OK guys, I have an early model A-4 sitting in my garage. It is my spare motor. I have decent collection of early and late model parts sitting in my boating cabinet. I am overcome with the desire to install the best of my parts and do the most important modifications / enhancements. Taking the best from my inventory and adding any modification that seems desireable and can be done for moderate cost.
To keep cost down, a couple of things are already decided:
Late model carb (I own it already and it is aluminum).
Late model starter (again, I own one and matching flywheel).
Early model transmission housing (tombstone cover looks cool).
Raw water cooling (Great Lakes boat means freshwater cooling using raw water).
Mechanical fuel pump (simplicity and reliability and I own one--I am a mechanical pump man through and through).
Thinking I like:
Early model waterjacket cover (more even water inlet).
Early model valve cover.
Mechanical points (partly simplicity and partly cost reduction. I have EI on the boat but want to save the money on the spare).
Willing to argue about:
Late model head. I like the built in thermostat.
Navy Gray paint (light color to ease maintenance)?
Early vs late model distributor (I have both)?
What are your ideas?
What would be the perfect A-4? What essential upgrades can I do for modest cost while it is sitting in the shop?
To keep cost down, a couple of things are already decided:
Late model carb (I own it already and it is aluminum).
Late model starter (again, I own one and matching flywheel).
Early model transmission housing (tombstone cover looks cool).
Raw water cooling (Great Lakes boat means freshwater cooling using raw water).
Mechanical fuel pump (simplicity and reliability and I own one--I am a mechanical pump man through and through).
Thinking I like:
Early model waterjacket cover (more even water inlet).
Early model valve cover.
Mechanical points (partly simplicity and partly cost reduction. I have EI on the boat but want to save the money on the spare).
Willing to argue about:
Late model head. I like the built in thermostat.
Navy Gray paint (light color to ease maintenance)?
Early vs late model distributor (I have both)?
What are your ideas?
What would be the perfect A-4? What essential upgrades can I do for modest cost while it is sitting in the shop?
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