Thread: tranny & rear for a blown 454 roller.

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I have been toying with an idea for quite a while now. Ever since I first saw one, I have wanted a 1965 AMC Marlin. It just looks like it should go fast. But even with a stock V8 it wouldn't be fast enough for me. I thought it would be fun to shoehorn a blown 454 roller motor into it. I had even thought of adding a 150 HP NOS shot to it or would that just be gilding the lily? I had wanted a manual transmission. Question is: what manual would hold up to that torture, and what rearend would. You all have a lot of experience with BB chevys, so maybe you will know what works. Will a T56 work? I was kind of hoping for a 6 speed, at least a 5 speed. It needs to have OD, too. Would a posi rear work?

Richard, I don't think there's ever been a more sensible post on this forum! "Dare to be wayyyyyy out there" sounds real good ..................................... until one figures out it costs 4 to 5 times what it's worth.

So what am I supposed to do to make a fast 65 Marlin with a high resale value (relative to the worth of the car). As for my blown 454 roller idea, what would it be appropriate to drop in? Definitely not a 39 Nash Slipstream sedan. A 351 Cleveland moves it along right nicely.

From a resale standpoint most people shy away from off brand engine swap combinations in anything past about 1955 or so (street (or"streets") rods of course are acceptable with almost any engine).

If your going to do a Marlin, I personally would put in the largest nastiest AMC engine you could find (the 390 or 401 engines were actually pretty decent for their day). Speed parts may be a little difficult to find but you never know what's going to show up on E Bay. Someone really good could possibly even modify an existing manifold to use with a blower and you would still come out cheaper and (IMO) have a car with a some sembelance of resale value, plus if done correctly one that could also be easily restored to original at a latter date.



Short story: I had a real good friend who passed away this year who was really into Chryslers (he owned several 300 letter series and 2 66 Chargers). As I found out, if you want to really get a rise out of a 66 or 67 Charger owner, walk up and tell him what a nice Marlin he has.