Thread: Building an Impala

Tweet

Ok, so I have a 68 Impala that I was trying to sell, and since no one bought it, I assumed it was a sign from God that I have to build it. It was my first car, so I should, anyways.

It orignally had a 327 in it, but it was pulled by the PO to put in a 64 SS. I have a TH-400 tranny that was in it, and I'm trying to find a motor for it. I think a SB Chebby is the best so I can keep the same mounts and springs up front. My question is what would be the best motor for the car? I could try to find a 327 to restore it, get a dime-a-dozen 350 for really cheap I assume, or I was also thinking a 383. Anyone have any thoughts?

500/472 Cadillac.
http://www.cad500parts.com/
http://www.mtscadparts.com/

Good links Tech. Marty still looks good for the wear. I forgot about that company from when we use to bomb our Seville around Manzy many moons ago. He sure saved our bacon for the claimer rules we used to have to endear.

Dropped an olds 455/400 combo in a 78 camaro years ago, home made motor mounts and shortened drive shaft was the most of it, left it stock, fun car to drive.

I doefinitely wouldn't mind a 455. If I do drop a BB into the car, do I need new springs? Could I just pull em out of a car that had a BB in it and swap em in?

Yes I would put BB springs in it, since your imp could have been ordered with a Rat they should'nt be hard to come by.

Before you go to th trouble of hunting up, taking out, and paying for a set of junk yard springs check with the local parts store. THe last time I bought a new set (from car quest), seems like they were only abound $100 and they won;t sag like used ones generally do.

Does anyone know what axle is under these? And would they have come with a TH400 behind a 327? I'm not at home for another 3 months to look, so any help would be great.

Either a ten bolt or a 12 bolt rear axle. You've got to climb under and count the number of bolts on the rear cover.

I would guess a 10 bolt, but you never know, someone could have ordered it with the 12, or swapped it in later. Only way to know is to count.


Second picture is a 12 bolt.

Don

Well, thats kinda my problem. I'm In TX (Army) and the car is at home (ID). Just curious what people knew so I can get started. Can you do disc brake conversions on these axles?

Ok, another question. Since I'm kinda color-inept, I'm working on a paint scheme for this thing. It has the original interior in excellent condition, and it's light blue inside. I was thinking maybe Silver with blue accents, Or maybe blue with Silver accents/stripes, but I was wondering if anyone else had some thoughts/ideas for what would work with the blue int. Thanks

2004 eletric blue from a pt cruser with white chevel strips