53 replies to this topic

[Redslur]

Anyone clarify what this PSN designates as fare as a 4 door HQ goes. 8N69TCL239040Q.

 

I am possibly looking to buy this car and the owner is telling me it is a factory 308, 4spd car. Going by the tag it does appear to be a 308.

[yel327]

That VIN tells you it is a HQ V8 Kingswood sedan optioned with L31 engine (standard with L32 M15). An XV4 sedan at this time still used the Kingswood lux level identifier, it changed to a Q around June-July ‘73, whereas L239040 as completed on 1st May ‘73. So you’ll have to look elsewhere.
The BODY plate will read L31 M21 GV2. Mechanically it is a standard V8 Kingswood sedan other than the L31 engine option, so no auto, no air and no steer. You’ll need to look at the trim code to see if it is a ln XV4 or just a V8 Kingswood sedan. Kingswood is normally E trim, sometimes G, J or K. XV4 will have W, X, Y or Z trim.
It’s original engine number was QT325980.
It does sit in a batch of PSN’s that all 80469’s that look like mostly XV4 and an XW8 so good chance it is one.

Edited by yel327, 09 September 2020 - 01:15 PM.

[yel327]

This damn spelling correction makes you look like a moron! I just realised-read what I typed and it is full of grammatical errors created by auto correct! The info is correct though

[308 Sunbird]

Maybe a silly question Byron but please explain what model/trim level equals XV4 and XW8?

[yel327]

XV4 is GTS sedan. XW8 is GTS350 sedan. GMH used option codes for most “specials” like HQ SS was XV2, LH Gpack was XV1, XU1 (obvious), XU2 was to be LH with GroupC homologation, XU3 and XX7 for Sandman, A9K for HZ Kingswood sedan and wagon, A9X for LX homologation etc etc.

[Redslur]

Model: HQ80469

BODY NO. 1567 - A

Trim is 1856 - 30E

Paint is 568 - 15347 Purrpul?

Edited by Redslur, 10 September 2020 - 12:12 PM.

[yel327]

30E is Kingswood so not a GTS. Far rarer though, an L31 optioned HQ Kingswood sedan in Purr-pull. They never fail to surprise, I’d have given it over 98% chance of being an XV4.

[308 Sunbird]

Thanks very informative.

[Redslur]

Thanks for the info Yel...I have made the owner an offer on the car so see what he comes back with :-)

[yel327]

It is worth significantly less than a GTS but it is a far lower build car. Bit like a 5.0L SL Torana I guess.

[lx308]

Thanks for the info Yel...I have made the owner an offer on the car so see what he comes back with :-)

How did the offer go, Gerry?

[Redslur]

Yep scored the car mate. So happy. Just waiting to be able to get it from Adelaide to Canberra now. Been told a month wait so effectively I have paid for the car but it is still in SA. Lucky the previous owner is a nice guy. Would post up a pic if i could but don't know how nowadays.

 

Lets just say there is better value in a GTS replica HQ than a torry nowadays.

[yel327]

Definitely. The money you can buy some really nice cars for today, even Holdens, compared to the tripper $ being paid for Toranas is mind blowing.

[lx308]

Yep scored the car mate. So happy. Just waiting to be able to get it from Adelaide to Canberra now. Been told a month wait so effectively I have paid for the car but it is still in SA. Lucky the previous owner is a nice guy. Would post up a pic if i could but don't know how nowadays.

Lets just say there is better value in a GTS replica HQ than a torry nowadays.

Well done. The CV8 is still a week away from Perth too. Transport is slow. Text me pics if you want & I can put a couple on here.

[Redslur]

Far out the link I was sent said the car was at Port Augusta a week a go. What is the hold up?

[lx308]

Was waiting for the boat to leave I think. Coming by water.

Gerry's new rocket.

[yel327]

Nice. Proper engine too!

[Redslur]

Yes a 350, Muncie 4 Spd. So my dilemma is whether to go down the path on a staunch 383 or remove it and fit the 355 I have built to suit a whiple and wack it in...first world problems I tell you....

[yel327]

It has already been upgraded to a 350 SBC, no point going backwards to a Holden 350 which has identical bore and stroke and lots less choice in heads etc. Already has radiator, exhaust, throttle linkage etc to suit the SBC engine. I’d just leave it and if you want build a 377 for it. It already has the gearbox for it. What diff is in it?

[Redslur]

Running the stock Salisbury 3:36 diff from factory. The car is a factory 308, M21 car as mentioned to you before so the appeal of heading back that way is tempting. But I have never played with Chev's and a nice 383 with hydraulic roller cam and alloy heads would be nice for a cruiser with the muncie. It is a GTS 350 replica so that may convince me to stay that way...decisions, decisions...Anyone know of a nice 383 for sale?

[yel327]

I'd keep the 3.36 aside and get a 9" made. I wouldn't be concerned with turning it back to original, those days are long gone for it. It will always be worth more as it is rather than trying to make it original. 

 

That is basically what my HK is getting (it is currently a 307 Powerglide but that is all coming out). A 377ci SBC (really 385ci as 0.040" oversize but Chevrolet built them as 377ci in 1963) with hydraulic roller and alloy heads. Should be good for a lazy 425hp, maybe more. Not even running extractors, picked up a pair of 2.5" Rams horns yesterday as ran on 375hp 327 Corvette, off the get HPC coated.

 

I'd build the 377 yourself. Scat make 3.75" stroke crankshafts that are internally balanced for 6" rods, they are only about $400 here in Australia. You'll pickup a 4 bolt 4" bore block for $500 if you are patient, I have bought two in recent times for $250 each, one 1968 cast 386 and a 1971 cast 010. 2 bolt blocks are really cheap, mate got an 010 a few weeks ago for $300 in mint cond. Scat also make clearanced rods (called pro-competition) so bugger all bore clearancing is required. Hyper pistons are cheap as chips too, I bought Wiseco forged and even they are about $600. Heads will be the most expensive, but still less than $3000 a pair, even cheaper if you go for less hp.

Edited by yel327, 24 September 2020 - 08:27 AM.

[Redslur]

Yes Yel the ideas are flowing through my head I tell you. I really think I will do a chev but not sure how yet. Got about 10k to play with and only want a 450hp streeter that is reliable as hell and not over stressed. Don't know bugger all about building them but everyone who does play with them is suggesting a 383 with a hydraulic roller in the 240's @ 50 with AFR 210 heads will be a ball tearer but very street friendly and the old Muncie and Salisbury could hold op ok. 

 

I have already priced up at 9 inch and that is $4500 alone. Maybe just putting a tru trak centre in the Salisbury with billet axles will suffice. Haven't heard much about the 377's. Tell me more....Decisions I tell you.....

[yel327]

Sounds like a good start. I'm not even bothering with aftermarket heads, using a pair of L98 Corvette alloy heads. They aren't meant for high rpm hp but are fine for a street engine that spends all its time below 5000rpm. The AFR heads will be a big step up for higher hp. I'm running Rams horns too. I reckon you could build a decent 377-388ci engine for $10k if you use your bolt ones you have now and you build it yourself. AFR heads might push you over though. The problems you might run into though that start costing are things like a clutch to take the new engine, is the exhaust big enough etc.

 

Crow specced a hydraulic roller for me with 515 thou lift with 1.6 rockers, and about 230 duration at 50 on 108 lobe centre. It is a cam to give decent vacuum and work well with an auto with air and steer on a serpentine setup. Being a manual you'd easily go for more duration than this.

 

The Muncie should be OK, and you can rebuild it stronger if need be. Not sure the 10 bolt will survive though. My new 9" housing and Currie axles cost $1900 for the HK, to suit HQ brakes. Plus the centre, which I'm going to run a mint XC 3:1 LSD for now, will probably buy a new Trutrac 3.25 later.

 

377 is what you are talking about. 4" bore with 3.75" stroke. Chevy built them in 1963 for the Grand Sport, but they never went into large scale production. They were a 4" bore small block with the crankshaft from the (future) 400 SBC. 383 is just an Americanism like Aluminum and 355 that has now gone into widespread use. The engines are 377 and 350, and are only 383 and 355 if at 30 over. Mine is 385ci as it is 40 over, but it will be registered and Engineered as a 377.

[yel327]

Here’s one:

https://m.ebay.com.a...1&ul_noapp=true

[Redslur]

Lots to consider I tell you. When I finally get the car landed here, i will Suss what it needs and go from there. If it needs any paint touch ups that will be first for me as I like them mint as body and paint wise. I have a good kitty to play with but want to make sure I maximise my investment. On top of the spare coin I have, I can always sell my 355 that is fresh Build on the engine stand for around 8k so that would get me well over the line.

I appreciate all the advice. Stay tuned and will be back for more chat