Gary,
I believe the most significant advantage to this approach is that the disk
brakes, front suspension, engine/transmission mounting, exhaust manifolds,
power assists and steering etc. become merely a by-product of the frame
graft. Because they all come from a 70 B-Body, parts are readily available
and the underlying factory engineering should result in a safer handling
and better overall conversion than if I tried to integrate everything
myself.
Instead of keeping the B Body 8-3/4" rear end in the Savoy, I will
probably switch to something slightly narrower to get more tire in the
wheel wells and just go ahead and tub it at the same time. The previous
owner had the frame braced, boxed and reinforced (especially around the
spring perches) so it should be able to absorb the power of the 440/727.
I am greatly interested in the progress of your project. Please keep me
updated.
Thanks,
-mel (in sunny [today] Oregon)
Mel Lester Jr. meljr@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.connet80.com/~meljr
PS - I posted this thread back to the list thinking it might be of general
interest to others doing updates or modification to early FL projects.
On Thu, 3 May 2001, gl pavlovich wrote:
> Mel, Thank you for the information. I will study the pics and go from
> there. Will let you know how it goes. Take care, Gary Pavlovich.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mel Lester Jr." <meljr@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "gl pavlovich" <glpavlovich@xxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 9:04 PM
> Subject: Re: 56 Savoy 440 project
>
>
> > Gary,
> >
> > The strategy used on my Savoy was to graft the front frame from a 70 B
> > Body (Plymouth Satellite SW) that had a big-block K-member onto the 56's
> > frame rails at the firewall. The rear torsion bar mounts had to be
> > fabricated also. The rear axle was replaced by an 8-3/4" unit from the
> > 70 Plymouth.
> >
> > We test fitted a 383 and a 727 Torqueflite on the motor mounts and it
> > looks pretty good. Now, I have to fabricate the forward supports for the
> > radiator and front clip.
> >
> > If you want to see some pictures, go to:
> > http://connet80.com/~meljr/Vehicles/Mopar/Plymouth/56/Savoy2DR2/ I can
> > take some more detailed shots if you want a better look at something.
> >
> > Thanks for the email,
> >
> > -mel
> >
> > Mel Lester Jr. meljr@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> http://www.connet80.com/~meljr
> >
> > On Wed, 2 May 2001, gl pavlovich wrote:
> >
> > > Mel, I am interested in your 56 Plymouth 440 project. I have collected
> =
> > > 56 Ply's and parts since I was 16 and still have my first car, 56 Ply =
> > > Savoy, which I bought in 1968. I am in the process of changing out the =
> > > good running 277 Poly and rest of the drivetrain for the 402 Poly I just
> =
> > > built (318 Poly bored and stroked to 402") race prepped 727 and 8 3/4 =
> > > Sure Grip. I have purchased the disc brake set-up from AAJ as well but
> =
> > > am considering a rack and pinion or Volare front suspension swap. My =
> > > question is what suspension mods will (or have you done) on your 56 and
> =
> > > what do you recommend? Looking forward to hearing from you and your =
> > > project 440 engine mods as well. Take care, Gary Pavlovich
> > >
> > > 56 Plymouth Savoy, Poly 402" stroker
> > > 67 Dart GT, 340
> > >
>
>
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