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WIW: '61 Pontiac 195?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by OneRustedDodge, Sep 21, 2011.

  1. OneRustedDodge
    Joined: Jan 28, 2007
    Posts: 184

    OneRustedDodge
    Member

    Hello HAMBers,

    I'm looking at possibly picking up a '61 Pontiac 195 engine for a project, but I'd like to make sure it's worth something. I can get the engine complete for $200, although it will need a rebuild. Is there anything particular to look for on these engines? I'm new to Pontiacs and any advice is appreciated.

    - Jon
     
  2. Not going to get much cheaper than that in this day and age of high scrap prices.

    The 194 is a 389 with one bank lopped off. About the biggest issue on these is the timing chain; they shake a lot, and have special vibration dampers on the chain to keep it in place. It should share some internal components with the 389/400 engines (pistons, rods, some bearings, head/valves). Cam and crank are probably going to be unobtanium.

    I believe with some searching there is a tech thread here for these motors.
     
  3. Different and, IMHO ugly. No aftermarket support. Also heavy when compared to other four bangers. I would pass. It is going to be a money pit.
     
  4. stuart in mn
    Joined: Nov 22, 2007
    Posts: 2,406

    stuart in mn
    Member

    If it's a four barrel carb version, they're somewhat sought after by the early Tempest guys.
     

  5. Moloko
    Joined: Dec 14, 2005
    Posts: 726

    Moloko
    Member

    Hard to find parts for, but I've seen some NASTY ones that the sand draggers build. Some guy has a early Jeep with one. Has a blower, runs on alcohol.

    Took some videos of it. A few of the things at this race has the Tempest 4cyl's in them.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG-Pa4Ik4Nk - Skip to 2:24
     
  6. Vintage Warrior
    Joined: Feb 11, 2008
    Posts: 79

    Vintage Warrior
    Member
    from TX

    If you passed on it let me know where it is.
     
  7. Check 61-63 Tempest/Lemans thread on the PY forum for great info and help.
    Check you tube for 11sec. Tempest by Nunzi.
    Cams can be custom ground and I believe Scat will make a crank if needed. Edelbrock Heads fit and Modified torker intakes work well. It take more work than building a SBC.
    Dare to be different
     
  8. Bad Daddy
    Joined: Nov 13, 2010
    Posts: 829

    Bad Daddy
    Member

    Saw this at Stoke's Ranch last year. It was in a model T build. He even used that odd rear trans-axel in it too.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. 1Bad67
    Joined: Mar 22, 2006
    Posts: 223

    1Bad67
    Member

    Totally worthless. I'll take it off your hands :) Been wanting to build one for several years now. I have one Ram Air head sat aside just for it.
     
  10. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 9,814

    BJR
    Member

    Plus you can do two 195 motors with one set of 389 custom valve covers.
     
  11. Bearing Burner
    Joined: Mar 2, 2009
    Posts: 1,107

    Bearing Burner
    Member
    from W. MA

    As I remember the bolt pattern on the rear of the block is unique to this engine. No regular GM trans will bolt to this engine.
     
  12. mechanickeith
    Joined: Mar 9, 2009
    Posts: 470

    mechanickeith
    Member

    Not true, Standard BOP bell housings will bolt right up. If you use a 61-63 bellhousing & flywheel you can use the stock starter. If a newer housing is used, a block starter mount will have to be fabricated.
     
  13. mechanickeith
    Joined: Mar 9, 2009
    Posts: 470

    mechanickeith
    Member

    If complete, pretty good price. Lots of power can be made with these motors. If built correctly, you can get many miles out of them. My daily driver has over 175K on it since the last overhaul. Not hard to get over 200HP out of one in street trim. Lots more if drivability is not a big issue. Depending on the block, I have seen some that were capable of going .120 over bore with ease. Just about anything Pontiac V8 can be used, rods, pistons, aftermarket heads, blown, turbo, all doable.
     

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