Recent content by 58impala

There are many variables to consider when converting a draft tube engine to PCV. I started a thread over on the Chevy Talk Forum reguarding the issues I'm having with my PCV conversion and rather than type it all here, if you're considering the conversion then you should read. Many have...

My '58, 348 is a 250 HP stock engine and has the original dist. and points. Inside the dist. is a capacitor which is needed for this type of ignition system. There is another capacitor connected to the + side of the coil and I'm wondering if this is a necessary part of the ignition or only for...

I ordered a starter from DB Electrical for my 348 which has the points style distributor and a ballast resistor. The fellow at DB told me the starter solenoid has three terminals and would bolt right up to the block pad, and so I assumed they would be marked like the OEM starter. Battery would...

I contacted DB Electrical and discussed my starter issues with them and they may have a solution. The fellow I spoke with seemed very knowledegable and the starter he suggested even has the three terminals, so my ballast resistor may wire up like the original starter without the use of a diode...

I will be changing the cast iron powerglide to a 200R4 in my 58 Impala and I need some help with chosing a starter. The original starter bolted to the adapter between the tranny and engine, but I won't be using the adapter with the 200R4. Eklers sells a plate about 3/16" thick which would allow...

I would think the ball joint would not fit correctly if the upper control arm was swapped. It may be possible to install the lower arm reversed, I'm not sure. I recently replaced the bushings, upper and lower on my '58, but I marked the arms when I took them off so there were no issues to...

Ronnie, I went to the Federal Mogel website and could'nt find these rings. Would the rings you suggest, seat as fast as cast rings? Keep in mind this is a low performance engine, mainly for driving. I will probably be using Penzoil or Valveline 10-30 oil with stock oil pump. Jim

I'm planning a rebuild of my 348, 250 HP, engine and I'd like to get some recommendations for piston rings, and bearings. I plan to drive the car about 3000 miles per year and never race it. It will be completely stock with cast pistons, stock cam & lifters, etc. I'm note sure what the...

I need to know if the 348 engine in my 58 Impala is internally balanced or externally balanced. I'm thinking about changing out the cast iron powerglide for a 200R and I may need a new flywheel/flexplate to go with the torgue converter. Thanks Jim

I'm going to the Goodguys Southern Nationals at the Atlanta Speedway next weekend and I'm sure there will be some driveshaft vendors there. Maybe I can get an answer. If I do I'll let you know.

Recently I won an ebay auction for a 58 Impala gauge cluster restored by : http://www.redlineg.com/. I was pleasantly surprised with quality of workmanship on the restoration, in fact it exceeded my expectations. The instruments work perfectly and a warranty of one year is included. Anyone...

Models916, That's great information on the links provided and thanks for posting that , but.................that still doesn't explain why the GM shop manual states in bold type that on the front shaft (two piece driveshaft) the U joint forks must be 90 deg from each other. The info on your...

Update on U joint phasing I still dont have an understanding about the phasing of the forks on the front shaft............still researching that. Here's what I wound up doing. New U joints and center support bearing, added 1/8" shim under the tranny mount and removed two shims two shims on...

Ronnie, that's pretty much what the shop manual describes and they call it "in phase". It seems to me that what you have with a two piece driveshaft is in fact two drive shafts supported in the middle with a support bearing. I've built several street rods using rack & pinion connected to the...

I replaced all the U joints and center support bearing today on my 58 Impala and when I noticed the U joint forks were not in phase. The rear half of the drive shaft has the forks in phase and these are welded on. The front half has the forks 90 deg out of phase. I checked the shop manual and...