I have a 324 Olds with an old Engle cam and four 97's with non-progressive linkage. It runs acceptably considering the set up. I see some experts recommend cutting off the lower ends of the idle tubes to enlarge the discharge area. Would I benefit from doing this? I hesitate to make changes that I cannot rescind. I have Mr Roadster helmet style air cleaners on the 97's, as in the Traditional Hotrod book, by Bishop and Tardel. Tardel says to use NAPA filter elements to prevent an over-rich mixture. I have this problem. The NAPA parts man cannot help. What is the part number for the free breathing elements? Any rule of thumb suggestions on how much I can safely lighten a stock stick shift Olds flywheel, what is the minimum thickness for safety? Thanks in Advance...
To lighten that steel flywheel you will have to have it blanchard ground, NOT turned. Then balanced...(as a unit, with pressure plate) I'd get ahold of McLeod and buy a new aluminum one. That car is Catholic clean, and deserves the best of anything it can get. And, yes; there is a good NAPA# for those air cleaner elements. If Tardel knows, then it's just the trick of getting him on the phone!
A post on hamb talked about the old timers using the Olds 6 cylinder flywheel which is dished out and lighter. I have one here, and I did weigh it to be 26 pounds. These are the smaller ring gear size, I forget the tooth count, but is the same dia for 49 to 53 V8. I have not weighed the stock V8's... in small or the larger ring gear. The 6 wheel will need the TOB to be able to travel slightly further ahead than stock. I would have to check my notes to see how much...maybe 3/8" to 1/2" or less.
K&N also makes a low restriction air filter for those carbs. pt. # KA E 3120. Mail order right from Summit, Jegs,Speedway, etc.
I have 15 lb billet aluminum wheels on the shelf for the early Olds,replacable steel insert and drilled for 4 different clutch covers Dont chance 50 year old cast cut down...Its an explosion waiting to happen Tony