[kdcollins]

Hello and Thank you for allowing me to join your forum.
I have been searching and reading most of the day and have found many posts on a specific subject but not exactly what I am looking for.
I have ended up with a 63 Lemans with a 4 cyl and a transaxle thru some horse trading. I had seen these cars many years ago but had never owned one. This car needs alot of work and to not bore you with a big descriptive story, I am not familiar with the rears and chassis. Will this type of a rear hold up to a lets say... 300 HP rated engine? If so, will this drive cable hold up as well or will it twist into a pretzel?
I have read on this forum where many have changed to various solid axles. Does anyone have documentation on this?
Will a 326 drop into this chassis or maybe a 400?
I have alot of ignorance with this car and I am just looking for a good starting point, so dont flame me too badly.

Thanks.
KC

[hal101]

i know a 326 will drop in i had a 326 in my 63 lemans

i would think a 400 would too

not sure how much hp that drive line will take

[GonicGM]

I also have a 4 cylinder 63 that I want to V-8 in time. The frame mounts on a 4 cylinder are different than a V-8 and they are welded to the crossmember. You may have to cut/weld custom mounts on the crossmember. I believe the 4 cylinder also has a different bellhousing pattern on the drivers side. The crank flange may also be different on tempest/lemans engines for the rope shaft versus a trditional V-8. Perhaps Mechanickeith, TomS, 63Banshee, tempestfugit or peterserio will pipe in there knowledge. Post same question in 61-63 tempest tech forum.

[kdcollins]

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate all the info you have to offer.
I certainly dont mind cutting/fabricating and welding if I know what to do.
I have a supercharged vette that is teaching me this much. There has been an enormous amount of time and $$$ on trial and error fabrication, parts and experience that did not have to happen this way and would enjoy the opportunity to avoid most of the unnecessary stuff.

Thanks.
KC