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Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT
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3rdgenhoarder
Posted 2015-07-13 11:36 PM (#484424)
Subject: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT


Member

Posts: 6

Hello and Thanks for having me!

Most of my experience is with Chevy so I have a lot to learn about the different motors and transmissions and standard "best practices" of the Mopar world.

This one is a flathead 6 with column shifter on the tree. It was recently run over by a tornado which blew the driver door open and wrapped it around a nearby tree. and had about 10 small pine trees land all over it. looks like the only real damage at this point was the driver door and some cracks in the windshield!

I plan to do all the mechanical work before worrying about body work/cosmetics.
but on to my first questions...

Hope I don't start a debate, but which motors are usally swapped into these cars? with the least amount of modifications required, I would like to get some nice power out of it. I won't be running the quarter mile, but I like to be kicked back in the seat a bit. I got spoiled to riding in my dads one owner '64 GTO with a big block he had built for it when I was a kid!

I plan to do a front disk break conversion, and rebuild/replace all the rubber on the front end.

any other common 'mechanical' mods that are a must on these rides?

Thanks in advance!



(buriedaliveresize.jpg)



(unburiedresize.jpg)



(boatresize.jpg)



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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-07-14 12:58 AM (#484427 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: RE: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT



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Location: Parts Unknown		A lot of guys really swear by the poly engines ... I think the 301 was the
stocker for 57. In 58 they bored it to the 318 most people are familiar with.

A B-block 350-361-383 would fit, the latter two are capable of some serious
"kick back", as you describe. I am sure the 350 is too .... I just haven't done
one.

I am not so sure I'd change the drivetrain, because it is so unusual. I mean,
EVERYONE wants a go-fast 2HT, to the point, they become "Chevys" ... they all
begin to look the same. A sixer and 3-onda-tree would be a real standout. To
this guy, that "weird" factor is more interesting than anything. You have a granny
equipped car styled like a rocket ! A meeting of old school conservatism, crossed
with George Jetson futurism. Hard to beat that for cool.

So, what color/s did this car start out with ? What else can you tell us about it ?
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3rdgenhoarder
Posted 2015-07-14 2:23 AM (#484428 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT


Member

Posts: 6

First I'd like to apologize for the mistake in the title. it is NOT a HT is a 2 door sedan.

Im not sure of all of the history. My dad bought it about 10 years ago, we got it running, but not for long because it didn't have a radiator in it. we parked it in the back and honestly I forgot all about it. until the tornado came and blew everything away. back in early April. when clearing out the trees I literally unburied this car and it jumped out at me as a perfect match to a boat I had just purchased. I had found my tow rig! lol How can I add pictures here?

The odometer shows 30k I am assuming 130k. very little rust. seats are trashed. but a pretty complete car.

I certainly appreciate the 'all original' but I'm a sucker for a loppy mean sounding idle...
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3rdgenhoarder
Posted 2015-07-14 2:36 AM (#484429 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT


Member

Posts: 6

Ok, added some pictures above.
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ttotired
Posted 2015-07-14 3:05 AM (#484431 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT



Expert 5K+

Posts: 8445
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Location: Perth Australia		Cool boat

Your engine question is a bit loaded, as in, wether you want to keep the car all mopar, if your worried about holes in the floor, how much engineering you want to do, that sort of thing

Mopar pretty much built each car to its driveline, eg, 6cyl torsion bars arnt as heavy as the v8 ones, I dont think the welded on mounts are the same (could be wrong there), steering column is different between the manual and the auto, rear end is smaller on the 6 ect ect

If your wanting a v8 in there (sounds like you do), whatever you put in will require a bit of re engineering, so if it was me, I would go for a later driveline with a floor shift, but you have to change pretty much everything

There will be much disdain headed your way if you go for a chevy/ford type of transplant

Thing to remember is "Its your car to do with as you please"

Being a 2 door sedan, I would need to decide wether to build it as Doc says, basically a salesmans hack (not many will ever be the same as yours then) or do a monster (not monster truck) with a huge engine and big tires stuck under it (My preference)

The other consideration is budget (of coarse), a lot of good projects die as the cost of bringing a car back to life becomes bigger than anticipated

This happens a lot and can mean the death of a restorable car

Oh, and if you can find it, keep that trim that fell off the door, stuff like that can be hard to find (= expensive) and should be repairable





Edited by ttotired 2015-07-14 3:09 AM
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3rdgenhoarder
Posted 2015-07-14 3:58 AM (#484433 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT


Member

Posts: 6

Thanks so much! exactly the information I was hoping to find. A good checklist of things to consider and anticipate.

I won't be trying to put anything but mopar on this build.

I looked all around for that piece of trim, but unfortunately the tornado delivered it elsewhere far far away. I found a heavy truck bumper that blew onto our property from a half mile away! so far, I have delivered 1930LBs of random sheet metal that blew onto our property from all over the neighborhood and beyond. and just getting started.

Thanks for the warning on budget. I have had this experience in the past. just means it will take a lot longer to finish it, but I will get it done. That's why I am trying to do the research now and learn from you guys. I will try to get all the pieces together before I start. I have my eye on a 4 door with a v-8 automatic that I can rob most of the parts from to transplant to this one.

My last build was a '72 suburban. I ordered a ZZ4 crate motor and bolted it to the 700R4 and I was on my way. I am learning this will be a lot more difficult but I am not scared away yet! I am guessing 2 years to get this on the road the way I want it mechanically before I ever worry about cosmetics.
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60 dart
Posted 2015-07-14 4:14 AM (#484434 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT



Expert 5K+

Posts: 8948
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Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA		if it were me and my ride , i see hot rod but all mopar . 2 dr. sedans are kool . i do like em all though , even my 4 dr. ---------------------------------------------later
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3rdgenhoarder
Posted 2015-07-14 11:38 AM (#484451 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT


Member

Posts: 6

so we think alike 60 dart. how would you build it?
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-07-14 11:43 AM (#484452 - in reply to #484434)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT



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Location: Parts Unknown		I would agree .... if you want a go-fast machine under the hood, the weirdness of a sixer
and 3-onda-tree is just not there with a sedan .... I'd have no compunction to hang onto
the six. I'd go for a B-block 383 for maximum balance of power potential and fuel economy.
Stepping up any larger cuts fuel economy potential, smaller and you are just hauling the weight
of cast iron. Of course, float the idea of a poly around here. A lot of guys love 'em and you
can get some great tips on how to build them, where to get parts, etc.

I have a 58 Plaza - chosen specifically for being the ugliest, stripper version of a 58 Plymouth
a person could have bought. And just to keep things weird, it may look like a Forest Service
admin car, but someone put a 318/TF, PS, PB, and A/C in it ! But it is monotone Buzzard Puke
Green, with dog dishies and blackwalls and just about as unsexy as one of these could possibly
be. Just my kind of weird.
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mstrug
Posted 2015-07-14 1:44 PM (#484459 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT



Expert 5K+

Posts: 6513
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Location: Newark, Texas (Fort Worth)		A pepped up 361 or stock 413 BB's would fit too. The engine mounts (Cylindrical Isolators) are : Plymouth Poly, (Dodge Poly and or Hemi) and Big block, 6cyl are really Different. Mounts on frame are same for v8's I believe. You have to weld them in or go with custom mounts and use newer mounts like Roar Runners etc. If you go 350/350 or 302/C4 every one will H8 you. Marc.

Edited by mstrug 2015-07-14 1:45 PM
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3rdgenhoarder
Posted 2015-07-14 4:45 PM (#484477 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT


Member

Posts: 6

I love my 350's! was my first rebuilt motor with my dad. loved that car/motor. 72 SS Nova.

but rest assured, this will be all mopar! and thanks for the tips!
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mikes2nd
Posted 2015-07-14 7:44 PM (#484496 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5012
5000
a 383 doesn't sound bad? people around her will flip their darn minds if you put a chevy in there

I don't care but they get their panties all in a bind..
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mstrug
Posted 2015-07-14 7:58 PM (#484498 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT



Expert 5K+

Posts: 6513
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Location: Newark, Texas (Fort Worth)		You Know in 1958 Mopar made a 350 low deck big block called the "Golden Commando" and in 1959 or so a tall deck 383!
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d500neil
Posted 2015-07-15 3:06 AM (#484517 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
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Location: bishop, ca		And, my vote goes toward your building and installing a 1958+ 318 c.i. V/8 into your ride.

The 318 has an abundance of available parts, which can be hot-rodded in a vintage-looking appearance, and they
won't cost you "Hemi" head pricing; you could install multiple carburetion, too.

The Poly head V/8 is really a 'Semi-Hemi' design.

The Hemi head engines lack a certain amount of low speed torque; the Poly head engines are analogous to the 440 c.i.
engines, in that they can provide good low-end 'grunt'....which is really where the 'fun' is!

"Go" with a built-up/dressed-up 318(+) c.i. multi-carbed engine!

The primary benefit of 'building' a hot rod 318 is that you won't have to spend more of your money, on TOP of the
money that you've already spent, on your ride.

There are several threads on this website about hot-rodding the Poly-head engine.

Also...the Chrysler 3-speed manual transmission received (virtually annual) mechanical upgrades.

The 1962+ transmission was very well received by road testers.

In 1968, a fully synchronized 3-speed was introduced.

At least, through 1972, the 3-speed was standard equipment in the Challengers, so, you know that
the bugs were long gone, by then .





Edited by d500neil 2015-07-15 3:48 AM
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ttotired
Posted 2015-07-15 3:30 AM (#484518 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT



Expert 5K+

Posts: 8445
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Location: Perth Australia		To go on with Neils suggestion, this is an idea I am toying with right now, but it probably wont happen due to the road laws here

Thats a 318 poly





(blower.JPG)



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60 dart
Posted 2015-07-15 4:38 AM (#484521 - in reply to #484424)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT



Expert 5K+

Posts: 8948
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Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA		maybe something like this --------------------------------------------later



(new motor photos 003 (500x375).jpg)



(new motor photos 002 (500x375).jpg)



(new motor photos 005 (500x375).jpg)



(019.JPG)



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Powerflite
Posted 2015-07-16 4:48 PM (#484634 - in reply to #484521)
Subject: Re: Mopar Newbie about to start on a '57 Savoy 2dr HT



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Posts: 9707
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Location: So. Cal		If it were mine, I would definitely go with a 392 hemi. The 392 has gobbs of torque and has plenty of parts available for it. But it won't be cheap. I like to run them with aluminum heads too which really lightens them up and lightens up your wallet nicely too. :P

Also, that damage to your door would be pretty easy to fix. These cars have much thicker metal than newer cars so it is easier to rework.

Edited by Powerflite 2015-07-16 5:08 PM




(392Hemi.jpg)



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