Messages

1

Restoration / Re: Acceptable Level of re-build

« on: February 12, 2012, 04:39:39 AM »

Thanks guys, great input! Now all one has to do is make a decision!

2

Restoration / Re: Acceptable Level of re-build

« on: February 11, 2012, 12:16:36 AM »

Gary,

Yes the 327's are good engines. I'm not sure what cam is in it currently but would suspect it is original. I have only owned it for 1 year and as far as I know only the top end had been done some time ago. What do you think a guy should put in it? I don't race it, just cruise mostly, but do like to accelerate it thru the gears once in a while..... like most of us I presume! Just like the idea of a little lumpy when idling and a nice deep rumble thru the exhaust when driving. I was thinking of a flowmaster exhaust system with maybe a little bigger set of headers. What do you think? It still has the stock 12 bolt 3:31 ratio, positrac rear end. What gear ratio would you suggest?

I'm not overly concerned with gas mileage...... at least not now just having to much fun cruising around on nice summer days!

Kendell

3

Restoration / Re: Acceptable Level of re-build

« on: February 09, 2012, 06:22:15 PM »

Gary,

I think you have just confirmed what my gut has been telling me all along!! I just needed someone to tell me the facts!

4

Restoration / Re: Acceptable Level of re-build

« on: February 09, 2012, 06:17:21 PM »

Gary,

Great points! Yes I have read that the Saginaw's were weak and not many have survived all these years. As you say putting all that HP in would certainly push the limits on the tranny. If I blew that out then the car wouldn't be a true L30 M20!!

Thanks Gary I agree with what you are saying.

Kendell

5

Restoration / Acceptable Level of re-build

« on: February 09, 2012, 04:02:21 PM »

OK so here I go. No doubt this question has been asked several times in the past but here goes anyways! I have to do some engine work on my 68 - 327. We beleive it to be an original L30 M20 but am having difficulties in confirming the engine to the car, (engine stamp pad issues) but it has the saginaw trans and correct rear end. All date stamps, engine, transmission, rear end, line up to be original to the car. The heads are correct and I also have the original intake and carb and they to are correct. So, all in all, that is why we believe it is all original to the car. We will of course discover more once we are inside the block, but that's a story for another day.

I guess what I am struggling with is how far does one go with the rebuild on the engine and keep it within acceptable limits to being "original". I would of course like to get more HP out of her while keeping it a nice cruising car so would like to be in the 350 - 375 hp range when done.

I think I read somewhere one time that you can alter the engine componets and still maintain it's originallity. What would that mean exactly? As an example, the car now has a Edlebrock Performer intake and carb, I have put on a MSD ignition system on her...... is that still "acceptable" or is it now considered modified? I would like to put a different cam in it, (wanting something a little lumpy!) what would that do to the originality of it?

I realize that it all boils down to what I want with the car, but in all reality one must keep the overall value in mind to. I can see making significant changes to a car that doesn't have many, if any, of the original components to it, but if in fact this is a true L30 M20 wouldn't I be better off keeping it as close to original as possible?

I would appreciate any thoughts you have on all of this and in particular, (For the basis of this discussion let's say I have a true L30 engine)

What would I need to do to get it up to the 350 hp while keeping it as original as possible, or within acceptable standards?

In terms of value, would it be better to keep it all orignal or would some modifications be acceptable?

Thanks guys I appreciate your input

Kendell