, a '64 327, I'm trying to build it from all original speed parts (at least the externals). So far I've found a vintage Offy 6x2 intake with Ford 8BA carbs (stromberg adapter plates), and I'm slowly working my way down the list of other goodies. Nice engine! You really have something valuable there, I know of a few die hard restorers that would do almost anything to get thier hands on that motor. Rich
Hey Rudy, I bought a whole '57 Chevy wagon just to get the Power Pak engine a few years ago. That one needs fully rebuilt- that's why I was especially stoked to get another '57 SBC yesterday that runs *****in'! (just have to pull it from the '56 GMC truck it's in) I still need a proper 4bbl carb so if anyone has one to sell or trade please let me know. That tudr is gonna be sweet!!!
I'll be using a 39 Ford toploader with an Offy adapter. The 32 trans mount will be used to bolt it to the original x member. And I have a Hurst front engine mount, the early 283 engines don't have provisions for side mounts anyway. Yeah, I would love to put a early Rochester Fuelie unit on it. That would rule for sure.
The Chevy motor looks very nice and do look great all dolled up in vintage Tin. Buy please put a few pictures of the sedan , thanks John
That's a really good find! I especially like the engine that low springs posted. That was posted in a really good thread a while back. Here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43298
So when do we see the whole thing? Looks good my friend. That's an SBC when they were cutting edge. I'll bet I know where there's a right air cleaner. I got an old friend (retired GM) that aint never thrown nuthin' out. I'll go dig in his stuff if you want.
Hey...I know someone that has the air cleaner you need!!! If this car is anything like the others you've built (and I know it will be!)...it's gonna flat out RULE! (Even WITH a small block in it!! )
You are discribing the Deuce sedan I had several years ago. 56 265, Hurst mount and 39 trans. It spent 30 years in the back of a speed shop. Check out the engine movement post for the anti-chatter clips that you'll need with the Hurst mount.
Now a days anything pre-centerbolt valve covers is vintage. Nice score and it really is complete like you said.
That would be cool man, I just got the engine last night,so I'll be looking around here too. I remember pitching things like those in the trash back in the day, NOBODY would want to use the stock aircleaner. Now days SOME people think they are worth huge money. I'll take my time, one will pop up for a reasonable price. Hey HAtch, I was thinking the same thing, I know when Paul takes that car on rod runs he takes the aircleaner in the room with him at night! Ya think THAT one is worth big bucks.
Looks great Rudy. Did you see the post last week(?) that had the photo of the swap meet table loaded down with early mechanical fuel injection units. I could picture one of them sitting on top of that pretty little engine. Are those Hurst mounts still available?
The most vintage sbc engine was made in 1955. The next most in 1956. A 1957 would be the third most vintage sbc! ECT.
Sweet i just picked up a 1960 230Hp 'Vette 283 last weekend, i'm plannin duntov cam, solids, and 3 holley 94's on it
Rudy, Just did a quick check of my stash and I don't see the origional aircleaner I thought I had. I'll give it another look and if it's here, it's yours. If not let me know what else you need, I want to contribute SOMETHING to this build. Frank
What do you guys think of running the finned corvette valve covers on early 283's?? I'm thinkin of runnin them on my '58 283. I understand they have staggered bolt holes is that diff from the stock chevrolet script covers??
I really like them for a period look. And the rodders did too back then. You can find them with the bolts inline or offset. I don't know the years. I had the offsets on a 350 with 3 Ford 94s on it and was always being asked if it was a 283. Some places they're getting a little pricey but they're out there. Good luck,
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