🚀 go-pugleaf

*** REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR IRON DUKE ***

I am rebuilding a 1963 (or so) Chevy 153 cu in 4 cylinder engine, and seek the
advice and collective wisdom of net.motorheads.  I am told that it is known as
the 'Iron Duke',  and may be the precursor to the 2.5 L Pontiac 4.  I am told
that it may have been installed in more boats than cars.  Mine is to be
reinstalled in a FC-150 Cabover Jeep (not the original engine).  Since
the vehicle I am putting it in has a GVW of 5000 lb,  I am less interested in
optimizing performance for high RPM than I am in low and middle RPM power.

In rebuilding the engine I hope to optimize reliability, power and economy (in
that order).  I would like to have it balanced,  perhaps install hardened
valves and/or seats or whatever might be required for long life using unleaded
gas, and look into cams,  distributors,  ignition systems, carburators (the
current one is a single barrel Carter YF)  and intake and/or exhaust manifolds
that might be available.  I am curious about the practicality of such things
as larger valves,  porting tweaks in the head and increased compression
ratios.  

I would appreciate hearing from anyone with experience with these engines, and
encourage opinions on any other reasonable improvements that could be made.
If anyone cares to rank the above modifications in order of effectiveness,
that would be helpful as I am much more likely to run out of money than I am
to run out of ways to spend it.   Anyone with an interest in cabover Jeeps is
also encouraged to reply.

If there is enough interest I will summarize and post to the net.
-- 

   Roger Beardsley
   John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc.
   Everett, Washington USA
   (206) 356-6039 (work)
   (206) 483-3751 (home)
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