Re: installing a small block?

Posted by Paul_K On 2011/4/25 17:26:23

The shifter should be on the steering column. Works just like a three speed on the floor- first is towards you and down, second is away from you and up, third is straight down from second. Reverse is towards you and up. My late father in law had a '47 Clipper that had (for lack of a better term) semi-automatic. IIRC, used the clutch for starting and stopping and then the trans would shift it's self or I had to shift it and not use the clutch. I just don't remember.

A word to the wise: These engines do not make a great deal of horsepower. High RPM usage will kill it fast. They do make enough torque to move the state of Pennsylvania to where ever you would like it to be. Horsepower is a function of torque- torque is the work that can be done, horsepower is the speed at which you can do the work. Shift 1-2-3 as low on the rpm band as you can and let the torque take you down the road.

Great to hear that a young one enjoys a P-car. Keep the straight eight. It will amaze your friends, and a smooth running quiet straight eight has a cool factor of eleven on a one to ten scale.