Looking for more pep off the line

Alecb said
My converter stall is 1600-2000, it's listed as street/strip. I do have a thermoquad I was considering rebuilding and putting on my engine, I believe it's 800 cfm.

That is not a street strip or even a performance converter since many factory converters were in the 2000 - 2500 stall range.

There are big and small primary TQ carbs. If your primary is 1/5, that’s the big TQ, at 1.38, it’s the small TQ.

Alecb said
I'm currently running manifolds, I have power steering on my car and it looks like it would be a big fight to get headers on there. Eventually, I would like to get a set of Doug's headers when the budget permits it. The summit cam I'm running was on sale which is partly why I bought it, I wasn't sure what to get as this is my first engine build so I stuck with something close to stock. Might have to go with a Comp XE268 or something later.

Headers are a bit of a PIA no matter what brand or tube diameter. I’ve owned two 1973 Duster with P/S and both had headers and not a huge item to contend with. Actuality, it’s not even an issue at all.

I also wouldn’t use that cam so fast as the whole engine package is a balancing act and that cam should not be blindly thrown in.

Alecb said
I appreciate your detailed write-up on tuning. That drillbit trick is genius, I would not have thought of that.

It’s amazing who knows what here along with some really slick tricks.

RustyRatRod said
I think they're getting you off track already. IMO, you should optimize what you HAVE. A camshaft change is not going to magically unlock 50HP down low. But good tuning might. I would wait on any big changes. But, it's not my money or car so do what you want with it and good luck.

Correct! 50hp will never be seen. I’d bet $500 on 50 lbs or tq if he follows what I say to do and he only got half with a camshaft recommendation. ****! Name the guy to hold my $500 bucks for this bet.