Right now I don't have the funds to go all out on a rebuild with tons of fancy things, but what are some easy ways to add some more horsepower to my 74? I know that the intake/exhaust is pretty restrictive since it's post smog, so I would imagine that a new intake with a 2bbl carb and split headers would probably be a noticeable power increase? The car is totally stock and right now it's a total dog off the line, but I can spin the wheels really well in the rain haha (I'm sure just about anyone can though).
Shaving the head .060" and decking the block .012" will increase compression ratio. Using a pre '71 timing gear set will advance the cam timing. Use a Duraspark II distributor with 8mm plug wires and .50” plug gap. Swap rear gear ratio to something lower like a 3.25 to 1
Try bumping the timing up to about 14 degrees initial. I did it on a '77 Comet and it actually felt kind of peppy. It will squeal the right rear on dry pavement.
You can't change the intake because it is cast with the head. What you can do is mill the center flat, mount a two barrel to two barrel adapter, cut the hole in the manifold to match the adapter. Clean the pockets before the valve, smooth it into the runner and remove the end plugs and port the log to improve overall flow. Use a Holley or Ford two barrel on the manifold (3 - 400 CFM).
