Missing?

[930cabman]

I am considering a rebuild for my 1964SC and looking around at parts prices. Our host has a set of "Nickies" for $4,600. or a set of "Stoddard" pistons/cylinders/rings, etc for $700.

Why would I opt for the Nickies? Am I missing something?
thank you,

[Prsh356]

Look around for a new set of NPR'S 86 mm around 800.00 !

[wdfifteen]

With an SC you have a couple of issues you need to be aware of. Assuming it is still stock it has Biral (aluminum) cylinders and a counterbalanced crankshaft. Pistons that fit earlier cars without counterbalanced crankshafts might hit the balance weight. Be SURE the pistons you get are machined for an SC. The other issue is that the pushrods are designed for the aluminum cylinders that came in the SC. They require a different valve adjustment than the old style pushrods and old style cast iron pistons.

First I would have the cylinders carefully measured to see if there is any chance you can get more life out of them with new pistons. If your Biral cylinders are worn out (assuming it still has them) my preference would be either the $700 cast iron cylinders from Pelican or the $1300 cast iron set from Stoddard. You still can use the alloy pushrods that go with the aluminum cylinders if you adjust the valves to .005" (intake) and .007" (exhaust).

I see Pelican sells "Stoddard" branded P&Cs but I can't find the same P&Cs in Stoddard's catalog. Stoddard does sell cast iron P&Cs but only for A or B engines and does not list them for SC/912. I assume the pistons are too long to go with the counterbalanced crank, but who knows. I would call Pelican and call Stoddard and get more information about the $700 Pelican P&Cs and the $1300 Stoddard P&Cs. Please report back if you do so.

[930cabman]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

With an SC you have a couple of issues you need to be aware of. Assuming it is still stock it has Biral (aluminum) cylinders and a counterbalanced crankshaft. Pistons that fit earlier cars without counterbalanced crankshafts might hit the balance weight. Be SURE the pistons you get are machined for an SC. The other issue is that the pushrods are designed for the aluminum cylinders that came in the SC. They require a different valve adjustment than the old style pushrods and old style cast iron pistons.

First I would have the cylinders carefully measured to see if there is any chance you can get more life out of them with new pistons. If your Biral cylinders are worn out (assuming it still has them) my preference would be either the $700 cast iron cylinders from Pelican or the $1300 cast iron set from Stoddard. You still can use the alloy pushrods that go with the aluminum cylinders if you adjust the valves to .005" (intake) and .007" (exhaust).

I see Pelican sells "Stoddard" branded P&Cs but I can't find the same P&Cs in Stoddard's catalog. Stoddard does sell cast iron P&Cs but only for A or B engines and does not list them for SC/912. I assume the pistons are too long to go with the counterbalanced crank, but who knows. I would call Pelican and call Stoddard and get more information about the $700 Pelican P&Cs and the $1300 Stoddard P&Cs. Please report back if you do so.

Thank you for the info. Are the Biral cylinders aluminum with a cast iron liner? and I assume after 55+ years this motor may have been apart a few times and who knows what surprises we may find?

[wdfifteen]

Indeed, on engines this old it's hard to tell what's in there. I bought this '65 SC hoping for some good engine parts. It had 3 cast iron 86 mm cylinders with big domed pistons and one with a flat topped piston. The car was wrecked so hard both the engine and transmission cases were cracked.





Biral cylinders are as you described. They are tapered somewhat because if issues with thermal expansion. I think the head end is smaller in diameter than the case end - or vice-versa. Biral cylinders got such a bad reputation that you may find plain old cast iron cylinders in there.

[930cabman]

@WD: and you bought this hulk? I thought I had some guts, got to say you have me beat big time. If I ever came home with this, wife, siblings, neighbors, etc would know I had gone off the deep end. There could not have been many salvageable parts?
Either way, I commend you.
Our '64 SC has had some minor engine issues for the last couple years and this may be the year and I am looking for a project anyway. My engine case has a welded/threaded boss near the distributor, it may have been attempt at a full flow oil cooler or ?
The car is partly original with no rust, many service records and will be up for sale soon.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by 930cabman

@WD: and you bought this hulk? I thought I had some guts, got to say you have me beat big time. If I ever came home with this, wife, siblings, neighbors, etc would know I had gone off the deep end. There could not have been many salvageable parts?

I sold the brakes and wheels for more than I paid for the car right away. Everybody wanted disc brakes on their outlaw 356. Over the years I sold the heads, carbs, crank, flywheel, etc. I did OK on the deal.