Posted by mannyc on Friday, September 27, 2002 at 9:18PM :
In Reply to: Re: "performance" 230 Keith posted by Tom J. on Friday, September 27, 2002 at 8:38PM :
if i were to build a 230 performance, i would do the folllowing
1 find a steel 2 barrel (not dual single) carb intake. they were used on 1950s chrysler cars with auto trannies. i had a perfect one and sold to someone on the page. a 2 barrel carb is better in my opinion than having to fuss with 2 singles. this stock manifold is of the log type and will bolt to the stock exhaust manifold.
2 split exhaust manifolds. do not buy fentons for 400 dollars. get two good used stockers and have kansas kustom split them. split factory manifolds improve breathing and enable the carb to be heated like the stock setup.
3 balance entire rotating assembly. include clutch, flywheel, pressure plate.
4 plane stock steel head a bit. not too much
5 rebuild engine with updated internals. use modern pistons with modern rings. the stocker technology is light years behind todays stuff.
6. splurge on top of the line gaskets. its cheaper than leaks later
7. get a hei 1 wire distributor made. no points and spark to 50 thousands gap.
8. install gm 1 wire alternator
9. you can find marine hei and alternators. would be good for those who take the truck swimming.
10. isky cam, stiff springs, good valves and machine work
the above approach is not fancy, it is designed to maintain as much iron as possible. aluminum is great if you are trying to save weight, but that is not a concern in a power wagon. the combo of the above will be a great start on a fitting engine for a power wagon with some modern technology.
with regards to performance, i drove maui dave's (used to be michael johnson's truck) with upgrades of the aluminum kind (head, dual single manifold, hei conversion, great machine work. it was significantly better than a stock rebuild. looked pretty cool too. good luck, mannyc
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