Installing a Tunnel Ram

Carb linkage kits are available. Probably Jegs or similar to get them although most of the time I ran tunnel rams it was with twin carbs. Call a tech line at one of the places and see what they have. You may have to adapt brackets and then run a cable system instead of mechanical.

The lokar set up seems to be the popular choice for hooking things up to the trans etc. I've never used one that I can remember so don't know all the ins and outs of them. I could be wrong on this, but I believe it allows you to run a cable kickdown rather than a solid kickdown rod. Sort of like an aftermarket shifter cable from what I understand (those out there that have used them, is what I said correct? Always looking to learn more).

The tunnel ram does have a bit of wow factor looks. Single carb a little less so, but still... Seemed really popular in the late '70's or so. Lots of mag articles on how to street a tunnel ram. Smaller carbs, cam selection etc. From my use of them we never used one on a car that was not built for it. Most I'm familiar with are designed for high rpm use. Cam power bands starting at around 4000 rpm up, high compression, flowing heads, headers etc. I can't speak for Offy, but many of the brands out at the time just used to swap tops on the same race type piece to increase their marketablity to the masses that wanted to throw one on their car. As such you did not get an ideal package, just something that you could get to at least run on the car.

So, can the manifold be made to work, yes. Hole in hood you already know. With such a stock engine and small displacement you will have a tough time getting it to run decent. I would guess you would loose bottom end power and the car would dog around, bog perhaps and not start to come on and give any benefit until your cam/engine has about run through its useful rpm power band. From the sound of your existing set up you will probably not gain much by installing and could potentially end up with a car that has less power, useable range etc. than you have now.

So, semi answered your questions. Not looking for the advise coming, but I'd agree with selling the manifold and save up for something else that will benefit the car. If you are not avert to cutting a hole in the hood and are looking for wow factor, what about a hood scoop? Introduces fresh air into the engine and gives that visual wow.

Depending on engine condition, fuel system etc. you could always add a 100 shot of NOS, somewhere I saw a few articles on a Paxton supercharger adaption to a small block. Looked really nice, had the wow factor, but also according to the supposed gospel text, gave great power, street manners and decent fuel economy.

Just some ideas. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. Google lokar and I'm sure you should find some useful info.

Cheers