Ya know, I have a 71 and a 56TF(that for now sits in the yard w/o an engine
)
MY first thought , and main thought is what builder said "Make sure that the brakes and front steering are in "excellent" working order first."
I feel this is an aspect of all these old trucks that is largely overlooked. I understand it's nice to accelerate fast, but it's even better to stop fast. I personally think that a vehivle(ANY KIND) should be able to stop at least as fast as it goes. Unfortunatly it is often the other way around, as most people put things on/in thier car/truck to make it faster. Stopping is Much Much more important. For roughly the price of a crate short-block(talking stock GM here, not some done up short-block) you can put power disk brakes on all 4 corners. It will make such an improvement it's almost crazy.
Don't get too big of brakes though,as the additional mass and weight takes more torque to get it rolling. Then you're fighting the acceleration again! Just put something better then 1964 engineering tech. in it!!! something like 12" or 14" rotors will be incredible, and not cost a ton of dough.
I know you are asking about making HP, not stopping or handling, but I feel it's an important issue.
Also please don't think I want to discuss this, just think about it quietly!
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