53 #276 finally made its way to my garage today. I drove about 30 top down miles this afternoon - what a blast to drive. A lot more fun that my FI 59 with a Powerglide. I even burned some rubber with the 53.
The 53 is a long way from NCRS specs, however.
Dave Elie owned 53 #276 from 1957 to 2008. Dave hopped up the engine - the 6 banger is a 261 block with a better breathing head. The engine is pretty torquey - about 260 lbs/ft on the dyno at 3000 rpm - and hits about 190hp. Dave also installed a Corvette 4 speed, and beefed up the suspension with a thicker sway bar in the front and radius bars and a sway bar in the back.
This 53 is nothing like my old low mileage 54. The 53 feels like a real sports car, even with the 6 banger.
The car has 317k miles on it, but has been completely refreshed mechanically now. Uglier than sin. But it sure does run.
The gauges need to be rebuilt, and the radio is at the shop already.
If anybody wants to see a hot 53 - I will likey drive the 53 down to the SJ National Meet this July. For more pics... 1953 today pics.
Russ
The 53 is a long way from NCRS specs, however.
Dave Elie owned 53 #276 from 1957 to 2008. Dave hopped up the engine - the 6 banger is a 261 block with a better breathing head. The engine is pretty torquey - about 260 lbs/ft on the dyno at 3000 rpm - and hits about 190hp. Dave also installed a Corvette 4 speed, and beefed up the suspension with a thicker sway bar in the front and radius bars and a sway bar in the back.
This 53 is nothing like my old low mileage 54. The 53 feels like a real sports car, even with the 6 banger.
The car has 317k miles on it, but has been completely refreshed mechanically now. Uglier than sin. But it sure does run.
The gauges need to be rebuilt, and the radio is at the shop already.
If anybody wants to see a hot 53 - I will likey drive the 53 down to the SJ National Meet this July. For more pics... 1953 today pics.
Russ

Comment