On the dual exhaust, go with 2" (MAX) pipes and be sure to use a crossover
pipe (you might be able to get away with pipes as small as 1.75", but your
engine might choke a little over 3000rpm). Take the pipes all the way to
the back of the truck (small-diameter, long pipes increase your low-end
torque).
Small-diameter headers can increase your low-end torque, but probably not
enough to offset cost.
Look for an RV cam, or stick with factory.
Stick with the factory heads, you won't see much improvement in low-end
torque by upgrading the heads, especially for the $$ involved. If he's
getting a valve job done, get a 3-angle cut on the valves - this will
improve flow without hurting torque.
Your best bet on carbs is probably an Edelbrock Performer. This is
basically the same carb as the old Carter AFB, but you can get them brand
new. Holleys are easier to find and re-build, but you'll lose 1-2 MPG with
a Holley vs. a Carter/Edelbrock.
As for ignition, go with an MSD-6 and the Chrysler (non-smog) distributor
with vacuum-advance (probably don't want to use the distributor that came
stock on the '79). The MSD will improve the driveability (and probably MPG)
of the carb'ed engine.
If he wants lower gears in the rear-end, a cheap alternative is to put
smaller-diameter wheels/tires on the hubs. If he's hauling heavy loads,
tho', he'll want to double-check the load ratings on available tires.
Generally, you won't need to go to lower gears with all the torque you'll be
building :)
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:17:09 EDT