Yahoo...fired up the new engine tonight

[Oldguy48]

Fired up the new engine in the P15 tonight. No...It's not a flathead, and some will be very displeased with me for my choice of engines, but nevertheless, the engine started up tonight with a minimum of fuss, and sounds absolutely awesome. I love the P15 styling (a P15 was my first car) and am also a Chevy fan. And since my Christmas gift last year from my family was a freshly professionally rebuilt 355 SBC, that's what is going to power the Plymouth. Criticize me if you wish (I can handle criticism pretty well...since I've been married for 41 years) , but I'm thrilled with the new engine, and I'm excited about starting it up for the first time. It was like music to my ears. I've been working on this vehicle for over three years, and it's finally starting to come together. My hope is to get it driveable this year, and street legal by next year. So far, it's on track for that to happen. Just need to refresh the 8 3/4" Roadrunner rear, and have a driveshaft fabricated. Wearing my Nomex suit, so let the flaming begin...

[55 Fargo]

Fired up the new engine in the P15 tonight. No...It's not a flathead, and some will be very displeased with me for my choice of engines, but nevertheless, the engine started up tonight with a minimum of fuss, and sounds absolutely awesome. I love the P15 styling (a P15 was my first car) and am also a Chevy fan. And since my Christmas gift last year from my family was a freshly professionally rebuilt 355 SBC, that's what is going to power the Plymouth. Criticize me if you wish (I can handle criticism pretty well...since I've been married for 41 years) , but I'm thrilled with the new engine, and I'm excited about starting it up for the first time. It was like music to my ears. I've been working on this vehicle for over three years, and it's finally starting to come together. My hope is to get it driveable this year, and street legal by next year. So far, it's on track for that to happen. Just need to refresh the 8 3/4" Roadrunner rear, and have a driveshaft fabricated. Wearing my Nomex suit, so let the flaming begin...

Hey, this is still a free country, your car, your money, your dream, why should anyone condemn you for this.

In my youth I was a big Chevy fan, especially the 283 and 265 SBC.

At least you are going to get this car built, drive it and have some fun, another P15 saved from extinction, I think Walter P built enough P15s, for a few hot rodded versions now and again. Post some pics as you go along, and put a video on you tube if you can.

Now wait a minute, I am a Canadian telling you about a free country, our's is still free too, God Bless North America..........Fred

[Oldguy48]

Thank you Fred,

I'll post some pics soon. And thank you for the encouragement.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Yahoo..fired up the new engine tonight....man I've been using the Yahoo engine for years....chain yanking..its good to meet a milestone for sure..

[BobT-47P15]

Well, that's good news. Glad it's working as planned.

Before long, you'll be out cruisin'.

[greg g]

Use it or loose it. Glad it started. whats behind it??

[Oldguy48]

TH-350 transmission. Had it rebuilt, and using a 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner rear. Retaining the original gear shift lever look with a cable arrangement to shift the transmission. Trying to retain most of the original look of the P15. I really, really like the P15... just trying to make a few improvements.

[Frank Elder]

I don't care for your choice but if you are happy.....I am happy:)Enjoy your rde!

[P-12 Tommy]

Good for you!

Tom

[mackster]

Good for you! i would use anything given to me as gifts! hint hint!

now where are those pictures that you got!!!!!

[Oldguy48]

As promised

[1940plymouth]

She ought to scat down the road real good:)

[Don Coatney]

One way to get air conditioning. Looks good.

[old rat 49]

Sure looks good and definately fills that engine bay.

[woodie49]

I love the SBC engine. Fast, reliable, runs pretty cool and you can actually power a good air conditioner. My car was pretty original when I got it, so I wanted to keep it tat way, but if it had come X-engine, I might have gone the SBC route. Yours look great.

[homebrewer]

From a fellow SBC - 350TH P15 coupe owner, congratulations. We are kinda like the red headed stepchildren around here, but I think we deal with it as well as we can. Although there really only seems to be a handful of Mopar or nothing diehards. Seems like most of the guys are live & let live."You can't please all of the people all of the time". My set up is about the same as yours except my rear is an 8 3/4 from a dodge van. You might think about putting in power rack & pinion from a cavalier. Easy to do and it makes a big difference. Front discs are next up for me. Keep us informed as to how things are going. Again congratulations on having reached the first of many milestones. George

[dezeldoc]

Congrats looks good, now just keep the hood shut at the shows and all be well!

On a side note can we get off the "the SBC engine. Fast, reliable, runs pretty cool, easy to work on, parts are easier to get and so forth" rant, they are no different than any other motor. and by the way i can get more hp out of a sb mopar than a sbc!

[Plymouthy Adams]

really got no dog in this fight, I have my Mopar...but like dezeldoc..this malicious spreading of lies got to stop..you get more HP form the Mopar..well so can anybody else and the majority of the money spent on a SBC is to bring the valve system half way close to that of everyone else..plus it is a proven fact the SBC runs on the track for 2 seasons, Ford will go three seasons and Mopar will go 5 so in truth, more HP and longer lasting for the same money spent..source this through Summit Racing if you wish..will find it proven..so two rebuild to one on the Mopar..how you saving money?

Edited November 4, 2010 by Tim Adams

[dezeldoc]

Tim, you forgot to mention that all the high hp blocks chevy makes use the mopar 904 lifter base diameter and angle.

[Plymouthy Adams]

not worth mentioning..just another in the long list of pirated tech advances..

[Mark Haymond]

I am putting a mopar 318 in my 47 Plymouth, and with a mopar 8 1/4 rear axle. It is just a style choice. I am not sure putting the incorrect mopar engine and tranny in my car is much better than your SBC. I am keeping the appearance stock otherwise because I love that old car for its age and history. Enjoy your ride.

[moparbenny]

putting a 300 ford inline 6 in my '33 Chrysler..so you won't here complaints from me:) have fun and good luck

"Any engine swap should be approached from a strictly practical standpoint, taking into consideration cost of swap and later transportation.If swap will increase value of car or reduce overall transportation cost per mile, it is worth while."- Tex Smith 1968

Edited November 7, 2010 by moparbenny

[Oldguy48]

Thanks to all for the comments...both pro and con. That's what makes this forum great. Now I'm on to the next step. Removed the rear, and will be taking it to a local automotive machine shop for new axles bearings, seals, gaskets, wheel studs, etc.

[hkestes41]

Just picked up a 57 Belair that was originally a fuelie car, but now it has no running gear. Have a pretty fresh slant 6 in the corner of the garage so it is going between the fenders.

[dezeldoc]

Just picked up a 57 Belair that was originally a fuelie car, but now it has no running gear. Have a pretty fresh slant 6 in the corner of the garage so it is going between the fenders.

Atta boy! best thing that ever could happen to a tri five!!

Funny thing is it would be faster than the fuelie!