1964 Impala restoration project

[Modas]

Hello All -

This is my first time posting in here. I'm going to be starting a frame-up restoration of a '64 impala convertible shortly. This is going to be my first restoration project so as a result, I'm probably going to ask some pretty dumb and obvious questions. ;-)

The impala is stock with a 283 and 2 speed powerglide automatic tranny. The biggest things I'm looking to do is upgrade the brakes to disk and put a bigger engine and a built 700R4 transmission in. The car will be used mostly for cruising, occasional highway use and the occasional drag race.

So, my first couple of questions are.....

1. I've seen that the front spindles from the 66-82 corvettes are more or less drop-ins for the '64 impala. Can anyone confirm this?

2. The engine I'm looking to use is a 383 stroker or a 406. HP ranges from 440-475 with torque upwards of 500 lb-ft. I've seen from other sources that the frame should be able to handle the increase in power/torque, but I'm pretty sure the rear end/axels will not. Are there any cars out there that I can use that will handle the increase and not require extensive modifications to the frame. Something that is "plug and play" is obviously ideal.

3. I'm also looking for shops that build engines. I've got a couple on my list, but if anyone has a shop that they've dealt with and want to recommend, I'm all ears.

Thanks for the help!!

[Verne_Frantz]

Modas,
You have found a great site here, but I doubt that many on this fine board have had the experience modifying a '64 as you are planning.
I'm sure you will find several people who can guide you through your "restoration" on the Chevytalk.com site.

Verne

[Modas]

No Problem

I'm just starting the tear down phase. I know what I want to do to the car, just not how to go about doing it, so ANY help is appreciated.

[indyjps]

ive got the entire drivetrain you described sitting in my garage. fill out your profile then you can pm me.
J

[indyjps]

check out pro-touring.com for suspension mods and brakes.