[Brent67CAT]

Hello,

I have a 67 Catalina 4DR HT with a 400CI YC block with 143 heads and a 2bbl backed up by a 400 auto trans and 2.42 rear gears.
In the coming months after saving and saving I intend to replace the engine with a kit from Performance Automotive Warehouse.
I haven't as of yet called PAW to find out which blocks and heads they use, but would like to have some sort of idea when I do call as to what I want done. I have read and probably will do a machining process consisting of a port and polish and zeroing the deck. My particular application, due to space limitations restrict me to using manifolds and will probably be using the HO manifolds listed on this sites home page with the 2 1/2" exhaust system. My budget will be in the area of about $3500-$4500 total I hope. My CAT weighs in around 4000 pounds, yeah its a big one!!
I also wish to put in a Trans-Go kit to help the trans, but will have to keep the rear gears as they are until I have the money to step it up abit. I would also like to run 16" wheels with around 275R50 in the rear and 275R70 up front both with stabilizer bars around 1-1 1/8" diameter.
I would like to produce around 450-475 lbs of torque in the low to mid range the HP will follow. I have a 67 manual and it says my OEM set-up nows puts out 428 lbs of torque at 2500 rpm.
PS. I have a column shifter if that matters.
Please I need help deciding on parts, because I know this will take awhile to fully decide on.

Thanks Brent

[Brent67CAT]

Hello,

I have a 67 Catalina 4DR HT with a 400CI YC block with 143 heads and a 2bbl backed up by a 400 auto trans and 2.42 rear gears.
In the coming months after saving and saving I intend to replace the engine with a kit from Performance Automotive Warehouse.
I haven't as of yet called PAW to find out which blocks and heads they use, but would like to have some sort of idea when I do call as to what I want done. I have read and probably will do a machining process consisting of a port and polish and zeroing the deck. My particular application, due to space limitations restrict me to using manifolds and will probably be using the HO manifolds listed on this sites home page with the 2 1/2" exhaust system. My budget will be in the area of about $3500-$4500 total I hope. My CAT weighs in around 4000 pounds, yeah its a big one!!
I also wish to put in a Trans-Go kit to help the trans, but will have to keep the rear gears as they are until I have the money to step it up abit. I would also like to run 16" wheels with around 275R50 in the rear and 275R70 up front both with stabilizer bars around 1-1 1/8" diameter.
I would like to produce around 450-475 lbs of torque in the low to mid range the HP will follow. I have a 67 manual and it says my OEM set-up nows puts out 428 lbs of torque at 2500 rpm.
PS. I have a column shifter if that matters.
Please I need help deciding on parts, because I know this will take awhile to fully decide on.

Thanks Brent

[wheelspin]

Brent,

Welcome to the board.

Sounds like you have a great plans for your "big" car. I plan similar mods for the 68 GP that I am restoring. One suggestion I would make is to consult with one of the widely recognized Pontiac tuners such as Butler, Nunzi, Kauffman, or PPR here in SOCal. I think you will find them competetive and more knowedgeable then a generic provider like PAW who sometimes uses "budget" parts in order to offer low prices.

I would consider using one of the drop-in 455 stroke cranks as there truly is no substitute for cubic inches particularly in a 4,000 lb. car.

Beefing up the trans and handling is a great idea and often overlooked as performance is increased. Are you planning on upgradeing the drums to disc?

Les

66 GTO Coupe,455/trips,700r/2500stall,12bolt/3.08,1.79/13.01/104.5
68 GP daily driver and 2004 Route 66 Tour participant under restoration
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Better lucky than good

[Goatracer1]

I would agree. You need big cubes to move a car that heavy without ruining its low speed driveability. I would also recommend a low rear gear ratio (3.55 to 3.90) and an overdrive trans.
Talk it over with the pros and they will give you a good combo.

[Will]

A complete stroker rotating assembly will cost you right about $2K. A set of ported iron heads will be another $1100 - $1400 depending on what you go with. Going that route and staying within your $4K budget will mean doing the assembly and installation work yourself as you will still have to pay for the block machine work and miscellaneous parts such as gaskets, oil pump, cam & lifters, etc. etc.

I would not count on PAW to be able to give you any meaningful technical advice concerning blocks & heads. They just sell parts, mostly for Chevies and Fords.

Consulting a Pontiac expert is a good idea. If you can fit the stroker kit into your budget, it's a great way to go for a heavy, mild geared car such as yours. Big cubes = big torque which is what you'll need. Build a big, mild-mannered engine and you'll have a huge, comfortable car that can dust off most ricers without breaking a sweat.


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'72 Formula 400 Lucerne Blue, Blue Deluxe interior - My first car!
'73 Firebird 400/4-speed Black on Black, mix & match.