Help! Which engine for my '58
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg mb
Help! Which engine for my '58
My '58 does not have the right 283 290 hp fuel enjected motor it originaly came with. I am contemplating putting in a ram jet 350 to get it back to the orginal look but with todays performace. Good move or not??? Pics at http://www.waynepenner.com/my58
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Coburg / Holiday Bavaria / Florida
Re: Help! Which engine for my '58 (pennewa)
My '58 is running with a 327. But it's not a question of power. If possible I would search for a original motor. But of course nearly every SB wil match.
Ulrich
Ulrich
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 150
Likes: 8
From: Scottsdale AZ
Re: Help! Which engine for my '58 (pennewa)
What engine you go with is entirely a matter of personal preference. You can't have the original motor (unless you're extraordarily lucky and find it), so the car will never be 100% original. From there you need to decide if you are going to show the car for originality (ala NCRS), in which case getting something as close as possible to the original configuration, even down to reasonable date codes, is preferable. This usually increases the value of the car as well.
If you are not all that concerned with originality and just want to enjoy the car, there is nothing wrong with putting in a late model motor and getting the performance you want. The purists will cringe, but let 'em. It's your car.
On the other hand, you can also do both. Put in the 350 for now, and keep your eye out for that "correct" motor. Finding one that's just right may take a while, and with a relatively low cost 350 in there you can be enjoying the car while you search.
If you are not all that concerned with originality and just want to enjoy the car, there is nothing wrong with putting in a late model motor and getting the performance you want. The purists will cringe, but let 'em. It's your car.
On the other hand, you can also do both. Put in the 350 for now, and keep your eye out for that "correct" motor. Finding one that's just right may take a while, and with a relatively low cost 350 in there you can be enjoying the car while you search.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 116
From: AUSTIN Tx
Re: Help! Which engine for my '58 (pennewa)
Even if you decide on the 350, always be looking for the correct block for your car, as they will be harder to find every year. Getting the motor and FI unit will not be a inexpensive undertaking, but will pay off in the future. You are fortunate to have a 58 that did not have a VIN derivative stamped on the pad so all you have to do is find a "correct" block and that is as good as the original block for judging or for value enhancement. I have however, heard some comments about the ram air 350 not clearing the hood, but have no personal knowledge one way or the other.
:seeya :seeya
:seeya :seeya
