Re: [FWDLK] 56 Savoy 440 project

[Scott H <kneedrager@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks guys,
I took a look at the rear springs in my 56 Dodge. It does look a little
flimsy around the spring mounts at the back of the car. What is with the
angled leaf springs? They are a good 4 inches wider at the rear mounts that
the fronts?
Mine is a 360/408 stroker.  It should hold up to the  additional power I
expect to put throught it, especially with the size of the tires that I can
fit in the wells.

Scott

> From: "Mel Lester Jr." <meljr@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Reply-To: "Mel Lester Jr." <meljr@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [FWDLK] 56 Savoy 440 project
> Date: Thu, 3 May 2001 09:41:14 -0700
>
> 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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