What route should i take?

I'm thinkin about building a 1957 Pontiac. I want this car to haul *** but not be very loud and obnoxious. I don't want it to look fast. I wanna go with the red and white paint with fender skirts but I want it to be fast. I know the 347 was the stock engine but in order to maintain a LOW PROFILE and not get horrible mileage, what drivetrain should I go with? ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Thanks a million!

 

I'd round up a later 389; As strong as you need, with a lot of goodies available.

4TTRUK

 

Loads of options out there. The 347 has potential and would be cool based on it's period correctness. Some fabrication and you can put any Pontiac engine you want in there...389,400,455. All of those have a pretty good selection of parts available to produce some decent HP numbers and loads of torque.

My personal opinion is that you should avoid the SBC and/or LS1 route for such a great old car. Nope, not going to get 30 MPG with a Pontiac 455, but for me it's the Smiles Per Gallon that matter. If you really really want mileage, drive a Prius...

 

There's more to life than great gas mileage!

 

What TeeJay said; Stay with Poncho Power !!!!!!!! (The 421 was a strong, well mannered item....)

4TTRUK

 

I am a newbie I have a 347 out of a 57 GMC and am noodling out a rough late 50 early 60 34 Ford roadster Pu that will be made by chopping of the top of a very rough 34 pu cab --fairly traditional roadster pu is what I have in mind will most likely stretch the wb to 116".. I want to warm the 347 up some--- 2 rochesters 2GV ? on a 62 Tri Power manifold with the center blocked off is what I have in mind. What should I consider doing to the 347--I have no experience with Pontiacs

 

What is FAST ? Do you have alot of money ? If not , I would stay away from the 421. Pontiac 421 are big money. The 455 will make good streetable power and not break the bank. Buy the book on building Pontiac engine and do some reading.

Toxic Waste

 

Why would the 347 get horrible milage? If it's a good running engine it should do fine. If the trans is good and worth keeping a 59-60 389 would bolt in if your looking for more power. Otherwise go to a later model 400 or 455 and be pump gas friendly. Of course mounts and all driveline related componets would need modified if you went that route.

This is an intro part of the forum not the main board. Anymore questions should be posted on there.