VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 A little more HP

I have a 1951 sport coupe with a '54 engine. I am going to rebuild the engine and the powerglide transmission this winter.

I want to keep the car as stock or at least stock looking as possible but I would like a little more power. I considered a 261 engine but those are a little pricey. I plan on dual exhaust and maybe dual carburetors. I have dealt with dual carburetors on a Triumph and I realize that they can be a pain. What experience have any of you guys had with the dual carb. setup?

Are there any other means to boost the horsepower without breaking the bank? BTW I would go with the dual exhaust on the 261 also.

I plan to use the car as a driver and also a few short trips around Southwest VA. I have considered a 4.3 Vortec or a small block but, as I mentioned, I want to keep the stock look.

Thanks, Pete

You can get quite a boost just from a two carb set up and headers. If you wanted to go beyond that, a performance cam for the 235 could complete the package.

I run a stock 54 motor in my 51 sport coupe with a 3 speed manual. It has a lot of torque. If you swapped out the PG for a 3 speed and used 4:11 gears you would really feel that souped up mill. Nothing wrong with that 235 mill. It's a great motor.

The dual carbs. and exhaust will give some boost to a 1954 P.G. engine but only at higher engine speeds. Like over 35 MPH in low and 65 MPH in drive.
The stick engine not so much as it does not have a high lift camshaft as the P.G. did.
To me it wouldn't be worth tthe problems it can cause.
The added cubic inches in a stock 261 would give more low end torque at speeds you normally drive.

I have a 1954 235 with solid lifters, Isky cam and a shaved head in my 1951. The motor work was all done by the PO of the motor. I installed an Offenhauser dual intake with twin Carter YF (216) carbs. I also split the exhaust mainfold for true duals. The motor has a lot more kick than my old 216 ever did. I swapped out the 4.11 torque tube for 3.55 gears and I still have significantly more power. As was mentioned, the dual carbs really kick in at speeds over 35 mph (in third gear), which is fine because when I need passing power it's there. I have had no problems with this set up. I set it up with an rpm reading timing light, vacuum gauge and a unisync. I haven't had to touch it since. Well, I did replace the lower half of the rear main seal on the weekend, but that's the only hic up I've had with the new motor. I am a big proponent of the mods you are thinking about. I couldn't be happier with mine.

Your car has a three speed transmission so there are two gears to aid acceleration. The car in quesion is a Power glide with just Low and Drive + a torque converter wich requires an engine with more low speed torque and less high speed horse power.

Have owned a 54 since 89. Dual carbs ..Fenton headers ..Mild cam Quite a car..Freeway speeds 70--75 mph...35000 miles and no problems