The small-block V-8 engine is by far the most popular powerplant, which also means that because so many parts are built, the prices tend to be cheaper because of the volume. This also means that V-6 parts will tend to cost more. That's why so many magazines concentrate on the small-block V-8 engines. It's simple economics. But if you want to build a V-6, that's certainly a reasonable plan. You didn't mention which engine you have, which makes a recommendation difficult. We'd suggest modifying the exhaust system first. This generally improves performance and can actually increase mileage as well. We'd also suggest a different air cleaner, like ones from K&N, Rush, Afe, and the like. This should get you started, Jason. Have fun!
Reader's Letter Of The Month
How many TH700-R4s will Radielovic's article on TV cable importance save? Definitely mine, as I will immediately call Bowtie Overdrives for my carb bracket and linkage when I get home from over here in Iraq.
I am relatively new at this wrenching stuff, not knowing 10W30 from blinker fluid. I have come a long way, been working on this same '79 Camaro since 1997, and no lie, learning everything from Car Craft (well, some credit is due to CHP and HR). Check this out: I've got a crate short-block 307 (I decided not to tackle the bottom end) World Products heads, Summit cam, Performer intake, Street Avenger 650-cfm carb, headers, 2.5-inch exhaust, and 3:73 cogs. I also built my own dash with gauges from Summit, and redid the entire interior for under $500. The biggest challenge for me was the tranny. I went to the auto recycling center with a couple of Car Crafts in hand and found a TH700-R4 in an '89 Astro van.
I did everything to this car (except for the shortened driveshaft and modified crossmember, which cost a whole $40) with no help other than what I learned from your publication. My wife thought I was crazy back when I had the distributor in pieces on the coffee table, but that was nothing like when she saw me struggle to figure out how to get that tranny up under the car by myself, wedging boards and bricks under it and finally wrestling in place. And my Army buddies really thought I was nuts when I took leave just to put the engine together. It was the best vacation I ever had.
Like I said, I'm in Iraq now and spend a crazy amount of time thinking up stuff to do to my car when I'm home. I read every tech article at least twice, and never throw my mags away. Only after being over here a while did I realize I'm a pretty serious Car Craft fan. Of all the automotive mags out there, you get it right for the guys who don't make a lot of money but like to go fast and take pride in their wheels. And if everyone went just once to a dragstrip and ran their mom's beater down the quarter, maybe they'd understand this whole car fascination a little bit better.
Just remember the motto under the title on the cover before you get too crazy with any new "direction." Keep it real for those of us who still visit the boneyard.
LT Ben Terwilliger
16th QM CO
Baghdad International Airport, Iraq
APO AE 09335
Thanks for the great letter-we'll keep crankin' out the technical stories. Now that you've pulled Saddam out of his spider hole, perhaps we can give that country back to the Iraqi people and you guys can come home. Thank you and to all our armed forces in Iraq for helping keep this world a safer place. You guys are doing a great job.
The Reader's Letter of the Month winner gets a free Car Craft license plate. There's just one rule: In order to receive the prize, you have to include your full name and return mailing address in your letter, fax, or e-mail so we can ship the prize to you.
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