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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1963 Impala SS Convertible
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Question
I am restoring a 1963 Impala SS Convertible.
Car originally had a 283 195 HP engine and I am upgrading to a date correct(within 2 weeks)and assembly plant correct 327 300HP engine. Is the powerglide transmission that came from the factory with the 283 engine able to handle the increased horsepower of the 327 300HP engine or will it need to be upgraded as well?
To my knowledge, Ron, there is no heavy-duty passenger car upgrade available for an aluminum-case Powerglide that would be factory-issue for '63, although there are all sorts of aftermarket upgrades, of course.
It looks like originality is important to you. In this case, I'd make sure that the transmission receives a quality rebuild with NOS parts, and enjoy driving it. You shouldn't have any problems. Be aware, though, that in its stock form, the Powerglide was never known for high performance or fuel economy!
--Paul
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Paul, Thanks for the prompt response. I am definitely interested in originality, so I will stick with the powerglide already in the vehicle. The 283 which was in the car was not original to the car and must have been rebuilt by an amateur because it had two different kinds of pistons according to the engine rebuilder I took it to. It was at that point I decided to invest another $1000 to upgrade to the time period correct 327 300HP. Thanks again for your help, Ron Chapman | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Paul Wilczynski
Expertise
Most questions involving vintage car restoration, mechanical and body, paint and upholstery. Parts sourcing. Extensive experience in wood-bodied station wagons, British and French cars of the '40s through '70s. Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, Sunbeam Alpine and Tiger, Citroen Maserati, VW Beetle, 1955-65 Chevrolet (especially Nomad station wagons), Corvair.
Experience
Wide-ranging and long-term. I owned a restoration shop in the 1970s, continue to dabble in vintage exotics. At one time, had a seven-car collection of contemporary exotics which I had restored and maintained myself.
When I was 18 years old, I designed a woodie kit for the VW Beetle, which I developed into a product which was featured on television and in over 100 magazines and 25 books at last count. I still own and drive one of my creations.
I owned a design and fabrication consultancy from 1982-2002, specializing in show car fabrication for manufacturers including Ford, Mazda, GM, Subaru, Mitsubishi, etc.
Since 2003, I have been a department manager in Industrial Design, and a full-time instructor in automotive design and fabrication at the university level. My students go on to design automobiles as staff designers for major auto manufacturers worldwide.
Organizations
Western Automotive Journalists, Industrial Design Society of America.
Publications
Long list of magazines and books, including Playboy, VW Trends, VW Greats, Hot VWs, and European automotive magazines.
Education/Credentials
I teach design and fabrication at university level. My education is in Industrial Design, University of Illinois (1966-1970).
Awards and Honors
Many awards for restorations in local concours and shows.
Past/Present Clients
Mazda, Ford, GM, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Honda, Toyota, Chrysler, Mercedes, Porsche.
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