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Posted by mannyc on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 12:23:58 :
In Reply to: JoeG & others -How Things Work - Old Technology posted by MIKE STONE COTM JEROME,IDAHO on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 11:55:21 :
after doing 2 complete helitool conversions, including 489 conversions, i have come to the conclusion that larger tires (aka michelins or better) are a better first upgrade than 4.89 gears get that initial speed improvement that everyone seems to want.
The increase in road speed is a nice update & by going to modern radials you benefit in the ride and safety categories too.
i really believe anyone changing the ffpw from its stock form is advised to do a full brake conversion first. with all of the upgrade money i have spent on my trucks, the best ROI has been dual discs and a dual master setup.
if you need more than a 20% increase in speed, you will need to upgrade the flathead as it cannot provide the grunt required to push the truck.
i believe the diesel guys are on to something with the 4bt and I like the concept.
i also believe that my flathead powered, 489 geared, power steering equipped dual disc command car is a more pleasing combination than my 360 powered m37 was.
for my purposes, tooling around at 50mph max is enough. nothing like a stock flathead under the hood. the power steering pump and alternator are tastefully added nods to modern technology, while the rest of the underhood is dead stock.
to my way of thinking, a brownie box or overdrive that will self destruct in reverse is a poor way to get road speed. want to impress me, source and modify a 2 speed rear that has 583s and a higher ratio for road travel. want to blow me away - incorporate a front axle lockout, to prevent the operator from mismatching gears. could be a mechanical or electrical lockout - you decide!!
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