need advice on which to get and what to do

67 roadster · Post by **67 roadster** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 1:14 am

Hey guys. I haven't been able to work on my roadster lately do to crappy garage door. But I'm getting it out this week and taking it to my grandpas to work on it in his garage. Anyhow, after Christmas I'm wanting to get new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points and condenser. I am also thinking of getting an msd ignition and I'm looking for a valve cover to replace mine. Also I have an 18 inch electric fan (i couldnt pass up the deal it was originally $110.99 and i got it for 10) that I would like to know if it would fit the the roadster. What I'm asking is what plugs, wires do you think I should get to go with the stock parts. And which msd ignition to get? Sorry I know this alot, and I really appreciate whatever replies i get. Thanks - 67 roadster

spyder · Post by **spyder** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:06 am

I went the electric fan route, thinking it would free up some ponys. Here in south Texas the car ran hot and if I pushed it it would overheat. I removed the fan and installed a summit flex fan and it keeps it coool!

mikew · Post by **mikew** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:35 am

The electric fan also draws a pretty large current - so you'd want to upgrade your alternator.

I've got a 7-blade plastic fan on a thermostatic clutch - works beautifully!

http://www.311s.org/phpBB2/album_pic.php?pic_id=174

Mike

67 roadster · Post by **67 roadster** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:00 pm

So I shouldn't use an electric fan? I kind've wanted to get rid of the stock fan, it doesn't free up anything? and what altenator can be used for upgrade? Does anyone know of a good msd ignition for it as well? and which spark plug and wires upgrade would be good for the stock components? Thanks - 67 roadster

Import_sounds-of-mid-GA · Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:17 pm

in drag racing we all use 6AL for the street/strip cars and the REAL race cars use 7AL.... so I guess you should go with 6AL, btw my dad has a unit for sale! For wires I would go with some 8mm MSD wires... but they are EXPENSIVE! And finallly for plugs, my dad got the plugs that have the 4 tips and they didnt last too long.... and you have to make sure the tips arent pointed up (blocks the gas)

Post by **spl310** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:48 pm

Rather than taking recommendations in a vacuum, why don't you tell us a) what has been done to the car thus far, b) what you hope to achieve from the car, c) what your budget is, d) what your level of experience is relative to modifications, and e) what kind of facilities you have at your disposal. Simple stuff does not take much, but more extensive modifications can cost bunches and take lots of tools, time and space.

Also, don't forget More's law. The more that you do to a car, the more weak points will manifest themselves and the more you will have to do that you did not plan to...

67 roadster · Post by **67 roadster** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:13 pm

Well from what I know about the car, its stock. The only thing that has been done to it that I can tell is it has a header. The owner before me told me the engine and carbs were rebuilt in 1999. Just by gettin the new plugs, wires, ignition kit and an electric fan are just stuff that I wanted to make it run better. I don't expect much from it speed wise. My grandfather has a heated garage and he was a master tech for about 40 years, and thats where my car is going this week. So whenever I work on it he will be there to help me. 2 out of 3 of my brothers were mechanics (one for the army, the other for a chevy dealership) and the both of them are going to help me. I don't look to spend a fortune on these first few things, but I don't want to get junk the first time around. Thanks alot, and I really appreciate the feedback. 67 roadster

Blue Moon · Post by **Blue Moon** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:15 pm

I'm with Sid, I will add there is a slippery slope in modifications, the more you do the you want to do till finally everything is spread out all over the garage, bedroom and kitchen

and you still don't have a driver.
Now that mine is running after two years of building and tearing down for one more thing............... It is a lot of fun though

Post by **spl310** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:20 pm

In addition to More's law, Denis touched on the other problem with upgrades - "While I'm here..."

I have a 1500 that was running within 45 minutes of my first wrench being put on it when I brought it home. I decided to clean it up - which meant paint, which meant trim removal, which meant cleaning up the door jambs, which meant removing the doors, which meant, etc, etc, etc...

The car is STILL in parts and I bought it MANY years ago...

67 roadster · Post by **67 roadster** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:26 pm

Well here after Christmas, I am definetly planning on putting new plugs, wires, cap and rotor, and points and condenser on it. The plugs I planned to go with the NGK standards and the wires I wanted to get either the Bosche or the MSD. And i would also like to have an msd ignition. By adding a msd ignition am I taking a big risk on other parts? Thanks in advance -67 roadster

Post by **dbrick** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:01 pm

I have a 16' electric on my 2000, not too happy with it. Noisey, hard to get the thermostatic switch consistant and draws alot of power. I made an adapter/spacer and will get a flex fan. Might leave the electric as a suppliment. If you Ebay the fan you got, use the $ to do the ignition.

Get a good quality cap and rotor, preferably brass terminals. MSD 5,6A or 6AL will work. Crane makes almost the same thing cheaper (same company). Need a good coil to go with it, they put out 400 volts to the coil vs the 8 volts you have now. MSD Blaster or Crane is good.

As far as wires, buy a set of 8 cylinder universal wires of the style you like, make yours, sell the rest as a 4 cylinder set or split it with someone.

I think Ihave enough MSD Super Conductor leftovers to make a set if you buy boots and terminals, most speed shops will crimp them for free. Let me know if you, or anyone, wants F.C.F.S., cheap.

67 roadster · Post by **67 roadster** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:26 pm

After speaking with a few people, I have decided that an msd isn't for me. I'll just save up for awhile and eventually by a gary boone dizzy. Also I won't be going with the electric fan as well do to 40 + year old wiring. I'm going to get a flex a lite as many people have said they work good and are happy with them. Does anyone know of a specific one that works great for the roadster? or is it just any of them? and which size will I need for the roadster? Thanks alot in advance, you guys have been great. A special thanks to Sid for taking the time to answer many questions for me! Thanks -Joe

Import_sounds-of-mid-GA · Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:30 pm

maybe when i buy the electronic pertronix igniton I will buy the MSd from my dad... Ive heard it makes them run a lot better. I wonder if my car is goin to run at a good temp.... civic radiator and nissan maxima electric fan

Post by **dbrick** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 12:42 am

Take off your old fan and bring it with you to the local speed shop. Might be a few $ more than Summit or Jegs, but better to see it and match up the parts. Flex-a-lite makes a fan for less than $15.00

Import_sounds-of-mid-GA · Wed Dec 07, 2005 2:28 pm

Dave, have you got the top yet?