As you may know, I have a 57 Chevy truck and a 59 Impala Sport Coupe. The 59 is undergoing a frame-off restoration. The truck is a 20,000 mile retro hotrod with 235, 2x2bbl, headers, dual exhaust with Flowmaster 40's, lowered 2.5", etc. (I need to update the pictures on cardomain.com).
The challenge. I had a 235 built last summer and installed it later in the year. I had some fuel issues and didn't get to drive it much before winter. This spring I drove it some but have had some clutch issues. This weekend I finally decided to take it on a road-trip. After only about 10 miles of highway speed (no; really it was 55) the engine is now knocking. Of course it's been 15 months on a 12 month warranty. The shop will not honor their work (at least on our first discussion). I've had nothing but trouble trying to hotrod this engine. Getting the carbs setup was a pain too. Ok; so I have a bad engine and I'm looking at options. One option is to rebuild the 235 (been there and done that). Even with the 2 carbs, it just doesn't have the 'zip' that I'd like to see. I'm thinking of converting to V8 with automatic. Let's table this discussion for a moment.
I have bought a 350RamJet crate motor and 'built' 700R4 transmission for the 59. The goal has been a stock looking car with upgraded drive-line, brakes and cold AC. The 'numbers' 283 Powerpack was rock solid when I removed it and I have the original Powerglide and another 700R4.
Here's where your opinion comes in. Should I return the 59 to stock and put the RamJet and 700R4 in the truck, keeping the truck as a hotrod and returning the 59 to a 'numbers' car? Or, should I continue my 59 project as planned and put the 283 in the truck? I assume I could get a V8 bellhousing and stay with the 3-speed on the column or I could put the Powerglide or 700R4 in the truck and make it an 'easy' driver. I know it's my decision but I value your opinions.
