AJ/FormS
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2016
- Messages
- 1,291
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Ok I'm just gonna watch and see how this plays out. If you are successful, I'll bookmark you for future reference.
Who's running wide tires on the front?
- Thread starter Opticon77
- Start date
What size are those tires? I'm thinking you might have issues when the suspension compresses. The factory bars in these cars were absolute shit with something like a 140# spring rate. Before you bolt those tires on I would highly recommend upgrading the springs on all four corners.
You were right, FF is really going to like you.
You were right, FF is really going to like you.
TEST FIT TIME!
Stock stance for reference...
New Hotness
255/50R16 BFG Gforce Sport Comp2 (2% larger diameter than stock)
Note: Stockton Wheel Service will custom build you a set of 16x8s Mopar 6 slot cop wheels in my spec for $280ea. But I went with the $115 in-stock option.
16x8 Wheel Vintiques Chevy Rallys with 4" Backspacing...
VS the stock 195/75R14 pizza cutters...
Closest clearance point at full lock anywhere around the wheel...
Inside clearance...
With bigboy (300lbs) jumping on the corner of the bumper you can just about make the inside edge of the chrome trim kiss the tire shoulder at full lock. I'll probably roll it for safety. Especially if I go lower (even on stronger bars).
Flush fitment. I win at wheel maths. Again...
And the same wheel/tire size on the rear...
Results of my initial maths...
Stock stance for reference...
New Hotness
255/50R16 BFG Gforce Sport Comp2 (2% larger diameter than stock)
Note: Stockton Wheel Service will custom build you a set of 16x8s Mopar 6 slot cop wheels in my spec for $280ea. But I went with the $115 in-stock option.
16x8 Wheel Vintiques Chevy Rallys with 4" Backspacing...
VS the stock 195/75R14 pizza cutters...
Closest clearance point at full lock anywhere around the wheel...
Inside clearance...
With bigboy (300lbs) jumping on the corner of the bumper you can just about make the inside edge of the chrome trim kiss the tire shoulder at full lock. I'll probably roll it for safety. Especially if I go lower (even on stronger bars).
Flush fitment. I win at wheel maths. Again...
And the same wheel/tire size on the rear...
Results of my initial maths...
Oldiron440
Well-Known Member
Looks good!
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Raff
Well-Known Member
That set up looks awesome. Kind of what I had in mind for my wagon. Would love to see see some more pics from straight on and the back once you get it outside. Any plans for centre caps?
Still waiting for the rest of the wheels (only ordered 2 in that backspacing in case I had to go staggered). Center cap could be either...
1) a 5x4.5" pattern Mopar Rally centercap fastened to the extra holes in the unilug pattern. It appears the overall diameter is about right but I'm unsure if the depth it close enough to mesh with the GM rally design. I like this idea because it's a known Mopar element and shows the lugs nuts.
or 2) A moparized GM derby cap. Starting with a blank base...
Still unsure about rings and level of chrome content. Gotta feel it out as I reduce the level of brightwork on the car.
1) a 5x4.5" pattern Mopar Rally centercap fastened to the extra holes in the unilug pattern. It appears the overall diameter is about right but I'm unsure if the depth it close enough to mesh with the GM rally design. I like this idea because it's a known Mopar element and shows the lugs nuts.
or 2) A moparized GM derby cap. Starting with a blank base...
Still unsure about rings and level of chrome content. Gotta feel it out as I reduce the level of brightwork on the car.
Oldiron440
Well-Known Member
My vote mopar rally cap!!!
No rings......
No rings......
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Overall plan for the car is 60s muscle styling (light use of chrome trim, black interior, vinyl buckets, tight loop carpet) with a TranAm racer stance.
Chassis bracing. Suspension will be streetable polyethylene (70-80 Shore A) and just about every FirmFeel part I can squeeze in the platform.
I'm in talks with Shady Dell Speed Shop about the engine. At this point it sounds like a 5.9 Magnum built for MPFI and turbo (since that's my background) with a target in the 5-600hp range.
Trans is still in question. If I can cram a 4L80e in there that would be ideal due to the aftermarket support and electronic control but any beefy auto 4 speed should work. Rear gear wouldn't be super short as it will not be a drag car.
I kinda like the two-tone blue exterior but the car does need a repaint. So I might tone the blues down a little. Think more "steel blue" less "baby blue".
Oldiron440
Well-Known Member
It will be interesting to see how a wagon handles, wagons have had their place in drag racing because of their rear overhang giving them an advantage in weight transfer. It seems this would be a disadvantage in corners, producing overseer.
Raff
Well-Known Member
I'm liking the Mopar cap and no rings. I've seen the Mopar cap mounted on a set of cop wheels which is what I was planing. But I really like the route you've taken. If you do attach the Mopar cap be sure to take lots of pics. I'd love to see how you do it.
Oh, hell yes! I would love to see a turbo setup on one of these cars. There are guys on Moparts running 10's with small blocks and tall gears. Even if were a track machine all you would need are 3.23 gears.
Go with a 518. I've done the swap three times now on two different cars - one 500, and two 518s. I'm using the early non-electronic model and OD is controlled by a vacuum switch and a pressure switch. You can do it for $1500 out the door - probably a shit-ton cheaper than going to an electronically controlled Chevy.
I'm really looking forward to seeing progress on this build - I'm stoked.
I like your wagon.
Please take plenty of pictures of your work and upgrades – I’m not too far behind you on this.
Question (not really a FMJ question).
Can you mention some about your stroked 318 Poly, as well as it’s pro’s/con’s, please? With the small block stroker availability – these engines are making a comeback, which has made me take notice. I just hadn’t found anyone with one, to ask.
BudW
Please take plenty of pictures of your work and upgrades – I’m not too far behind you on this.
Question (not really a FMJ question).
Can you mention some about your stroked 318 Poly, as well as it’s pro’s/con’s, please? With the small block stroker availability – these engines are making a comeback, which has made me take notice. I just hadn’t found anyone with one, to ask.
BudW
Sorry for the delay fellas. Technical difficulties as Wheel Vintiques is waiting on some parts to finish my last 2 wheels.
The Poly car is a family heirloom (My grand uncle bought it new), a weekend cruiser, and we wanted to keep the original engine. The only "advantage" to it (if you're staying with a truck cam, low stall, and tall gearing) is B/RB-like low end torque. Unless you want to get super handy and try to make HP like this guy... This 426-Cube 318 Poly Can Outgun Hemis! - Hot Rod Network ... He used an LA block with lighter rotating assembly and reshaped his intake runners with epoxy to get more RPM and port velocity. Seems a bit like the Paralympics to me. Not ideal but still impressive.
IIRC our stroker kit came from Campbell Enterprises. The Poly guru we were working with was Gary Pavlovich. Many of the boards he would post on are gone but there is still good info all over the place if you search for his name... Building a Polyspherical (Poly or Polyhead) 318 Mopar Race Motor
The Poly car is a family heirloom (My grand uncle bought it new), a weekend cruiser, and we wanted to keep the original engine. The only "advantage" to it (if you're staying with a truck cam, low stall, and tall gearing) is B/RB-like low end torque. Unless you want to get super handy and try to make HP like this guy... This 426-Cube 318 Poly Can Outgun Hemis! - Hot Rod Network ... He used an LA block with lighter rotating assembly and reshaped his intake runners with epoxy to get more RPM and port velocity. Seems a bit like the Paralympics to me. Not ideal but still impressive.
IIRC our stroker kit came from Campbell Enterprises. The Poly guru we were working with was Gary Pavlovich. Many of the boards he would post on are gone but there is still good info all over the place if you search for his name... Building a Polyspherical (Poly or Polyhead) 318 Mopar Race Motor
Jonnyuma
Well-Known Member
Are you going to use the same size tires on the back?
The one thing that's been holding me back from staggering the wheel/tire sizes on my Lebaron is the current lack of acceptable tires in 16 and 17 inch diameters.
The 255/50 16 you put on the front is a full inch shorter than my current 255/60 15s (in back)... I need at least a 55 series tire. I can find 255/50 17s (94-96 Impala SS size), but then I'm out of luck for a 235/55 16 for the front... geez.
The 235 F and 255 R are about as wide as I can go without at least rolling the fenders.
BTW, I currently have 15" chromed "Chevy" rallye wheels with the last cap you you pictured. I haven't yet figured out what the 4 holes are for... they look like a place for an emblem, but I haven't found anything to fit. If you can make the Mopar centers work I'd be most grateful for a picture or two. I think that'd be a good look.
The one thing that's been holding me back from staggering the wheel/tire sizes on my Lebaron is the current lack of acceptable tires in 16 and 17 inch diameters.
The 255/50 16 you put on the front is a full inch shorter than my current 255/60 15s (in back)... I need at least a 55 series tire. I can find 255/50 17s (94-96 Impala SS size), but then I'm out of luck for a 235/55 16 for the front... geez.
The 235 F and 255 R are about as wide as I can go without at least rolling the fenders.
BTW, I currently have 15" chromed "Chevy" rallye wheels with the last cap you you pictured. I haven't yet figured out what the 4 holes are for... they look like a place for an emblem, but I haven't found anything to fit. If you can make the Mopar centers work I'd be most grateful for a picture or two. I think that'd be a good look.
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Yeah square stance. Same wheel and tire in all 4 corners. The 255/50R16 is just a hair over stock diameter for my wagon.
Those blank Chevy caps are from the late 50s from what I can tell. They had interchangeable medallions to bolt on that made them look like this...
Not sure what I'd make for a Mopar one but I'd probably find some old Plymouth spear emblems to adapt to it.
Those blank Chevy caps are from the late 50s from what I can tell. They had interchangeable medallions to bolt on that made them look like this...
Not sure what I'd make for a Mopar one but I'd probably find some old Plymouth spear emblems to adapt to it.
If you don't mind, take plenty of pictures. The frame is tied on mine, but I don't have torque boxes yet. You can make the ties out of straight box tube. These chassis don't require putting any bends in it or anything. I think I had to reroute the parking brake cable and notch a few of the seat support brackets on the bottom side.
