I bought this car right out of high school with my dad in 2000. Ever since, we've gone 50/50 on everything. It's in absolutely fantastic shape. The body is virtually flawless, and looks better than my brand new daily driver. Extremely small amount of rust on one rear quarter.(smaller than a dime) We're the second owners, and she's only got 65,000 miles on her.

Here's what she looked like when we first bought her:



Here's the engine bay the way it was 10 years ago, and pretty much exactly what it looks like today, with a few minor changes:


The interior, which has gone unchanged since it was out of the showroom.



We did a front disc brake conversion in 2005, to a set of SSBC brakes. They're absolutely awesome in comparison. Had to swap out the spindle to make them work.

We really wanted to find a nice set of rims, but were constantly frustrated by the 5X4 bolt pattern. I initially tracked down 2 5X4 - 5X4.5 converter plates. But realized shortly after that it's not a good idea to use them.

I found these US Wheels in a neighboring city. They had pitted rust all over them, but we grabbed some steel wool, and they cleaned up perfectly!



The problem was, they were 5X4.5. I really wanted to see what the new wheels looked like on the car so one day we slapped the converter plates on the driver side hubs, and put the new rims on so we could snap a few pictures.


Shortly after that picture, we decided we really wanted those wheels on permanently. Thankfully, the disk brake set we added could switch between both the 5X4 and 5X4.5 bolt pattern, we just needed to fix the rear. In 2007 we fitted in an 8 3/4 rear, 3.91 gears and a set of SS leaf springs. Then we were able to finally put the new wheels on for good!


When we first bought the car, we had also picked up a 440, and had hoped to wedge it under the hood. After doing a good deal of research, we decided against that, and thought a stroked 360 would be better, so we traded our 440 to a fellow for a 360 and 727 tranny. Two months ago, my Dad and I decided that we'd just want to be easier on ourselves, and keep the slant 6 in, and build it up as best we could.

I've been reading these forums with a vengeance the past 2 months, trying to figure everything out and actually get this engine in (quicker) motion.

I just had my new valve cover, electronic distributor, plug wires, coil and HEI module delivered. Oh, and my cat Emeril likes to help, but he's a terrible chef.


I've started a spreadsheet of all the stuff we're going to be purchasing and where we can get it from. It's a ton of work, I'm sure most of you know that. At the same time, it's so much fun shopping for your car.

If you have absolutely any tips, advice, awe inspiring quotes, or grievances; please let me know!

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Nice car!

I know it's a pain to pull the head, but bigger valves with a little pocket porting, raising the compression ratio to about 8.5:1, 2bbl intake/carb and 2 1/4" exhaust will really wake up the car. You can go farther, but even with the stock cam and torque converter you'll be surprised at the difference. You'll want an electronic distributor with a good advance curve to compliment the other work. HEI ignition is simple, inexpensive and highly effective. Just get a high quality module.

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Joshua

Thanks! I just picked up the electronic distributor and HEI module. We plan on doing a complete rebuild of the engine, basically replacing everything except the crank(assuming it isn't cracked or anything). I have my eye on an Aussiespeed 2 barrel intake, and a holley 500. We'd like to get our compression up to 9.5:1 if possible, but we'll have to see. I've read so many posts about how most of the extra horsepower is in the head and porting it well. We're going to be sure to do a fantastic port job. I'd like to get a set of headers, but I'm not sure what's compatible with the aussie speed intake. I'm not concerned with heating up the intake during cold starts, as it's a purely summer car, and is only driven when it's nice out.

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Sweet car! Thanks for the nice rundown.

Clifford shorty headers work well with the Aussie 2bbl intake. I am testing one with a 500 Holley 2bbl on my racecar - great so far.

Make a good plan for the engine, then run everything by the board members here. Cam choice and torque converter will be other critical choices to make.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Awesome thanks! Any idea what the difference is between the 4412C and 4412S Holley 500's? You'll have to keep me updated on how your combo works out.

I'm not super educated in the engine area at all, so I've been learning as I go. I'm not sure at all what kind of cam I should be running. I see all these degrees and what not, but still don't understand it. All in good time I guess. I'm just worried more about getting parts that don't work with each other. Nothing like wasting money and time.

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The 4412S is shiny, the 4412C is the zinc-chromate finish.

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Joshua

That's it?? I kept seeing the 4412S referred to as a "racing" carb.

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Sahweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

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DRIVE IT,DON'T HIDE IT

Yeah, that's it. If you want the original gold Holley get the 4412C. If you want it silver get the 4412S.

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Joshua

That's a good looking car! I'm glad to read lots of "We" in your post.

Suggestion: Use your spreadsheet for tasks as well as purchases. I have a "Valiant Plan" spreadsheet, with areas of the car, tasks needed/wanted/done, etc.

Many of the areas are in phases, all leading toward the "Objective Valiant" - what I'd really like it to be. That's the sticky-tired, MPEFI'ed, bucket seated, pearl-coated, air conditioned vision of my old beater. Seeing the tasks all spread out lets me plan the order of work.

Updating the sheets as I get things done helps keep the project going.

Another sheet has parts needed, and yet another has a BOLO list (Be On the Look Out) for junkyard safaris - models and years of cars that might yield goodies for mine, along with what to look for. Axle codes, casting numbers, even photos.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Awesome advice! I really appreciate that. I definitely have a spreadsheet all set up for what I have purchased, and keep track of what both my Dad and I owe each other. It's been going really well.

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Very, very nice...solid old car.

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1954 Ford, Tudor Mainline
1976 Plymouth Valiant, 4 door


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