[voodoohalfbreed]

if I choose to put a reg v8 engine and trans in my 62 does anybody know what rear end fits good with no shortening or lengthening??? not sure I am doing this yet but want to keep my eyes open not sure what has the same width???
thanks
scott

[Doug]

This site may have helpful info.

http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html

Your car has a track (a.k.a. "tread") width of 56.8". It is my understanding that this is the distance between the centerlines of tires as they sit on the ground. I don't know if the dimensions in the site's charts correspond to track/tread width dimensions.

Something to note is that your car has a lug bolt pattern of 5 on 4 1/2". NO other GM cars have that pattern BUT several Ford and Mopar models do. Attention to this detail may solve any "spare tire" situation. (Note that some Fords and Mopars have patterns of 5 on 5".)

[tom s]

I think there are many rear ends that could be used.I think that might be the easy part.You will need to decide what kind of suspension to use,leafs,coil springs,coilover with ladder bar,coilovers with 4 link.Then what trans,auto,stick shift,if stick fab clutch linkage or hyd linkage,if hyd,hyd bearing or master and slave.If 4 cyc car what to do about motor mounts?You will need to cut the firewall from halfway up and open a tunnel back to the front of the rear seat.If you cant weld and fab its not for the weak of wallet.Tom

[Radman]

Here is a Ford 9 inch in my modified Tempest. Yes it had to be cut down.

[voodoohalfbreed]

I have several options, 1st I am still trying to get the 63 4 banger going, I hate to give up!!! if it runs problem done!!! 2nd, I have a 1972,400cu and 400 turbo auto, I also have a 64 389 and muncie 4 speed , welding is not a problem, have made 4 links before, just don't need to re-invent the wheel since this has been done!!! I hate to give up on this little car!!!

[Doug]

Since your other thread says you are looking for a "driver", go ahead and fix the 4cyl and be done with it. You haven't mentioned the specs (horsepower/carburetion/compression ratio/ etc) of you 4cyl stuff. If it is a "low comp" it can be upgraded to a higher compression to fit today's street gas. A 4-barrel carb is a nice/easy upgrade and a high performance exhaust manifold/ multi-tube header would add some muscle too.
Generally speaking, their are no aftermarket cams available for these 4cyl (at least at any reasonable cost.)

One of the funnest cars I ever had was a 63 4cyl/4bbl/4speed.

[tom s]

Rebuilding my 4 cyc right now.Will have a set of Pistons,rings and set of real GM Pontiac lifters for sale.I had Isky re grind my cam.Have the carb and dist being rebuilt right now.Tom