I've come across a '63 Pontiac Tempest and I'm thinking about buying it.  It has a 326 and a 2 speed auto.  I'm thinking about putting in a 421 or 455 and a borg-warner 4 speed.  I know that you could get a 4 speed in that year, but only with a 4 cylinder.  I also have read that these cars use a "rope" driveshaft.  I don't know how this works and if I could swap in a T10 and a conventional rearend.  Any information and/or insights would be greatly appreciated.

I don't know it all, but I know something about these cars.  Yes - they used a "rope" driveshaft, in what sort of looked like a trans-axle.  I also believe that the rear part of the car was a unibody and may not have a full frame under it.  That's the part I'm foggy on, but there are guys on this site that should be able to shed light on it for you.  As far as a conversion, well, I think that you can do most anything with a wire feed welder.  The four cylinder engines they had were like 326s that had the apposing bank of cylinders left off.  Head and valves were the same.  In one of the mags here a couple of months ago they actually found one and took pictures of it.  What it's like is a slant 4. 

As for the cars, they are cool, but prone to rust, so check it out real good before you buy. Sounds like the one you are looking at has the small V-8 offered in that year.  I can get you the productions numbers on that car (I think..not sure).  I have a book at work that showcases that year and model.   The V-8 was the exception, and not the rule.  Yours is the first I have heard of outside of car books and auto encyclopedias. 

Have fun, and tell us what you find out.  Bowser

Thanks for the info Bowser.  Unfortunately, the car is on ebay and it seems like all of the high-rollers are starting to pay attention to it and it's rapidly going out of my price range.  It's a shame because its such a neat car.  However, I found something faster and better suited for me : 65 Oldsmobile F85 w/ 4 speed and high comp 330.  The car is in great shape and super low mileage.  Now I'm just praying that the auction doesnt get taken over by two guys who have big bucks.  Will update later.

The Olds is a good choice - I am the consumate Oldsmobile nut.  I got a nice '61 Dynamic Convertible, a '68 442 that is a one family car, 67 Toronado with 90,000 original on it, a 65 Starfire that I just got a good original 425 for, and my bomb thrower is a '67 Cutlass Supreme with a modified 330 in it.  Those 330 engines came from the factory with forged cranks, and in addition mine has forged pistons, high volume oil pump, big block heads with the big valves (off a '70 442) and port matched intake.  I am retrofitting it with all kinds of goodies - got one more part to find then I get to dive into it with all fours.  Mine is an automatic, and I am replacing the 2 speed with a souped up Turbo 350.  I'm doing some suspension upgrades, brake upgrades, and by the end of the year I want to have a posi in the back end. Hopefully the majority will be done by mid June so I can take it out and have fun.  Body is decent - paint looks pretty good, and rust is minimal for the west coast.  Interrior has all been redone and is nice. 

I got mine off of Ebay too, but the dude lived here and I was able to go and look at what I was bidding on.  I got it for a song - $3500.  It had some electrical problems and I think thats why it went so cheap.  I was able to fix them all and have it on the road in about a week. 

Well - Good luck on your quest.  Let us know what you end up with.

Bowser