First off I have a 63 Super 88.


My questions,

1- is there a Chilton type manual for this car?
2- On the exhaust looking at the engine from the front so driver side, after the exhaust manifold, there was like a spacer with what looked like a carb flap what is that?
3- Does anyone know of a header that works? brand and part number if u have done this.
4- I have all original ac under hood is it better to remove this and do a underdash type thing, or try to get it working? its super heavy, I pulled that bracket with the compressor and alternator like 50 pounds.


Thanks for your time, any useful answer would be cool

 

I am not aware of any Chiltons type manual. I did purchase a CD on E-Bay for my 63 for around $22 about 4 years ago. Used shop manuals run around $65 or so on E-bay now and then. The driver side exhaust valve you refer to is a heat riser valve I believe. It's purpose from what I remember is to warm up the engine quicker by routing exhaust gas through the intake manifold under the carb area. It is thermostatically controlled to open and close. These can get stuck, so make sure yours is free and working properly. My car didn't have one when I bought it and does just fine without it. I don't know of any headers for the 394. Flanges to build headers are available, but I don't remember a source. You could Google to find that out, if your really set on having headers. As far as the AC, I would stay with the original system. I removed my AC system and have the parts/brackets and compressor etc boxed away for later on re-install. I only did this because I wanted to clean up the engine, new head gaskets, valve cover gaskets etc. Yes, the AC system is heavy and takes up allot of room on the passenger side. Hopefully others can chime in to give you their opinions on your questions.

 

Why would you want a Chilton manual when the FACTORY service manuals are available, either in hardcopy (my favorite) or on CD. For that matter wildaboutcars.com has a comprehensive collection of the factory manuals online.

The 1963 factory manual covers about any service procedure you (or anyone you hire) will ever need on the car. It is what the dealer mechanics used.

FB has explained the heat riser. No headers available that I know of short of a custom-built set. These are rear-steer cars and even installing dual exhaust requires the factory LH dual exhaust manifold which is made to clear the steering gear and starter. A left side tube header would be a nightmare installation.

On A/C: keep the original system if it switches outlets correctly and holds a vacuum. You can update to a Sanden type compressor with a little modification to compressor brackets, and also ditch the factory suction throttling valve for an updated version that allows for cycling-clutch operation like later cars. Any aftermarket system will be a custom build, though you can adapt a few pieces from a similar-year Impala kit.

 

thanks u guys very useful

 

What everyone has said is spot-on. I would, however add that in addition to the FSM I would consider acquiring a Motors Repair Manual, 1963 Edition. It will everything the FSM has, and hopefully some additional info and good explanations. Just my 2 cents?

 

I agree with DY. If you can find a MOTORS MANUAL, they are really great. I have one that covers just about everything from 1935 to 1950, that was handed down to me from when my dad when he was in the military during WW II. It's a great resource and education to just read when your in your easy chair at night and have nothing better to do.

 

I have the same year/model car. The a/c system on the car works great when charged and functional, ice cold in the summer (although temp will climb a little sitting still in traffic on 100 degree days), still I wouldn't change it out on yours unless many hard to find parts are missing. I found a 64 motors manual at the swap meet that goes back to late 50s even, great for tune/torque specs and such, and there are a/c manuals on ebay and the database website wildaboutcars.com rocketraider mentioned is great place to find all original service info very helpful when I had to go through charging system.

Also, i don't think my exhaust manifold has the same mechanism on it, are mine non-original?

 

If your ride does not have the heat riser, than is there a spacer in that location? Seems to me there would have to be in order for the exhaust pipe to properly mate up with the exhaust manifold. If no heat riser, then there has been a mod.