I recently aquired a very straight '64 with, as far as records indicate, only 93,800 on the original? engine. The first owner owned the car until 2001 and kept all records and receipts so I feel confident it hasn't been turned. The Rochester quadrajet could use a rebuild or replacement but 283 seems to run strong once going and 2 speed powerglide has no known issues. So, here's my question: I eventually plan on a complete frame off restoration however currently, and likely for some time, do not have the finances nor the location to undertake that much work. I want to improve performance so I can rely on it to take me on short trips and such without wondering if I'll make it back, (it's not my daily driver), so basically, I was wondering if with all your well earned knowledge you could give me some advice on what I could modify, improve now keeping in mind that eventually I will redo everything. I just don't really know what issues might arise or what should be addressed first with this vehicle that for the most part shows no sign of trouble at the present. Thanks for reading my book.

New carb, Edelbrock Performer intake, upgrade to an HEI ignition, maybe a set of headers and dual exhaust if funds permit...and leave everything else alone if it ain't broke.

that is basically what i was aiming towards doing so thanks for confirming. it already has dual exhaust but there's a leak somewhere up at the header i believe. i was looking at the speed demon carbs, 575cfm. any recommendations otherwise?

I would recommend the Road Demon Jr. You don't really need the Speed Demon. The Road Demon Jr. is a relatively nw carb from Barry Grant. While I've never used his carburators, I've talked to several people that run them and they all love them. In my conversations with the sales reps from BG, I would say they are very well manufactured. The tolerences are much tighter than other mass-produced carbs.

They have the Road Demon Jr. in sizes 525cfm and 625cfm for your application.

Summit is selling the Road Demon for $289.95

Here is a link to it on BG's website - http://www.bgfuel.com/demon/default.aspx?page=6

sounds like a good idea. i tend to aim higher than i actually have a use for.

Congratulations on your 64! I've had mine for 14 years, and been all the way through it. I would definitely say go with the Demon carb, I am running one, and it's a far cry better than the Holley I had before. The throttle response is very clean and crisp, even on a radical motor. I personally don't care for HEIs, I'd go with a Pertronix unit in the existing distributor, or if finances permit, an MSD ignition system. Either way, you'll never have to change points again and get a much better spark. Anything else 64 related, I'll be happy to share my experiences with.

Devin

thanks. i've been trying to decide whether to restore her back to stock or to just modify her the way i want. i'm thinking i'll go with the latter and keep all the original parts to rebuild and one day possibly put back. my father built a 327 that we will most likely put in. i have been looking at the msd stuff and will most likely go that route eventually as well. any other performance modifications you can recommend? i'm pretty new to all this so i'm learning as i go.

the question is what do you want out of it? My personal preferences would be to set it up for maximum acceleration, but then you'd kick my butt at the strip. I've had mine set up top handle the corners as well as go fast straight, so I've been there either way. Easiest thing to do is keep it mild and drive the wheels off of it. Keep the motor mild yet powerful, and make sure the brakes are up to spec.

devin