Engine choice

My engine of choice is a Holden 5 litre (304) V8 - and I've been lucky enough to buy the exact model I want. I've picked up an engine out of a Holden VT Commodore, complete with a GM Hydra-Matic 4L60-E transmission. The engine has been removed from a 10 year old car that has travelled around 100,000 km. The car was smashed in the rear end and written off.

This is the very last of the Australian made Holden V8 engines and features sequential multipoint fuel injection and electronic ignition. Most street-rodders shy away from electronically managed engines, but I've had some experience with them and it no blacker an art than vacuum operated carburettors. This engine gives great power and torque for it's size and is relatively fuel efficient, wins hands down over a carby engine in my opinion.

The four speed electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 4L60-E transmission features overdrive and a electronic locking torque converter, and computes it's shift pattern via the powertrain control module with reference to many parameters calculated by engine load, vehicle speed and so-on. I'm not such a fan of old fashioned "slush-box" automatic transmissions, but these modern electronically controlled models are very nice to drive with predictable shifting and efficient operation using the locking torque converter.

Now I've had the ECU PROM reflashed to disable the standard security (as it is no longer in it's host car), I'm looking forward to giving the engine its first test firing, once I get a fuel pump that is. I bought the engine online and I've seen a video of it running and revving in it's original car, but it will be great to hear it purr in the flesh.

Introduction

After playing around with cars for years I've finally taken the plunge and started my own street rod project. I plan to do most of the work myself and I'm looking forward to learning along the way. My vehicle of choice is a 1938 Wolseley 14/60 saloon. I've always been a British car nut, had my first Morris Minor when I was 14 years old. I wanted to build something different to the run of the mill hot-rods out there. My main design criteria is for the project to be a "resto rod", basically looking as close to original as practical, with modern running gear. I love 1930's design and want to retain the original overall appearance. My preference for an engine is to use a V8. I can't help myself, I just love V8 engines - always have.

I found my perfect car on eBay, it was a "barn find" of sorts, the previous owner purchased it from a barn with intentions of one day doing it up - but it sat relatively untouched and unfortunately became part of a deceased estate. The vehicle was without an engine or gearbox or interior. A perfect candidate for my project, I'd feel guilty modifying such a rare vehicle if a full restoration was possible, but given the lack of engine and gearbox, a restoration was not on the cards for me.

So after winning the online auction I had to travel the 2,400 km round trip to pick her up from South Australia! I live in the Blue Mountains/Central West NSW, around 120 km west of Sydney. I did the trip in three days - it was a bit tiring but a very enjoyable and interesting drive.

Just as an explanation, here is what a complete Wolseley 14/60 looks like: