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I spotted an (insert obscure car name here) classic car today!

29583 messages,  Last post on May 19, 2013 at 10:39 AM

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Messages Page 2716 of 2959

#27150 of 29583 Re: . [uplanderguy] by jljac

Dec 09, 2012 (9:56 am)

Replying to: uplanderguy (Dec 09, 2012 2:50 am)
I've read that early Chevy V8's had problems, but I can't remember what either. '51 and some '52 Stude V8's were known for soft cams.
Some Studebaker V-8's had soft camshafts in 1950 which was the 1951 model year. This was fixed by replacing the camshaft. The Chevrolet V-8 had problems during the transition from 265 cu.in to 283 cu.in which required a major redesign. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_small-block_engine
 
The 265 ci V-8 was bored out to 3.875 in (98.4 mm) in 1957, giving it a 283 cu in (4,638 cc) displacement. The first 283 motors used the stock 265 blocks. However, the overbore to these blocks resulted in thin cylinder walls. Future 283 blocks were recast to accept the 3.875 bore.
 
Somehow Chevrolet gets credit for a wonderful small block V-8 except that it was introcuced four years after the Stude V-8 and the engine block had to be redesigned two years after the introduction just to get to 283 cu.in That seems to be major defect. It reminds me of the crass Washington Post reporter who said in April 1865, “Aside from that, how did you enjoy the play Mrs. Lincoln?”

#27151 of 29583 Re: . [jljac] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 09, 2012 (10:10 am)

Replying to: jljac (Dec 09, 2012 9:56 am)
V-8s and overhead valves have been around since the dawn of time. it's not like Studebaker invented anything special.
 
It's the combination of all good things that made the Chevy small block legendary, not anything unique in being a V-8.
 
Small light fast-revving block in a "small" light car, didn't leak oil, readily available in massive numbers, good fuel economy, lots of aftermarket goodies---the 265/283 had it all over any other V8.
 
Think of it as if it were a BMW 3 Series. Some other cars do some things better than a 3 series, but no car in its class does everything as well as a 3 series.

#27152 of 29583 . by fintail

Dec 09, 2012 (12:09 pm)

Saw a brown Continental Mk III out in the rain this morning. Haven't seen one of those in ages.

#27153 of 29583 Re: . [fintail] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 09, 2012 (12:19 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Dec 09, 2012 12:09 pm)
to refresh our memory:
 

#27154 of 29583 10 best engines of the 20th century by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 09, 2012 (12:22 pm)

says Ward's Automotive
 
20th Century
 
BMW Straight-six engine 1968 -
Cadillac V8 engine L-Head
Ford Inline-four engine Model T
Ford V8 engine Flathead
General Motors 3.8 L V6 engine 3800
General Motors V8 engine Small-block
Honda Inline-four engine ED CVCC
Porsche Flat-6 1964 -
Toyota/Lexus V8 engine UZ
Volkswagen Flat-4 E-motor 1936-

#27155 of 29583 Re: 10 best engines of the 20th century [Mr_Shiftright] by tjc78

Dec 09, 2012 (12:40 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 09, 2012 12:22 pm)
Really surprised that the Nissan VQ isn't on there. It was a consistent 10 best from the mid 90s - 2000s.

#27156 of 29583 Re: 10 best engines of the 20th century [Mr_Shiftright] by omarman

Dec 09, 2012 (1:27 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 09, 2012 12:22 pm)
Ward's Automotive is calling that VW flat 4 one of the best engines of the 20th century? I can't think of any car I'd want which came with that engine.

#27157 of 29583 Re: 10 best engines of the 20th century [omarman] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 09, 2012 (1:53 pm)

Replying to: omarman (Dec 09, 2012 1:27 pm)
Well the VW engine has to be put into context---it's hard to deny that when you build 20 million of one engine that it isn't pretty impressive. AND you can have a rebuilt long block sent to your house UPS for around $1000 bucks.

#27158 of 29583 Re: 10 best engines of the 20th century [Mr_Shiftright] by uplanderguy

Dec 09, 2012 (3:19 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 09, 2012 1:53 pm)
"General Motors V8 Small-Block"?

#27159 of 29583 Re: 10 best engines of the 20th century [uplanderguy] by andre1969

Dec 09, 2012 (6:52 pm)

Replying to: uplanderguy (Dec 09, 2012 3:19 pm)
"General Motors V8 Small-Block"?
 
My guess would be the Pontiac 265.

Messages Page 2716 of 2959

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