Re: Henry's 55 Constellation

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2011/1/11 23:53:22

Henry,

In all seriousness, the way to keep it as close to stock as possible and actually git 'er done is to find a GOOD 352 short block assembly, original bore within specs. You could get one sans crank if your original is good. Get the heads done with whatever exhaust valves will work and let it be, man, let it be.

You have said that you really want the driving experience of one of these cars as it came off the line, and a different block, valves, &cetera will give you that same experience. The kind of originality you seek makes sense with a "survivor" but this car will never be a survivor. It will be a well-restored example of the marque.

If you go the route of a new block, you might as well try to get it as complete as possible, with pistons that won't need to replace. All in all, this route is probably more authentic... and cheaper too.