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54 Pontiac V8 Conversion Build (Dirt floor tech)

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by unclechop, Feb 15, 2011.

  1. unclechop
    Joined: Apr 24, 2007
    Posts: 280

    unclechop
    Member

    Gday
    I know how thin on the ground Pontiac Tech is so ill share the mistakes im making;

    The car: 1954 Pontiac Chieftain 25 series 6 cylinder 3 spd manual

    The Engine: Holden 253 (I can here the groans through the computer, I wont justify it too much, but it is a long lost pontiac cousin and easier to get through rego)

    Gearbox: 3 speed holden manual M18

    Im using a rodtech engine tube $145 delivered

    Things learned so far:
    When working on dirt get some plywood or similar to lay on.
    There is bugger all reference points on the chassis to measure off.
    Rust in the eye sucks

    Things yet to learn:
    The clutch- should have got a rat trap bell not the cable one not sure what to do
    The column shift- Im going to keep it on the column but any one that knows BOP gearbox's will know about that stupid control rod setup(I will try an idea for that tomorrow)



    Here's the blank canvas

    [​IMG]


    These holes in the chassis rails had to be filled to accomodate the engine tube:
    [​IMG]

    Here is the gearbox x member that I made (I stole the idea from buzz bombs build)

    [​IMG]

    Here is the engine tube and engine tacked into place( had to lower it 30mm after this photo to get the right driveline angle:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I will get some more pics tomorrow of the member placement and such.
     
  2. R Pope
    Joined: Jan 23, 2006
    Posts: 3,309

    R Pope
    Member

    That 253 must have a pretty short stroke! The bores look quite large. What is that engine based on, an American Pontiac? Or is it some Mad Max down-under home-grown concoction? Either way, it looks like a good fit in your Tin Indian. At least it's not another SBC!
     
  3. R Pope
    Joined: Jan 23, 2006
    Posts: 3,309

    R Pope
    Member

    Hah! I was studying the side view of the engine in the frame, and found myself wondering where the steering column was. The it dawned on me that you guys are not only upside down, you're backwards! Okay, enough of that crap. Nice job so far, keep us posted.
     
  4. THE CHIEF
    Joined: Feb 22, 2007
    Posts: 847

    THE CHIEF
    Member
    from MIAMI

    me too i was like where the hell is the steering column
     

  5. unclechop
    Joined: Apr 24, 2007
    Posts: 280

    unclechop
    Member

    These type engines were produced from about 1969 till 2000 by holden GM.
    They are the cheapest and most common v8 here in australia.
    They come in 253,308 and 355
    Im only doing this as the original block cracked down number 3 bore

    253 V8
    [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Bore and stroke:92.08 mm x 77.77 mm[/SIZE][/FONT] (3.625 x 3.06)
    [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Power output 185 bhp (138 kW) at 4400 rpm[/SIZE][/FONT] Pontiac 6 115 hp
    [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Torque 262 lb/ft (353.7 Nm) at 2400[/SIZE][/FONT] P6 193 ft/lb
    [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Compression ratio:9:1[/SIZE][/FONT]
     
  6. hellerods
    Joined: Jul 25, 2008
    Posts: 165

    hellerods
    Member

    Keep us posted, I find your downunder build interesting and as a Pontiac guy, I wil help if I can. Go - son - Go !!
     
  7. Hey unclechop, nice work.
    One of the best V8s i ever owned was a 253 Holden.
    Watch them Aussie ants on the dirt floor, they're vicous mothers.
     
  8. unclechop
    Joined: Apr 24, 2007
    Posts: 280

    unclechop
    Member

    Got the engine assembled today -Painted it olds gold

    [​IMG]

    And got the engine tube finished off

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  9. Interesting that it looks like you have a US-type Pontiac and not the Canada/export variant which was mostly a Chevy under the skin.
     
  10. R Pope
    Joined: Jan 23, 2006
    Posts: 3,309

    R Pope
    Member

    Is that OHV six in the background the engine out of the Poncho? I ask because the American Pontiacs had flathead Sixes and Eights, the Canadian ones had Chev six overheads. As stated by Rusty ours were just minor changes on the Chev platform.
     
  11. unclechop
    Joined: Apr 24, 2007
    Posts: 280

    unclechop
    Member

    The Aussie ponchos were the US version with 239 and 268 sidevalve. about 150 each year from 49 were imported.

    The other motor is a holden grey motor,
    Basically a 3/4 size stovebolt 138 cu/in
    1948 to 1963.
     
  12. hellerods
    Joined: Jul 25, 2008
    Posts: 165

    hellerods
    Member

    I like your style and fabrication/welding work. How about a couple more engine pics, showing exhaust and rear of engine. I painted an engine gold once, way back when I was your age :>)
     
  13. unclechop
    Joined: Apr 24, 2007
    Posts: 280

    unclechop
    Member

    Well had a fajor muck up today,
    Dumb shit didnt put the external oil pump on while mocking up the mounts
    and went to put the finished engine in and it didnt fit.
    Going to have to put a remote oil filter and notch the front cross member.
    I had hoped to have the thing running for my 30th this weekend oh well
    One step forward 15 back.
    Does any one put so much pressure on yourself to get everything right and done to a schedule that you forget that it is just a car?

    Fu@king cars........
     

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