Re: New Member, New Car...

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

On Fri, 15 Oct 2004, Sandwich Maker wrote:

> 2356/2357 are even brighter than 2056/2057, and there are some brighter
> yet bulbs used on some bmws iirc that fit.  i'd start wondering about
> heat on the lenses though.

2357's in place in my 63 classic for years, absolutely no heat
damage or warping to the ancient lenses. One is very old and
the other NOS (repair). I wouldn't put any of those halogens
in though.

> the 327 is surprisingly powerful, considering, but if you have to have
> more a '70-1 amc 360, 390, or 401 with auto would be your best bet.

The 327 is a heavy monster, but strong as an anvil, tons of
torque, and mine would idle at 400rpm (not practical to drive on)
smooooooooth. If it ain't broke don't fix it -- if it's running
well leave it til last! The torque tube drives are totally 100%
fine -- until you want to do anything with them :-) Seriously,
they are very reliable, since they're sealed basically nothing
ever goes wrong.  Maybe check and change it's oil once (it is
30 yrs old...)

4bb manifold and carb, electronic ignition and dual exhaust
would be the cheapest/easiest route for improved power etc.

> easily connected to your closed driveline with the m-10 adapter.

The brakes and axle bearings are easy to get and as easy to
work on as newer, open designs, so there's no maintenance
issues there. Since it sounds like you have other projects,
leave driveline til last!

> i'll just add for completion that these iron warners are close cousin
> to the ford fmx family used '50s-'70s and that ford also used warners
> in the '70s.

Westminster Transmission in (ta da) Westminster CA willingly
works on them, and seems to do good work. It's probably worth
getting a fluid change/tuneup, cost me $100. Joe Fulton referred

me, I will in turn.