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My Dad bought a P1800s new in 1965,, and although it hasn't run in years, it's in very good condition in storage.
I'm expecting to get this car soon, and I'm considering making it into a street/track car.
In the mid 1980'2 Dad pulled the B18 engine (at the end of it's second life) and built a monster of a Buick/Rover aluminum-block V8. I forget exactly what he did to this new engine, but I know the heads got a real working over, including porting and polishing, larger valves, etc. The compression is still at 12:1 (premium gas range) and the only mechanics it needs right now are to rebuild the carbs and flush the engine, cooling, and fuel systems clean. Also the brakes will need to be gone through, but that's a very minor job.
It's still running the stock manual trans with the electric overdrive, and there's no indication of any problems in the drive train.
Dad used to drive down to Los Angeles on a regular basis, and I've been with him at 140 MPH and it felt like 60.
Since the paint is sunburned and the interior is heat damaged, I plan ot spiff up the exterior with fresh paint in the original red, and I'll probably remove the remains of the interior in favor of a full roll cage, aluminum firewalls, and late-model racing seats with 5-point harnesses, and all the other safety gear we normally put in our race cars.
The car I want to end up with will still be streetable, but also able to compete in vintage racing.
Provided the engine comes back to life without problems, I estimate only a couple of week's work to finish this project.
Suggestions?
Steve
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