C1 Motor Rebuild

[Michael S.]

I am considering having the motor in my 1959 rebuilt now- well in advance of a total restoration which my be 2-3 years from completion.

First, any drawback in having the motor done now and having the motor sit ?
Second, it is a 270hp motor (not running). Should I go with the factory, hi compression domed pistons that require higher octane leaded fuel or a lower compression configuration that will run on super unleaded ? BTW, there is no racing fuel locally that is readily available, but I wonder how some of these octane boosters work ie. Jack Podell's brew.

Thanks

[William C.]

Re: C1 Motor Rebuild

270 hp engines run flatop pistons and standard compression ratio. Only the 290 FI engines used the popup pistons.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 Motor Rebuild

Assuming all is in proper tune, you should have no problem running the stock configured engine on ordinary 92/93 octane fuel. The engines that have a greater potential for problems are the mild cammed engines that still had relatively high compression such as the 327/300. The SHP engines have a little higher static compression, but with the increased valve overlap, the dynamic compression is actually lower.

[Dave McDufford]

Re: C1 Motor Rebuild

Mike,

To comment on the other part of your question, I do not think it is a good idea to rebuild the engine 2-3 years before the restoration is complete. I am nearing the end of 2 1/2 year restoration and I am starting the engine but the chassis, transmission and body are complete. When the engine is complete everything will be assembled within a couple of weeks and the engine will be started (hopefully).

I do not think it is good to let the engine sit that long, dry out, rust and get dirty. It is also more fun to work on than sanding the body, stripping suspension parts, etc. - leave to the end when you will need somthing fun to do to keep the project going...

Dave