74' 620 project first post

[FarwyaJ]

Today I bought a 74' 620 pick up!  Looking for suggestions to improve HP on a stock L18 Engine With a 5 speed Transmission

 

Things ive been thinking of doing:

 

-Dual Carbs?

 

-New exhaust from Headers back

 

-Put the suspension back to stock height (just a little to slammed for me)

 

-Disc Brake conversion for front brakes ?

 

-New radiator?

 

Again any Suggestions greatly appreciated. not a mechanic but a quick learner not afraid to get my hands dirty. 

 

Thank you!

 

http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/FarwayJ/media/bWVkaWFJZDoxNTUxODc1OTY=/?ref=1

http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/FarwayJ/media/bWVkaWFJZDoxNTUxODc1OTc=/?ref=1

http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/FarwayJ/media/bWVkaWFJZDoxNTUxODc1OTg=/?ref=1

 

 

 

[datzenmike]

 

Someone put that 5 speed in as the pre '77s didn't have them. You sure it's got a gear above reverse? Lot's of people with sloppy shifter think they do. A five speed isn't any faster but it is nice if on the highway a lot.

 

It's a header not headers on a 4 cylinder. If you have the stock L18 exhaust manifold, stick with it for now, a header won't be worth the cost and bother.

 

Dual SU carbs would be nice if you also upgrade the cam moderately and then perhaps a header.

 

BEEBANI and I think Mklotz70 on here make and sell king pin conversions to disc brakes. Check them out. They might have something in the classifieds?

 

Raising the ride height will upset the toe alignment but super easy to correct yourself.

 

 

I see it already has a 32/36 Weber on it, run with that for now.

 

The engine may have been swapped to an L20B so look on the flat boss on the top edge of the block just below the head and behind the dip stick handle. Engine size is stamped there.

 

 

 

Love the color.

[FarwyaJ]

You're right it is the L20B. 

 

The header is very rusty no holes, but rust all the way back to the end of the exhaust would you suggest taking a wire brush to the header to clean it up or anything or is that just aesthetic?

 

also should I replace the exhaust? 

 

Ive read on here that stock manifold is still the best ? 

 

Yes made sure there was a fifth gear.  

 

Toe alignment adjusting how would i go about that ?

 

Thanks Again really do appreciate your knowledge an insight.  

[datzenmike]

Remove rust it will just come back.

 

Is is a pipe header or just a cast iron manifold?

 

 

I would assume it's aligned right now but if it steers funny or the tires are worn on the outsides or insides maybe not. I just steer straight ahead and line one of the front tires up with the rear one behind it. Not as easy as it looks. Stand well out in front and eye the sidewalls on the front tire with the sidewalls on the rear tire. Once they are both pointing straight ahead go over to the other side and look. If the front tire sidewalls aim outside the rear tire it is toed in, if pointing more towards the differential it's toed out. If aligned close to spec, it should just barely be noticeably toed in. This is just a rough check and not intended as being perfect.

 

My 620 when I got it steered all over, tires were worn on the insides. I steered straight ahead and walked across the street and stood in the ditch. Both tires were so toed in, they were aimed directly at me!!! Usually a little over 1 degrees of toe in normal.

 

Have a look and see if you can notice anything wrong with yours. If you can't tell or barely then it's likely good enough for now. If you raise the front ride height that would be the time to really check the toe properly.

[FarwyaJ]

Yes the Manifold is cast iron.

 

couldn't tell on the toeing really,  i agree i think it will be easier to tell when the ride height is raised

 

but i did notice at the tip of the exhaust its looks to be "ripped" off or not finished couldn't add a tip basically so im thinking i replace that from the manifold back? and change the ride height first ?

 

 

 

Thanks Again.

[Ratwagon1600]

Welcome.

 

Ditch your photofuckit account.

[FarwyaJ]

How should I post pictures?

[racerx]

Do a compression w a screw in type of tester. If u have not done this before read up on it or u can get a false reading.