Recommendations to upgrade 72 vert

[captbigjohnc]

Recommendations please: 72 vert with stock 302, C4 and 2.79 rear. Looking to update the motor a little. Maybe add headers and dual exhaust. New electronic ignition- Pertronics, MSD? Aluminum heads? intake? 4 brl carb? Also thinking of decent set of headers- what will fit? and dual exhaust. Looks like there is a lot of choices. I would appreciate thoughts. What did you do to yours? All on a reasonable budget if possible. Let me know your thoughts and recommendations. Thanks.

 

[73pony]

What do you want out of the car? A gear change in the rear would be the quickest way to get more seat of the pants feel. a 3.25 or 3.5 would be a huge difference. Other than that be careful of the rabbit hole. Ask me how I know. An aluminum 4bbl intake and carb along with headers, dual exhaust and a pertronix module would be the next steps, avoid the Pertronix 3 though.

 

[Sheriff41]

For a convertible, the first thing is to stiffen the chassis. Try some subframe connectors but make sure your car is not flexed when they're installed. A drive on lift is best for this if you have access to one, otherwise, raise the car and place it on tire cribs so there is weight on wheels.. This will help provide a good base for your performance mods.

 

[captbigjohnc]

What do you want out of the car? A gear change in the rear would be the quickest way to get more seat of the pants feel. a 3.25 or 3.5 would be a huge difference. Other than that be careful of the rabbit hole. Ask me how I know. An aluminum 4bbl intake and carb along with headers, dual exhaust and a pertronix module would be the next steps, avoid the Pertronix 3 though.

Honestly, I'd be happy with a little more response and a better sound. currently single exhaust. Years ago, had a 73 vert with 351, headers, performer intake, holly 600 and electronic ignition. It was suggested the next move would be to a 350 rear and trac lock. My new one is completely stock. thinking I would start with headers and dual exhaust but getting diff views as to manufacturer and short vs long tube.
any recommendations? thanks, john

 

[captbigjohnc]

For a convertible, the first thing is to stiffen the chassis. Try some subframe connectors but make sure your car is not flexed when they're installed. A drive on lift is best for this if you have access to one, otherwise, raise the car and place it on tire cribs so there is weight on wheels.. This will help provide a good base for your performance mods.

thanks. I do have subframe connectors at the top of my list.

 

[RIBS]

I have a 71 302-c4-2.79 convertible. It has mostly stock engine. Upgrades are: Pertonix1, edelbrock performer 289 intake and 1405 carb with auto choke added, dual exhaust attached to stock cast iron manifolds. This keeps the front and cabin of the car quiet for communication. The kit is from NPD and is a “351 style dual exhaust kit”, I added an NPD H pipe crossover.

Depending on your desired use, 2.79 is great for highway speed travel. Changing gears increases RPM on the highway, but gives better around town experience.

 

[RIBS]

If your budget is bigger, look at heads, cam, intake and carb all sized to work together. All depends on how you plan to use it…

 

[Heavy Metal]

I have a 73 vert. 302 bored 30 over, Weiland intake, 600 Edelbrock carb, mild cam.
I put on Hedman Headers that fit perfect with Summit Racing 2 1/4" exhaust system that came with turbo mufflers. I installed 18" glass packs" Cherry Bombs" old guys will understand...lol
I installed everything myself. Sounds great and hope this helps.
Heavy Metal
Florence, SC

 

[will e]

thanks. I do have subframe connectors at the top of my list.

For a convertible, like ours, it should be at the tippy top.