Thread: Rebuilding a 460, EFI or normally carb?

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Originally Posted by ojh

Since you are a regular guy i would reccommend a carburator and a nice screwdriver to get you thru the adjustment process.

Don't forget a low pressure gauge (less than 15 psi) and a vacuum gauge.

Not sure how many miles you drive your car, but the current EFI offerings are pretty expensive. If it were mine, I would consider a good quality carb and spend the difference on converting to an overdrive transmission. With the torque available in a 460 it would easily push that car along the highway at 1500 rpm, and with an AOD would still have good performance in the lower gears. Just something else to consider.

Whoops just re-read your post and see this is a 4 speed car. Converting to a 5 speed OD would be an option, but might be cost prohibitive. But you should be able to get pretty good money for your 4 speed from someone restoring to offset the cost.

Pat

Just an aside... I reported the claim to my new insurance company (Classic Collectors from Infinity Insurance) on Monday, March 5th. I get assigned an appraiser/ liaison (Mark), who I called & emailed on Tuesday, and was told he was not the assigned appraiser/liaison, who then gave me a different contact's info.

I then called this one (Jack), emailed as well and waited/ When no one had contacted me by Wednesday, I called them, emailed them and then contacted my insurance agent who called them. Finally, late Wednesday night, I get a call telling me that a local "investigator" (Alexandria) had been assigned and to contact her. So, I called her Thursday morning, 3/8, only to find out she would be away from 3/8 to 3/20! So, called, emailed, called my insurance agent... etc. Got back an email from Infinity (Jack) saying he was aware of the issue and that "have been working on securing another appraiser to inspect as I agree with you 17 days is too long. " Emailed again first thing this morning to him (Jack). Now, Friday, 3/9, still no information, no appraisal, nothing! I cannot get other cars out of my garage as the burnt one is blocking it, the car smells up the garage and it sickens me just looking at it every day!

Do not do business with that company (Classic Collectors from Infinity Insurance)! You get what you pay for.... no, actually less!!!

I had changed the policy to this new company, based on premium, in the middle of February at the recommendation of my insurance agent. My old insurance company, American Collectors (American Bankers), had been great, but the new premium was almost $1000 less! I had only 3 claims with American in 14 years, all of which were settled by going to a local body shop or ASE certified shop, who then submitted the appraisal and were paid within a day or two! Plus, they worked with each shop to make adjustments when additional damage was discovered! American Collectors Insurance rocks! The other? not so much!

Wow, what a run around! Sounds like once this is settled it's time to shop for a new insurance company. I am getting excellent service from Grundy and their premiums are very reasonable too. Good luck!

Pat

Oh, now they send me a claims form to fill out and send back to them with only a PO Box. When I called to get a physical address to OVERNIGHT to them at my expense, they tell me that the ONLY address I can use is the PO Box! OMG! Looks like they will do everything they can to delay settling a claim!
Bart

send them a sample of the fire!!!!!!!

I had a problem with a driver's ins company. His just parked Subaru rolled off an embankment and landed on the hood of my daughter's pick up when she was in college. After about 2-3 weeks of running her around with excuses as to why the estimator couldn't make a 20 mile drive, I got on the phone and described exactly how long it would take me to get to their office with my lawyer and what could happen. The estimator was there within an hour and settled the claim 100%. That company, was 20th Century(now 21st) - you know the one where the dweeb wrecks a couple of cars with a sledge hammer or a monster Caddy and then says it will fix them like new.

There are time when you just cannot be subtle any longer and have to threaten lawsuits - especially when the cause/blame is obvious

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

send them a sample of the fire!!!!!!!

great idea! Now how would I wrap the package

Don't wrap it--hand deliver it!!!! PO Box--no problem--express mail


Contact State of Fla depart of motorvehicles/ insurance???? they have a system of settling claims--they will put pressure on the company

Good news, checks being sent to me for an initial $10k and change for repair of the engine. They've instructed the repair shop to do a Tear Down, to determine any additional damages as well! As long as we stay under 18k, the repairs will be covered. Over 18k and they will total the vehicle. Repair shops believes that we will be under that. Amazing how leaving a message for the CEO works wonders!
Bart
Will post "after pics" some time next week.

I’ve been reading this thread with a great deal of interest. I have never personally had a car fire, but have extinguished several and unfortunately watch one burn to the pavement before the local fire department could respond. Bart – I’m certainly glad you were not hurt in the fire. You can replace a lot of “stuff” for $18K, but you are not on that list!

As Jerry mentioned, the initial cause of the fire may have been too much fuel pressure. There probably will never be a way to tell for sure, but I would recommend keeping the pressure in the 5-6 pound range if you decide to go carbureted on the new engine.

My vote would be for carburetor as my sentimental side says a ’63 Galaxie should be that way! I’m not opposed to FI – especially in a car that has been redone in a “resto-mod” manner that is essentially an old body on a new frame kinda deal where one takes say a ’57 Chevy body and places it on a ZL1 frame and drive train. But your car appears to be a cruiser that has a bit of that classic nostalgia attached and a Holley four barrel seems right to me! As such, my vote goes to a 750 Holley with a pressure regulator set to 5psi and then see what kind of mileage this ol’ gal gets.

Didn’t see rear end ratio. You’re not running’ a 4:10 or some such are ya?? I think with a bit smaller carb and a reasonable read end – say 3:08 – 3:40ish – you should be able to crack 10mpg.

Good luck on this. Be sure and keep us informed as to how this turns out!

Regards,
Glenn

carb, AOD, 3.73's......and i second the fuel pressure at 5lbs

Originally Posted by glennsexton

I’ve been reading this thread with a great deal of interest. I have never personally had a car fire, but have extinguished several and unfortunately watch one burn to the pavement before the local fire department could respond. Bart – I’m certainly glad you were not hurt in the fire. You can replace a lot of “stuff” for $18K, but you are not on that list!

As Jerry mentioned, the initial cause of the fire may have been too much fuel pressure. There probably will never be a way to tell for sure, but I would recommend keeping the pressure in the 5-6 pound range if you decide to go carbureted on the new engine.

My vote would be for carburetor as my sentimental side says a ’63 Galaxie should be that way! I’m not opposed to FI – especially in a car that has been redone in a “resto-mod” manner that is essentially an old body on a new frame kinda deal where one takes say a ’57 Chevy body and places it on a ZL1 frame and drive train. But your car appears to be a cruiser that has a bit of that classic nostalgia attached and a Holley four barrel seems right to me! As such, my vote goes to a 750 Holley with a pressure regulator set to 5psi and then see what kind of mileage this ol’ gal gets.

Didn’t see rear end ratio. You’re not running’ a 4:10 or some such are ya?? I think with a bit smaller carb and a reasonable read end – say 3:08 – 3:40ish – you should be able to crack 10mpg.

Good luck on this. Be sure and keep us informed as to how this turns out!

Regards,
Glenn

Hi! thanks for the commentary.
Well, decided to go for a Holley EFI after all... cannot even tell it's there as we mounted the control box and remote under the front passenger side seat. Also, put in a new Aluminum radiator, rebuilt the transmission (new clutch plate, 1st gear, etc.) In the body shop now... doing something I may regret, in that I'm having the inside of the hood smoothed and painted same as the exterior of the car... not certain if I can accept it that way, but decided to try it out.... I am going to keep my eye out for a replacement original '63 hood just incase... Once completed and cleaned up I will post a link to the completed pictures...
Bart in FL
PS taking her to the NSRA Nationals in Pueblo, CO in June if anyone else is going, look for me to say "hi"~

Thanks for the follow up Bart. We'll be looking for the pictures and don't be too surprised when when someone grabs your hand at the NSRA Nats and asks, "Hey aren't you Bart? I recognize the car and I'm sure glad you both okay!"

Regards,
Glenn

Well, it's been a little while, so I thought I'd add an update on the '63 Galaxie.
1, Body work completed, had to redo the smoothed interior hood as the added material was too heavy and the hood needed upgraded hinges... wasn't worth it, so redid it back to original, looks GREAT!
2, EFI worked out like WOW! smooth curve all the way up the acceleration curve! Easy start! I'm sold on EFI for all my future projects! Used the Holley EFI system and love the ability to make adjustments with the handheld WHILE DRIVING!
3, Cooling issues finally resolved. Required new water pump, larger mechanical fan, a larger diameter radiator & an electric fan (AC) which stays on after the engine turns off until temp drops down under 199.
4, Still having issues with the manual shifter binding up... tried everything here, including a rebuild on the shifter and shaving the rods to try an resolve the issue. Transmission was also rebuilt and, when the shifter works, works like a champ.
4, Decided to put in a TCI Street Fighter 3 speed automatic. If anyone is looking for a 4 speed manual, rebuilt, let me know. Otherwise, I'll put it on eBay.

Couple of pictures: