JimmyDuncan
Well-Known Member
Welcome to my build thread!
My name is Jimmy...
I’m typically a lurker on forums, usually read it all and keep quiet. But I’m 100% sure that I’m going to need a lot of support in the endeavour to rebuild my first 350 engine, to go in my 66 Impala (named Frank the Tank by my 6 year old daughter..). So, I figured I had better introduce myself and get amongst it all..
Frank is a Turquoise (with original patina) coloured 1966 Impala 4 door pillarless. Currently sporting a 307, possibly out of a pickup of some sort and a 2 speed powerglide, Frank is a cruiser at best… The radiator has been reconditioned, the brakes have had work and stop when required, new exhausts have been fitted and new shock absorbers fitted. Frank is in need of a bit of remedial work, as there is a serious bog if I try to accelerate quickly and there are strange clanks underneath on the odd occasion, maybe related to gear changes or drive line… I’m pretty sure the 2bbl Rochester isn’t doing me any favours either…
I recently bought a recently running, built sometime in the 70s, 350 engine (3970010) and TH350 transmission… (the engine is currently nicknamed “Grimy”). I think they may have originally been out of a Camaro. The plan is to rebuild both and install them in Frank the Tank.
I am thinking that in the short term I might service the TH350 and fit it in to Frank soon. This may help the 307 get us cruising a little faster from the stand still. Then over winter I’ll rebuild the 350 and hopefully have it in and running for summer!
My goal for the engine and for Frank is to get to a point where I can challenge my Dad’s 66 Turquoise 2 door Belair (Franks cooler cousin) over the ¼ mile. He’s got a big block and a manual transmission, and more funds… He’s gotten close to 13 flat for the ¼ mile, which I know isn’t that fast, but I would like to just beat him… (Beating dad has always been a motivation for me… he still has the family half marathon record…. But I’ll have that this year too….) So, using the calculators online, to get my approx 4000 pound loaded car to go 13 seconds flat, I’m after 360hp…? But, for some reason 400hp sounds good…. Hopefully I can get that with this 350 and then once I have the experience under my belt, I’ll look towards a big block…
The budget is limited, a ball park figure of $2-3k. Parts are more expensive here in Australia, so I’ll need to be efficient… The more I can do myself (within reason), the better. I will need to buy and borrow some specialist tools and order parts over time. I am in it for the experience and the outcome...
I have initial thoughts on what new parts will go into the build, but I’m relying on you guys to point me in the right direction for a build that will be reliable, fun to drive and go quick when asked to.Feel free to spell out the specific parts...
I’m looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks…
My name is Jimmy...
I’m typically a lurker on forums, usually read it all and keep quiet. But I’m 100% sure that I’m going to need a lot of support in the endeavour to rebuild my first 350 engine, to go in my 66 Impala (named Frank the Tank by my 6 year old daughter..). So, I figured I had better introduce myself and get amongst it all..
Frank is a Turquoise (with original patina) coloured 1966 Impala 4 door pillarless. Currently sporting a 307, possibly out of a pickup of some sort and a 2 speed powerglide, Frank is a cruiser at best… The radiator has been reconditioned, the brakes have had work and stop when required, new exhausts have been fitted and new shock absorbers fitted. Frank is in need of a bit of remedial work, as there is a serious bog if I try to accelerate quickly and there are strange clanks underneath on the odd occasion, maybe related to gear changes or drive line… I’m pretty sure the 2bbl Rochester isn’t doing me any favours either…
I recently bought a recently running, built sometime in the 70s, 350 engine (3970010) and TH350 transmission… (the engine is currently nicknamed “Grimy”). I think they may have originally been out of a Camaro. The plan is to rebuild both and install them in Frank the Tank.
I am thinking that in the short term I might service the TH350 and fit it in to Frank soon. This may help the 307 get us cruising a little faster from the stand still. Then over winter I’ll rebuild the 350 and hopefully have it in and running for summer!
My goal for the engine and for Frank is to get to a point where I can challenge my Dad’s 66 Turquoise 2 door Belair (Franks cooler cousin) over the ¼ mile. He’s got a big block and a manual transmission, and more funds… He’s gotten close to 13 flat for the ¼ mile, which I know isn’t that fast, but I would like to just beat him… (Beating dad has always been a motivation for me… he still has the family half marathon record…. But I’ll have that this year too….) So, using the calculators online, to get my approx 4000 pound loaded car to go 13 seconds flat, I’m after 360hp…? But, for some reason 400hp sounds good…. Hopefully I can get that with this 350 and then once I have the experience under my belt, I’ll look towards a big block…
The budget is limited, a ball park figure of $2-3k. Parts are more expensive here in Australia, so I’ll need to be efficient… The more I can do myself (within reason), the better. I will need to buy and borrow some specialist tools and order parts over time. I am in it for the experience and the outcome...
I have initial thoughts on what new parts will go into the build, but I’m relying on you guys to point me in the right direction for a build that will be reliable, fun to drive and go quick when asked to.Feel free to spell out the specific parts...
I’m looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks…
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