The engine in this car is a 351 Cleveland (engine code H) originally equipped with a 2V (2-barrel) carb. The cylinder heads on a Cleveland in 1970 came in two flavors-- the "2 barrel" heads had open combustion chambers and smaller valves and ports than the "4-barrel" heads. However, both have canted valves (like Chevy big-block), and even the 2V heads have pretty big ports. In 1970 the 351C-2V was factory rated at 250 HP.
At some point between 1984 and 1996, the original carb was replaced with a smog-era variable venturi slug. That thing had to come off. I scored an Edelbrock Performer manifold for the 2V heads at a swap meet. It was in good shape. Along with a new Holley 600 CFM 4160, and some re-jetting and tuning, it works pretty well. I've got it running probably a little too rich at the moment, but, until I get to rebuilding the engine and replacing the somewhat lame factory cam with something better, I'm not going to mess with it too much.
The distributor was replaced with a Duraspark electronic unit sometime in the past, so at least there's no points to worry about. But the junkyard Duraspark ignition module was pretty weak. I kept the magnetic trigger distributor (which seemed to work fine) and installed an MSD 6A ignition box. It keeps the spark plugs pretty clean, as well as lighting off the cylinders well.
The exhaust manifolds were removed a long time ago and headers were installed. They are OK but somewhat rusty. When I pull the engine I'll see about getting them coated, or replace them. The car has some fabricated dual exhausts, through glass-pack mufflers. These have been on the car since about 1979, and don't have much fiberglass left in them. It's loud but not illegal. Add a new exhaust system to the list.
I removed the clunky solid fan from the water pump and installed an electric fan on the radiator. To make sure there was enough electrical power, I rebuilt the alternator with a high-output (90 amp) kit.
The C4 transmission was rebuilt in about 1982. I remember the circumstances...it was a cold morning. I went out to start it, and it would not move in any gear. Under the car there was a large red puddle. It got towed to AAMCO and had a rebuild. Today, It still seems to shift and run pretty well, but I'll take it in for another rebuild whenever I pull the engine. I installed a B&M shift improver kit in it to make it a little more "snappy".
The tires are BFG radials. They are almost new, with only a few thousand miles on them. Someday, a set of red-line tires & Magnum 500 wheels would look pretty good, don't you think?
Updated 06-Jan-2002
