How do u chamge a normal 1963 grand prix into a 63 grand prix superduty (sd)

Question

for my first car me and my dad r going to restore a 1963 grand prix. but we also thought it would be fun if we could make it into a super duty.So we need to know what parts we need and how to do that. if there is a book we could buy that would be great too. my grandma used to street race a 63 grand prix 421 ho she said it really moved, and once we get it together we r going to let her break it in for us. We thought it would be fun to have it be a bit more peppy than she remembered. we realize gas is going to be pricy, but we have a plan so dont try and talk me out of it. we also have a plan for insurance so dont worry about it.

Answer 1

Well, that would be fun.  Pete McCarthy wrote two books on this, and they're both great, if you can find them in print.  There's some overlap, but buy them both anyway.

That is a great car.  Your family has very good taste.

Answer 2

Well, first off take it to the shop and have them bore it out...  then be sure to put in a heavy duty battery so it will have an easy turn over..

Guess I am like your Grandma... Used to be cars...  

BUT

My life went to the dogs...  heehee

Good Luck

H.O.T. Dog

Handler Owner Trainer of GSD's

Member U.S.A. & A.W.D.F.

http://360.yahoo.com/sewwoodyou

Answer 3

First you will need a 421 SD engine all were rated at 405 - 410 HP, underrated, (Nascar one four barrel carburator), street and Drag Strip 2X4 barrel carbs. Compression ratios were from 11:1, 12:1, and 13:1. Carburators were two 500 cfm Carter AFB, or two 625 cfm Carter AFB carburators. They were backed by a Hurst, shifter and Heavy Duty four speed tranny, and Posi rear end @ 4.30 :1. It also would of had factory aluminum headers with dump valves, run with factory exhaust or open valves and bypass exhaust, some Factory 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix Super Duty's came with factory Aluminum Front ends, hood, fenders, and bumper. Try "Butler Performance Pontiac Engines" on internet, If you can't find a 421, a 428, 455, or 400, even 389 Pontiac motor would work, if you don't want a standard tranny back it up with a 1970 TH-40, (Turbo-Hydramatic 400, or any other year TH-400 beefed up, modified for 500 Horse Power or more. "High Performance Pontiac Magazines" on internet may show you some articles of a 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix Super Dutys (and Catalinas). Mickey Thompson made HEMI heads for Super Duty 389, 421 SDs, catalog # P137, over 100 Horse Power over stock or reworked Pontiac Heads, don't know where you could find these HEMI heads these days. There were factory 1963 Pontiac Grand Prixs made just for Drag Racing  and at least one for Nascar as well, Grand Prix was based on the Catalina. Options are up to you engine, tranny, rear end, headers,  if your engine is putting 500HP or more, you are in Super Duty territory! Factory 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix 421 SDs, depending on Compression ratio etc, could do 13 second, 12.5 second 1/4 mile times, not bad for a Luxury car! By the way, NICE CAR!