Specifications

OldSub Specifications

Its big and heavy. The title says 3920 pounds. The Chevrolet assembly manual says less than that.

The engine is a GMC 270 cubic inch inline six probably built in 1960 or 1961. I've decided I don't really care exactly what year it is, I'll replace it with a V-8 before I'll do anything that requires knowing what it is...

The transmission is a Muncie SM420 four-speed with a granny first.

The rear axle is from a 1973 Chevelle Laguna station wagon. It has 3.08 gears, and 11 inch drum brakes.

The front brakes are 11 inch disks sorta from the same Chevelle wagon. I bought a kit to support this conversion, and while I can't complain much about the kits contents, I would not be as positive about the instruction sheet. There was a lot it didn't say... I also updated to a dual master cylinder, added residual valves, and ran all new brake lines. Fun job. It took about ten weeks all told and cost twice what I had planned. Of course buying new rotors, calipers and master cylinder did drive cost above what I expected.

The electrical system is twelve volt. It has a generator and an under-the-floor battery. I've removed the foot-operated starter switch and now use a key like modern cars.

I've now rewired everything back of the dash. I don't mean the stuff behind the dash, though I did rewire some of it. I mean all the wire that is in the vehicle rear of the dash.

Before the rear axle update it burned gasoline at an observed rate of 12 miles per gallon. The new rear has 3.08 gears, and the first tank run only on that rear went at a rate of 14.5 miles per gallon. A significant improvement!

It came to me without a radio. I installed one and heard so much electrical noise I've removed it. Someday I may put another one in it, but those who hold their breath will turn blue first.

Interior is done in a combination of light and heavy rust, and some painted highlights. It has a pair of power leather bucket seats from a Honda Accord and I have to say its cool to be sitting there moving the seat by pressing buttons. Some of us are easily amused.

And all the instruments work, including the tach. When I first saw it the tach wasn't doing its thing, but it was just a problem with the connection.

My intentions are honorable, and as I have better specifications I'll think about updating this page.

Last update: July 26, 2007

Last updated: July 26, 2007