Re: McCulloch VS57 on a 359 Straight Eight

Posted by Stan Palma On 2011/4/7 11:58:13

Thanks to everyone for posting so much useful info, including the great links. Brian Thomas' engine buildup was especially interesting, and the Panther underhood shot is the best I have ever seen of the McCulloch installation on that car. The only photo on the web shows only the airbox w/o the blower.

As to engine mods, I recently sold my drag car, which had a Ford FE 427, and frankly I got tired of throwing large chunks of money at it to gain ever-smaller returns. I am going to use my Packard Special as a driver, with occasional blasts down the road- not as a racer, so any internal mods will be for longetivity only. Max torque is what I am after.

In case I decide to take the engine down to install hardened seats w/ new valves, can anyone direct me to a supplier of seats & valves? Are there any crossover parts such as brand X valves that enable one to gain a wider choice in valve sizes?

While I am currently planning on using a Stude R3 airbox, I did have a thought on saving money instead of buying a Paxton or Vortech box- why not adapt a cast aluminum oil pan? You can get these under $100, and I would think for anther $100-150 worth of TIG welding you could have a custom finned box!

Thanks again for all your help.