how fast do you think

Plug smashed? That cant be good. You have a nice ride there. I agree on moving that fuel system. If you route the line from the pump (in rear of car) thru the fenderwell hole for alignment access, and come up in the wheel well, you can plop the regulator right on the flat of the fender. I like 2 -6 lines to the carb, one to each bowl off the regulator. Use std straight fittings, and put a slight twist in it as you tighten the fitting, and the braid will keep it up off the valve cover.