electra483

Need some opinions here..

My question is this... weather to convert to 4bbl or keep the 2bbl the way it is. While on my one of my many excursions to DVAP I collected what I needed to convert my 2bbl to a 4bbl just in case I went that route (first 3 pics are of the parts).

I bought a 1964 Starfire intake, 1962 super 88 QJet carb, 1962 starfire chrome valve covers, and a 4bbl air cleaner. Anyone know what the difference is between the (3) different ultra high compression motors besides the obvious 2bbl/4bbl intakes?

Thanks in advance, Paul.

59-59-59

It looks like you forgot to grab the kick down linkage for the Slim Jim. I believe the 2bbl and 4bbl versions are different.

PetChemMan

As I recall, the Starfire engines had a slightly higher compression ratio, and a hotter camshaft . The ignition advance curve may have been different too, although I'm not sure. Starfires also had dual exhaust , and perhaps different exhaust manifolds .
Starfires had a thermostatically controlled engine fan, although it may be that all air conditioned models had that feature. Starfires came with a 3.42 rear axle ratio as standard equipment, at least in '62. A higher performance car is more fun to drive, so if you can put together the right parts , go for the Starfire equivalents. In first gear, those Starfires would really leap off of the line, and burn some rubber too ! If fuel mileage and fuel octane requirements are a concern, then go for the lower performance parts . Your '62 looks like a nice, solid and complete car , and a great car to start a restoration . Have fun with it !

electra483

Thanks guys. I guess I still have a few items to grab if I am going to make this swap. I need to check if the carb I got is for an air car. I grabed parts from several cars to get what I have.

Did most (or all) 62 starfire's have the posi rear? I know 3.42 was the standard ratio for the starfire. I'm thinking of grabbing the 62 starfire rear end in the pic below...if the price is right.

I have done quite a bit mechanically to bring the car back from a 30 year slumber, and it runs//drives nice...just not sure how much further I really want to go. I will definitely be leaving the outside alone. That patina looks great in my opinion.

D. Yaros

Another engine difference, not mentioned, are the pistons. The high compression, high h.p. engine has domed pistons. That is how they were able to increase the compression/h.p.

Positraction was an option, not a standard feature, back in '62.

My opinion is, leave it as a 2 bbl. You will find it has more than enough power/performance. Take it from one who owns one!

electra483

Not sure about the different pistons, but does mention something in the heads combustion chamber. The 1962 Olds fact book shows all 1962 engines feature the "new dish top pistons for a more efficiant power stroke". The starfire motor was a 10.5 compared to a 10.25, but it only generated 15 HP than the sky rocket motor, and 10 LB. FT. torque than the rocket motor.

As I mentioned before I don't want to go nuts with this project just want to make some nice upgrades the factory did not include on mine. Power, and performance are ok as is, but I would not mind getting the rear just for the 3.42 ring and pinion even if its not a posi.

Run to Rund

The pistons weren't domed, just had shallower dishes in the tops. The carb is a Rochester 4-Jet, not a Quadrajet. The fou barrel conversion is reasonable if you want the performance improvement going to a fairly small four barrel.

electra483

Thank you, I stand corrected...the 4-Jet was the carb I was referring to. I would like to go with the 4bbl, and add the 342.1 starfire ring and pinion. Should wake the car up nicely.