All,

Found this site a couple of weeks ago looking for information and parts to help putting my father's '57 Custom 70A back together.  The car is one of the original Phase I supercharger cars with a D7 serial number.  He bought it new in 1957 and still owns it.  The body needs quite a bit of work as it was a driver until about 1974.  That is when the original motor dropped a valve and destroyed the block.  We have everything except the short block (it didn't make one of the moves over the years).  The car has been sitting in a garage for the last 25 or so years waiting to get restored.  I finally have the time to get started on it.  Can't wait to see him drive it again.  I am looking for a good '57 short block if any one has one for sale. 

He had Holman-Moody do some work to it back in the mid 60's and it was running the blower with dual 4 barrel tea-pots until he blew it up.  I remember it ran pretty well back then and surprised a few big block cars. 

If anyone has any information on these Phase I cars please let me know.

Regards,

Randy

Randy: Welcome to the site. You've come to the right place. However, some of the engine "gurus" are probably not readily available at the moment, as some of them were away at the recent Y-block shoot out. But, they will give you the benefit of their experience readily. The people on here are the best!.. On the dropped valve issue, that probably occurrred due to valve float or possibly keeper failure. Those in the know can make recommendations on that problem.You might want to consider Stainless valves for a supercharged engine & higher performance retainers & keepers. There available from  John Mummert Y-Block in  El Cajon CA.  ph 619-596-0312. Another source for valuable info besides this site is Y-Block Magazine, P.O Box 1005 Ottawa Illinois 61350. Write to the editor Bruce Young, tell him what you are doing, & send $5.00 for a sample issue.   

Paul

Randy, welcome to the site. Sounds like a project that is well worth saving. When you have time fill out some of the info in the profile section so that we can get to know you better, like where you are located. Frank and John are the F code guru's and I am sure that they will be very interested in an orginal stage I. I have extra blocks, but depending on where you are located, you may find one closer to you. Have fun and ask questions, someone here will come up with the answer.

Glen Henderson



Freedom is not Free

Letohatchee, AL

Randy.  Welcome!

Unless you're making an effort at being numbers correct, you're not limited to using a 312 block but can instead use the 292 block with the 312 crankshaft mains turned down to the 292 size.  Regardless of how you tackle this project, there's definitely a wide level of expertise on this site to point you in the direction you wish to go.

Again, Welcome!

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Randy,

       John Mummert or Ted can and will be happy to do you a short block. If you are going to run the car hard, and with an F code it'd be hard not to, I'd suggest going to one of them. Same with the heads and carbs. Welcome to the club, sanity is not required, money is. 

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Randy,

       Almost missed the second part of the letter, Go to vs57.com, for more info on the stage 1 cars, and blowers.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart)