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'59 Olds Big Block Installed in '54 Healey 100             by Tom Schnerk



I've owned this '54 Healey 100 since 1956 and have been running a Big Block Olds in it since 1957.  It's probably the first Big Block V8 Healey ever and the only Big Block Olds Healey in existence.  The initial design was an extreme "performance via big engine in a small car,” producing a competitive streeter in 1957 and has remained the same for over fifty-seven years.  I can't include pictures of the original 1957 engine swap since I didn't own a camera.  I do have copies of my original sketches showing various structural details of the radical engine setback required to obtain the desired 47/53 Front-to-Back weight distribution with a very heavy engine.  This engine setback is the car's major design and construction feature.  This 2486# car with 418ci engine does 0-60mph in 3.8sec, and a 118mph quarter mile on wimpy 6 inch street tires.  It’s a real blast on the country roads out here in Santa Ynez, Calif.