Thread: newbie at this..obviously

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I have recently purchased a '64 Impala SS... the car has 70,000 original miles. I have plenty of expertise in body/paint...but need info on the motor/exhaust. The car is completely original with interior only one month old. The undercarriage is immaculate. I don't want to race the car...but want plenty of horsepower and a great sound (exhaust) from my car...any help???

Thanks for all suggestions

Tune up, good air system, true dual exhaust with turbo mufflers or glass packs. if you dont want to attract the cops, go with the TMs. If its been sitting, a carb rebuild may save you a lot of headaches later. or a swap to an edelbrock. I assume its a 283?

What does it have in it now. ... 327 ? Maybe 4 spd. ?

it's a 327 with a 4 spd...thanks

Originally posted by sixtyfourss
it's a 327 with a 4 spd...thanks

I would start with drg84's suggestions.

Ah yes, the 64 Chevy, last year of the X frame. The factory location of the mufflers tend to make for very long tail pipes. Just one old farts opinion , but for a really neat and nostalgic sound nothing sounds better than a pair of burned out glass packs on one of these. Your not going to be real popular with the muffler shop that bends the pipes, 2 1/2" is doable but it's kind of a weird bend over the rear axel, 2 1/4" is easier and is more than enough for a 327.

I don't know if headers are still available for these, but the shory one fit well and might be the way to go.

Depending on what's on the car now, a good aftermarket intake and 650 CFM carb should be good for some HP over the stock pieces.

Stopping is also a good thing, if it hasn't been done a disc brake conversion is also a good idea.

On your earlier AC question, DRG84 sugestion for a factory AC set up is a pretty good one. I've done a couple of Vintage Air AC installs (not a a 64 Chevy though) and the kits I've delt with have been good units. No matter what unit you go with, I would recommend a Sanden radial compressor (they come in the Vintage Air kits) as they eat considerably less HP.

Godd luck on your project.

Well Tech, Do we agree on a small block for once?? Close enough, except lose the long stroke crank, and go with a 307, or a 327 steel crank ( shorter stroke ), and use 327 flat top piston & rods in that block, (changes the crossover). NOW your talkin'.

Your right.....I do favor the shorter stroke crank. She sure spins up quicker, but until I get it to the Dyno I guess I'll have no grounds to compare.
Are those numbers correct - so that I can compare?

I would go with Tech on this, on a barge that size and weight gonna take a ton of torque to get the thing moving. IMHO, a short stroke hi revvin' motor should be in a car weighing 2500 pounds or less. Just my 2 cents worth.