ENGINE
UPGRADES
I
think my favorite improvement, if I look at my own
restored classic cars, would have to be an engine
upgrade.
Part
of it makes real, practical sense: I like to go
fast, I like it when the car always starts, I like
better fuel economy, easier cooling, lighter weight,
and easier maintenance. And some of it doesn't make
much sense: I feel better about the emissions, and
I just think it's cool to do.
 Antique
car engine technology isn't near what engine technology
is today. Cylinder head design in particular has
allowed for far greater power and fuel economy.
It would not be uncommon for us to remove an engine
from a normal 50s or 60s era muscle car that was
originally equipped with an engine that got 10 miles
per gallon and developed 225 horsepower when it
was brand new. With today's technology we can install
an engine in that same car that develops 450 horsepower
and gets better than 20 MPG. And that is pretty
common and doable for normal money. If you're interested
in a larger budget, we can go as far as 750 horse
without any problem! And since I'm a fuel economy
freak, I just love the jobs that go out with big
efficiency, as well. Think about a diesel hot rod!
How about a plug-in? How about either one that develops
500 HP?!
 Most
commonly, though, the typical job takes a car from
the 200 HP range to the 350+ range for a very good
value. As I write this there are 9 cars in the shop
that fall into this category:
One
is a '66 convertible Thunderbird that used to have
a 390 CID engine in it, and we installed a 350 HP
EFI motor in its place. The client wasn't as interested
in the power, but in the economy and dependability.
He bought the car new, and asked me what could be
done to make it more dependable. Easy solution!
We also completely restored this Thunderbird.
Another
good example is a '74 Mustang convertible engine
upgrade. This gentleman wanted the same sort of
relief from the old, heavy, undependable motor his
car had in it originally, but he wanted his Mustang
to be able to roast the tires. Again, there is an
easy solution. We installed a stroked 351 Windsor
that we put Edelbrock/Magneti Marelli fuel injection
on. He was in and out for a good price, and about
430 HP.
In both of these cars we installed new, factory
crate motors, my favorite for dependability, price,
and great warranties.
ENGINE
UPGRADES #2 CLICK HERE
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