Adam H P15 D30

Though I am not a huge advocate of a "clip" there are good reasons to install a modern suspension. The original suspension, though very good, lacks certain characteristics that a more modern independent suspension would give like a good roll center and anti-dive traits that are not present on the factory suspension. The factory stuff's biggest limitation is its a king pin suspension but it's good enough for a lot of people. I installed a GM clip in my 47 and I had to purchase Fatman narrowed control arms to get the track width in check. Probably cost the same as a Mustang II in the end. The notion that a CORRECTLY installed clip will reduce the value is simply not true. Kind of like saying your 40 Plymouth is worth more as a stocker than a rod, which is also not true. But there are a lot of butcher jobs out there that would bring down the value though. I believe the rear axle was used behind many V8 mopars including Gen 1 HEMI's, so it should be plenty strong but you will probably rip it out and replace it out of frustration the first time you attempt to remove the drums to do a brake job. That and the lack of a parking brake.... Also, modern drum brakes are light years ahead of the ones on your stock rear axle and no unobtainable tools required to sent them up correctly, just a brake spoon. Keeping the same bolt pattern is only a concern if you are using stock wheels. Multi patters wheels are the norm with most aftermarket rim suppliers so don't worry about it.

Also, a picture of the offset engine/trans lining up perfectly with the factory driveshaft tunnel. So check to see if your driveshaft tunnel is centered, if not you either offset the engine to match or install it crooked. I prefer offsetting

Don't worry about offsetting to the right, Mopar did that for many years. In fact, the driveshaft tunnel in my 47 is offset from the factory. When I installed the Explorer 8.8 (which has an offset pinion from the factory) it lined up to the 47's driveshaft tunnel perfectly, your vehicle could very well be the same. See photo 1 Since you're into Pontiacs, I'll attach a picture of a side project for a friend that kept me away from my Plymouth for some time, eye candy.

Make sure the weight is on the axle when you determine your pinion angle. Also, you can use the factory Explorer sway bar set up with little modification as long as you don't cut the sway bar perches off the rear axle.

Thanks for the compliment on the inner fenders. They are painted now and look much better. Multi-carbs look nice but if you want to go fast a single 4bbl is the way to go. I did the Chev WP for ease of parts availability and I wanted to clean up the front of the engine. Its about 3" from the radiator now but I moved the firewall back 4+ inches. Stock radiator fits around the front steer GM box with a little room to spare after a "slight" radiator support modification. Just an FYI, I think the HEMI would be a very tight fit with the stock front clip and steering. I already offset it 1" and the GM frame rails are considerably wider than the Plym ones were. See pictures attached and you get the idea. I don't know how a box would fit in there??? The intake is an Edmunds 2X2 that they used in the Allard. I have the 54 heads so I needed to run a wet intake, my choices are extremely limited!!

WOW, bringing this one back from the dead. Been working and traveling, other projects getting in the way but have found the time in the last few months to plug away on the Plymouth.... Chassis is done/painted, firewall is finished/painted, fuel and brake lines run, floors and rockers done/painted, steering finished, transmission finished/installed, 80% wired and even scored some 15" chrome rims/baby moons for it. I don't get around to picture taking or posting often....

I basically cut the shelf off the inner fenders and finished the lower sections, sorry I don't have a measurement but I will ATTEMPT to attach a photo. The engine compartment dimensions on my 47 are pretty close to my 49. 195 degrees is too hot either way. This isn't a smog motor, run a 180 with a 6lb cap and you will be much better off.... Adam

I had to redo my inner fenders to fit the 354 HEMI in my 47, so expect that. I would not go hotter than a 180 thermostat unless you run a pressurized cooling system. Doesn't leave you a lot of wiggle room before it boils over. Adam

Hey Falconvan, I used the same rear axle in my 47. If you didn't cut the sway bar brackets off the axle tubes, the factory explorer sway bar is an easy fit. Need to make upper frame brackets and bolt it together. Adam

I pushed mine all the way through on my 49, seems to work well.

Good on you for building a BB, non "belly button" powered HOT ROD. Too many old cars out there with the (yet again) 350/350th combo. After all, this is a hot rod, right? So modern V6's, fuel injection, pollution control devices, SRS air bags are out. Don't let people sway you into putting something in that is easy on fuel or "more drive-able" I say if someone wants those qualities, go buy a new car but don't castrate a hot rod in the name of modern conveniences. Looking forward to the pictures... There's no replacement for displacement Adam

Posies makes bolt in lowered rear leafs, Ford Aerostar springs (cc850???) up front cut to desired length, DONE. Adam

My 49 Dodge Wayfarer is a touch under 59". Wheel mout to wheel mount I used a 65 mustang 8" and it was about an inch narrower but worked out fine. I believe my Wayfarer should have similar dimensions to your Plymouth. Adam

I have heard the premium fuel here does not contain ethanol while the regular does. Could be the answer?? Ethanol fuel has less BTU's Adam

Too generic? Either will support 450 hp in a early mopar. Let's not over think this after all. O.P. Call either Walker or Griffin, tell them what you need and send them a check, doesn't have to get all scientific..... Adam

Easy!! Walker for a traditional radiator or Griffin for aluminum. Either will suit you fine.... Adam

If you have the skill,time and $$$, put the HEMI in it. Since your planning on a trans adaptor anyway why not get the torqueflite adaptor and put an early to mid 90's 518 behind it? It's basically a 727 with an OD behind it. No computers just a toggle switch to engage the OD. Matches up with the block better and isn't a TH??? Make sure to find a small block one though. Later 518's have a lock up converter. Works fine with a simple vacuum switch. 54 is a short bell 331 and it has a wet 4bbl manifold, don't loose it. May have the large port heads also, maybe not. Kind of a transition year. If it has large port heads, don't loose the exhaust manifolds. Can be bored to a 354 or more after a sonic check. Go to the HEMI tech on the HAMB and read,read,read. Adam

Something to ponder.... If you are going through all the trouble of a steering upgrade why not take the next step and upgrade the whole front suspension? While the original suspension was good for its time, it is still a kingpin suspension and has limitations. The ride is good and handling ok but it lacks the high speed stability and anti-dive characteristics of a more modern suspension. Plus a modern one would solve your steering box clearance issues. Food for thought... Adam

Hopefully you got a good one. I changed 3 out this year on OT cars. All but 1 went back to points, the other went to an MSD. All 3 had the Petronix coil too..... My current boat has factory GM electronic ignition so I leave it alone. My prior boat had points and I would never change that because you can fix points in the middle of the lake, can't fix Petronics. Not knocking Petronics, just suggesting to keep a spare. Adam

Every petronics I have dealt with failed within a couple of years. So far between friends and myself that installed them on everything from Vetts to old Caddis, pulled them out and went back to points. Make sure you keep a spare if you drive it.

Keep the three pedal setup. Much more fun

Though not as much fun as a stroked B block, have you thought of a turbo or supercharger?

Sorry I can't answer your main question but my stock 15" wheels fit over Rustys disc brakes on my wayfarer.

Nope, that's the way the Dodge drums look. I have an entire set off a 49 wayfarer, problem is the rear drums come with a rear axle. Too bad you're across the pond

See my post "is that a volt guage?". Should work for a fuel guage also