[Rachelsdad]

So, after some considerable searching, I may have actually found a complete powertrain for my '56 Safari at DVAP. (I've dealt with DVAP before; I'm naturally cautious, and will take usual precautions.)

So far, I've requested:

• as many pics as possible, highlighting any numbers on the exhaust manifolds, intake, and block as possible;
• pics of the underside of the transmission if the side where the numbers are is inaccessible;
• checking as to whether the motor turns

Does anything else come to mind? I'd ask about the odometer reading, but with a car this old, it's hard to tell if this is the original engine, whether it was rebuilt at some point in the past, or whether the odometer is even correct. Water pump? Pulleys? Fan?

During the rebuild, I intend to have the block and heads magged. I doubt that there is any type of warranty they would give me against cracks. I have a lead on a (spare) '56 block within traveling distance from home (day trip), which has been stored in Cosmoline (though that doesn't speak to its soundness, really; only to its likely lack of rust since going into storage).

Should I ask them to pull the distributor, check for oil (castor/water/coolant) in the pan, or anything else, specifically? Carb condition (linkage not frozen solid)? Heat riser mobility?

Sorry; just thinking out loud, here. This (supposedly correct) 4bbl engine and Strato Flight is a 20%-on-top-of-project-car expense, so I'd like to know I'm doing my due diligence before diving into it (vs keeping the '57 engine block I have, getting the heads from Frank's, locating a '57 radiator, and sticking with that - assuming rebuilding cost is the same).

Thanks, and sorry to ramble. As we know, sometimes in this hobby stuff happens faster than we might think.

[b-man]

That’s a lot of trouble to go through for a potential sale, honestly I doubt they will respond let alone jump through a bunch of hoops. Not saying you have unreasonable requests, just from knowing how most of these yards operate.

Checking if the motor turns sure, pictures of everything else that’s likely hidden under years of grime requiring scraping off the accumulated grime and crawling all over and under it I doubt it.

Exactly how much are they asking?

I’d be looking at using the engine you already have.

[Goatracer1]

There is an ANTHONY MILLAR in the 1955-56 Pontiac group on Facebook selling a good running engine, trans, dual exhaust and NOS starter to do a LS swap for $1200. Might be worth a look see.

[Rachelsdad]

Thanks, guys.

First, the quote for the engine + trans was/is $1,500 + $1K freight (I'm on Long Island, so a considerable distance from AZ). This will be with their own carrier; they will pull & crate the pair for shipment.

I fully understand that certain areas may be inaccessible for photos while in the car. This didn't seem to be an issue, as they will pull the engine and trans and then take a number of pics for me before I ultimately commit to the deal.

Now, as for the one on FB, that might be a better option, depending upon location and whether the current owner has at least some idea as to whether the engine was running before he pulled it. I plan to magnaflux the block and heads, but at least some clue as to usability would be worth some potential trade off in terms of transport cost (and there appears to be a savings up front on the cost of the powertrain and the extras). Surely food for thought.

[Goatracer1]

The guy on FB says it runs and shifts good. Ask him where he lives. Can't hurt.

[Rachelsdad]

Originally Posted by Goatracer1

The guy on FB says it runs and shifts good. Ask him where he lives. Can't hurt.

I asked my brother to join the 1955-56 Pontiac group (I do not have - nor do I want - an account on FB). This is the public group. There is also a private "1955 56 Pontiac" group (sans the dash). He's requested to join that one today. On the first one, the only hit for Anthony Millar was a post of his about a year ago about a '55 he had for sale. My brother commented there, asking him (Anthony) to send a DM to him (my brother, Craig). I'm hoping that his more recent posts are in the private group.

While I am an IT professional, I've had minimal experience with FB, so don't know my way around the interface either on the desktop or on Android.

[Safari Larry]

I hear ya about not wanting a FB account. I got an account so I could see Pontiac groups. The only thing I do with FB is look at my groups, "1955 56 Pontiac", "Custom Safari Wagon Chapter, POCI 1955 thru 1958 Pontiac", and "The Pontiac Chieftain Club" (a good friend created that one). I view them only on my computer, not on my Android phone. FB hasn't been intrusive, and I give it no personal information. I still don't like FB but tolerate it. Too much "social" sh*t in the groups but occasionally some good posts, especially the Safari group; it seems to be less social.

Back to the subject. On Nov 21, Anthony Millar posted about his 55 engine/trans for sale. Here's what it said:

$1200 dollars gets engine with everything on it, trans and full dual exhaust. Runs great, shifts great. NOS starter and newer aftermarket coil.
In Maryland, and want deposit before pulling everything. Couldn't find anyone that would pay a fair price for the car, so keeping it and LS swapping.

I really don't think that's what you want for your 56 Safari. The trans is not compatible.

[Rachelsdad]

No, indeed, Larry. Thanks for providing some more info there.

As an IT professional, I avoid all social media as it has the potential to be intrusive. As an accountant, I am acutely aware of how the most innocent and general discussions can quickly devolve into personal information exposure - and that can pose a liability risk for me (my brother is constantly reminding clients to not post tax questions for him on FB). Oh, well. It used to be that one had to get up from the table and go into the restroom to read what was written on the walls; now, those things seem to follow us wherever we go (social...it's a good thing...right).

Anyway, thanks again. Right now, it's looking like the one from DVAP is in the running with a potential spare block from a fellow in PA.

I may yet do the '57 engine as well, or list it as-is, with that pair of magged heads from Frank's.

[Safari Larry]

I'm curious, why don't you just use the 57 engine? You won't need a 57 radiator or anything else 57. You would still need to find a Strato Flight transmission.

[Rachelsdad]

Personally, I'd prefer the powertrain to be correct (end to end). That having been said, my goal for this car (the first of the two I have to restore) is to take it to auction. The 347 is probably a more desirable engine for driveability (more power, at least), but to another purist, considering the original (numbers-matching) engine/trans is long gone, I'd figure the 316 would be a more desirable second choice.

If you have different thoughts, please share.

Indeed, if I kept the 347, instead of keeping this transmission, I could just pick up the '56 Strato Flight, and be done with it (I already had my radiator re-done).

Decisions, decisions...

[blueghoast]

I've got a 1958-370 CI bored and stroked to 428 CI
It is in my 57 right now while I redo my original 347 engine
I put it in so I could drive the car. It's for sale if interested.
Can here run .

GT

[Rachelsdad]

Thanks, but I want as close to stock as I can get. Right now, that seems to be the 316 from DVAP (I'll know more once they pull it, attempt to turn it, and send me some pics).

Good luck with your '57!

[Safari Larry]

I have a NOS 56 engine, never installed, no serial number stamped on block. I've recently thought about selling it, $700. It was initially a display in a Pontiac dealership. It had a 2-barrel carb on it so is likely the low compression version with dished pistons. Heads have never been off of it, so not certain.

[Rachelsdad]

Wow, Larry. Still too different from what I'm seeking, but a find, nonetheless.