1958 245 vs 270 2X4

[David L.]

I am curious about the current availability of 245 HP vs 270 HP carburetors for a 1958. Also price differential. Is one set-up harder to find and more expensive than the other?
I am speaking of the carburetors only, restored and ready to bolt on and tune. Thanks!

David

[Steven B.]

Re: 1958 245 vs 270 2X4

David, check the current and past Drivelines. Chuck Smith and Bob Kunz advertise and sell the units. Contact info. is in the Driveline.

Steve

[Pancho T.]

Re: 1958 245 vs 270 2X4

they are both really hard to find

[David L.]

Re: 1958 245 vs 270 2X4

Thanks! Guess I'll go with 270 hp since availability and cost appear to be equal for a restored set.

David

[Mark P.]

Re: 1958 245 vs 270 2X4

Any opinions on the driveability of a 245 HP vs 270 HP set ? Are they comparable ?

[Joel T.]

Re: 1958 245 vs 270 2X4

Thanks! Guess I'll go with 270 hp since availability and cost appear to be equal for a restored set.

David

Dave;

I bought a "correct" set for a 1961 which I had a while back; cost me over $3K. You can get "clones" for a heck of a lot less than that. I suspect that the 1961's are not materially different than your 1958's

The major difference, as I understand it, between the 270 and 245 versions is the length of the weight arm on the secondaries. The 245 has shorter weights and is designed to open up at a lower RPM. In contrast, the 270 version have longer weight arms.. Keep in mind that cams are also different in the two motors; 245 being hydraulic while 270 is solid a solid lifter motor hence the RPM differences.

I got mine from Phil Cancella at Customer Rebuilt Crabs here in NJ. Phil has a web site where you can check him out. On the 1961's (and perhaps on the 1958's as well) I was told that I could start with a 245 set and then have them converted to 270's.... I was going to build out a new 270 motor for my 245 car so this was a consideration for me.

Good luck,

Joel

[David L.]

Re: 1958 245 vs 270 2X4

Joel,

Thanks for the additional information. This and what has been contributed earlier will definitely help me with my project. By the way, the car is a 4-speed, Panama Yellow, white cove and top .. has both tops .. and charcol interior. Bought the car in 1981. The engine is the final major part. Might say a 28-year on and off restoration project.

David

[Steven B.]

Re: 1958 245 vs 270 2X4

Any opinions on the driveability of a 245 HP vs 270 HP set ? Are they comparable ?

Mark, I have built and driven both. Maintenance is no problem on either---on the 270 adjust valves once in a great while as it is not a daily driver. For driving I enjoyed the 270 more as the sound and acceleration are a bit more. On either you can adjust the linkage so the front carb kicks in quicker.

Steve