51 Champ 350 conversion

[t walgamuth]

The small block ford is very light and very narrow. It is a great choice in my mind in many cases. Plus ever since carroll shelby put them in the cobra I have wanted one but so far not yet have I owned one.

[toastervet]

My car looks like a 51 clone of yours...same color. Do you have some good pictures of your interior? Thanks

[studebakerkid]

There is a guy on Ebay that has some kind of computerized plasma torch and all he makes is header flanges. You can buy the flanges from him and make what ever exit port type of header/exhaust manifold that you need for what ever transplant you plan to use. I built my own for Pinkie two deckades ago using Crane flanges that are NLA so I bought a set from him to make another as Pinkies are getting tired. The flanges look great.

Personally I am no fan of any automatic. It that 51 I would use the Bell and fivespeed trans from a Camero. For Pinkie I just use a top loader but being able to lay rubber say at 30 or 40 really make the kiddies in their toyotas shut up.

[deco_droid]

My car looks like a 51 clone of yours...same color. Do you have some good pictures of your interior? Thanks

Me? I have some photos of my interior, but right now it's in pieces as I'm cleaning it up and doing new upholstery. I can post some later if you'd like...

[toastervet]

I'd love to see the pictures.

[deco_droid]

I'd love to see the pictures.

Okay, I'll try to post a few soon.

[Alan]

Please do put up some pics. of your build. You are not the first to ask about that build. I have never done an engine swap on any Stude older than a 53, so I am no help there. But when you get around to the springs I know of a shop just East of Riverside and also one in Lynwood that will make you anything you need. And I almost forgot San Diego Spring.

[Collectors garage]

This seems a good lesson on how to ruin a iconic car.

[Larry R]

I have done what you are asking about. What I did was to graft a '68 Camaro front clip to the Stude frame, this gives you Chevy engine and trans mounts, a more modern suspension which affords disc brakes and power steering if you want it, (I did). The Camaro sub frame fits in between the stude frame rails like it as made for it. I used headers made for the first gen Camaro and they fit fine. I also installed a TH 400 transmission with a Gear Vendors overdrive. The engine has a Weiand 177 superchaerger as well as a Holley TBI fuel injection. The hood closes over all that without any bulges or holes. Here are a couple of photos of my car. As you can see I am not finished yet. The car will be primarily for the street so It also has A/C and other creature comforts.

[sweetolbob]

Gorgeous!!


I note the TBI set up on the blower, may I inquire about the EFI system you plan to use.


Thanks, Bob

[deco_droid]

I have done what you are asking about. What I did was to graft a '68 Camaro front clip to the Stude frame, this gives you Chevy engine and trans mounts, a more modern suspension which affords disc brakes and power steering if you want it, (I did). The Camaro sub frame fits in between the stude frame rails like it as made for it. I used headers made for the first gen Camaro and they fit fine. I also installed a TH 400 transmission with a Gear Vendors overdrive. The engine has a Weiand 177 superchaerger as well as a Holley TBI fuel injection. The hood closes over all that without any bulges or holes. Here are a couple of photos of my car. [ATTACH=CONFIG]19271[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]19272[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]19273[/ATTACH] As you can see I am not finished yet. The car will be primarily for the street so It also has A/C and other creature comforts.

Wow -- I can't believe it all fits under the stock hood!

[toastervet]

Nice job. What is the expected HP?

[Larry R]

Nice job. What is the expected HP?

I expect 450 +. The engine is not all that radical.

[deco_droid]

I expect 450 +. The engine is not all that radical.

I would hate to see your idea of a "radical" engine, Larry!