515 hp 253

[wbute]

Nice to see the potential reached with the most underrated engine in Australia!

http://www.streetmachine.com.au/stre...hp-holden-253/

[hqhzvans]

Very interesting as I have a 253 in my 37 Dodge pick up and have been toying with the idea of a driveline upgrade, have a clean 308 black motor sitting in shed and also have at my disposal a pair of 5.0 EFI heads, new set of headers and quality manifold, and also a fresh pair of L34 heads recently recod, transmission is currently a 5 speed supra, the 253 is fine just running single exhaust of extractors and 2 barrel carbie, some people have said to me if its not broken dont fix it and others have suggested anything from a 350 chev to a Windsor 302, I agree 253 dont usually arouse the most enthusiasm but this is my 3rd vehicle owned with one and I cant really fault them I was told recently cant remember where that they have more torque than a 308.

[wbute]

Put a 4 barrel Rochester and an electronic ignition on it and a cam in it and you will bring it to life.

[HK1837]

All good fun but I still don't get it when 308/304 blocks are plentiful and quality stroker kits to take them to 350 or 377ci are quite cheap. Given the same other mods made to the 292ci 253 (ie heads, cam, induction etc) one of these will eat the smaller engine, and probably at far lower cost.

[wbute]

I suppose you could also ask why bother with a 308 for the same reasons. Plenty of better engines that cost the same to make power out of.
Its a shame holden strangled the 253 for so long with those 2 barrel carbs. If they had the 4 barrel from the start they wouldn't have been so left behind in value these days.

[HK1837]

It will always be the case though that the smallest engines will always be unwanted. 4cyl engines in UC and Commodore, 173, 253 all suffer the same fate. Far cheaper to just stick in the biggest optional engine.

[wbute]

I have in WB Kingswood.

[Valencia]

Pretty sure you can stroke them out to 310ci to little 253 which is fine but with all of the engine choices of today why would you have to agree with Byron
Having said that I'd drive a Sandman all day with the 253 no probs with air con of course

[micks_sandman]

Still good fun and yeh plenty of horses available there

[Vombil]

i have a 253 with a 4 brl rochy. it sounds and runs so sweet but i'd agree they are 10 high at the tip

good skids by the little blue wagon