I have a really clean 65 four door. It has a 300 with a power glide. I would like to have a classic that is respectable at the drag strip. I want to install a big block and a better tranny. I will need to bucket seats up front and run bigger tires in the rear. I do not want to chop this car up and want to still drive it on the street. What kind of combo should I look for?
Well if you want a BBB such as 455 you are going to need a rearend that will hold up to it.I do not think the rear for sure would hold up to the 455.There are a few people on here that have went the 455 route in the 65s and they should be able to help.I know they will fit anyway.I personally would use a 350 if you were bound and determined to use a differant engine.You can get some respectable power from a 350 Buick and they are a stronger block from what I have heard than the 455,do not jump on me I just read that here somewhwere!.....The front suspension may have to be upgraded too if you go the 455 route,I put a 350 Buick in one of our 65s and it runs great,its not built for racing though but even stock the 350 is a respectable engine even if others disagree.....
I work on a 64 Special 4 door that a buddy owns. He has a 455 Stg2. Turbo 400 and a 9". It runs low 10's and he street drives it some. We run Moroso springs up front and swap engine mounts. With stock heads and normal headers it would be much easier. The 400 is a tight fit with a tranny shield. A T350 might be a better choice. Your going to be somewhat limited on rear tire choice. A 28*9 fits nice with no mods. We had to clearance the wheel wells some and have run 28*10.5's and now with more work he has 30*10.5's. Brenden
I am not sure if the 4 door has different wheel wells but on my two door I was able to get 26x12.50 mickey thompsons on the back and they fit perfectly with no rubbing even in the corners. I used 15x8.5 rims with 4.5 backspacing, It is a GM 12 bolt rear, I have stock springs with airbags in them, and have the lifting spacers under them. These aren't really required because even aired down the tires still clear. I think M/T is the only one who makes this size tire.
