Re: [BaadAssGremlins] Hornet V8 bolt-on upgrades Qs

[themixtoo@xxxx]

In a message dated 8/26/2004 4:30:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time, "John W Rosa" <JohnRosa@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:

>
>I'm considering a few performance bolt-on
>goodies for my new 73 Hornet 360/Auto, and in
>looking at my parts stash, I've got some
>questions.
>
>Exhaust manifolds- I've got a pair of Hi-Flow
>units off a Javelin, but I recall one side
>won't fit in certain situations. Anyone know
>for sure what issues arise?
>
>Intake manifold- I've got an R4B, but I recall
>it had a valley pan which is long gone. Do I
>need it and if so, why? Is it a generic piece,
>or must it be for the R4B?
>
>Carbs- I'm partial to the old Carter 4v's, so
>Edelbrock is my first choice for a 4-barrel.
>Any recommendations for a bone-stock 360 with
>the above changes?
>
>Electronic ignition- Who makes the simplest
>conversion? Is it worth the expense? Is it
>relatively 'invisible'? I don't want an obvious
>Mallory finned box and bright colored wires...
>I prefer a stock-looking setup.
>
>Shift-kit- Something to just tweak the A727 a
>bit for harder, later shifting...not race-car
>stuff, just a step up from stock.
>
>Any suggestions to stealthily and cheaply build
>a few more ponies would be nice. The magazines
>of the era got 15.9, 16.6 and 16.8 respectively
>in the 1/4 mile out of a similarly stock 360
>Hornet in 73. If I could get her down to the
>high 14s on street rubber, I'd be happy and done.
>
>All suggestions welcome.
>
>John
>
>John, The passenger side exh manifold is the tight fit. I had to trim a little off the rh strut rod brace and the exhaust manifold where the three bolt flange is and once installed, it was so close to the 'frame', that I even ground off the casting bumps on the side of the manifold. I must have trail fit this thing ten times before I said enough was enough. As for a carb, the 600cfm Holley bolted on the factory 4 barrel manifold perfectly and is probably (my opinion only) the easiest to tune and adjust. It hides under the stock air cleaner nice too. I've had good luck with a Pertronix electronic ignition conversion kit in my Mallory dist. in my other Gremmie with the SBC. I purchased one for my Delco (factory) dist. currently in 'The Mix' from Summit racing, but haven't installed it yet. This conversion is almost 'invisible' two wires to the existing coil opposed to the factory one wire setup.   Hope this helps you.     'The Mix'    
>