Re: '66 engine repairs

[Jake Kooser <jake_k@ibm.net>]

Just the latest from the '66 saga.  Sorry, no news from the inside of
the case yet, seems the fan bolt isn't quite ready to leave yet.  I'm
going to have to get an impact wrench to get it off, because Wilson, my
roommate Thor, and I couldn't get it by hand.  Some interesting stuff
from the outside and the #1 & 2 cylinder side of the engine, though.
The thermostat had self-destructed at some point, so badly that when we
first pulled the engine Monday night, I thought that there was an
accordion-like piece of plastic, like a shock boot wedged between the
lowest cylinder tin and the pushrod tubes.  Unfortunately, I squished it
back into shape before we got some pictures.  It was in the shape of a
"U" about 4 inches in diameter.  It's toasted.  The pushrod tube for #2
intake had been crushed by the force of the apparently rampant
thermostat and the pushrod shows wear marks from the pushrod tube.  The
linkage rod between the fins was bent, but the flaps themselves operate
smoothly.  Very curious, indeed.  Everything seems fairly clean and it
doesn't look (from initial inspection) like anything was toasting in the
heat.  Hope to have the fan shroud off Friday - Wilson can't make it the
next two days due to previously scheduled stuff.  The plan to use my '73
engine has changed some, we are now tentatively planning on making
Wilson's '66 engine (if still useable) into a 1641cc.  He wants a little
more power without sacrificing reliability.  The new questions this
raises:  What camshaft would work with this displacement, dual port
heads, stock dual carbs, and a single quiet pack exhaust?  The engine
number is T0095591, Muir says that's a 1965 1600.  It's got single port
heads and 32-PDSIT carbs rebuilt by Bill & Steve's.  I want to get a set
of dual port heads and manifolds for these carbs, does that sound
reasonable?  The cylinders should be slip-in, as I understand, and I'll
keep compression on the low side for best reliability.  Can a 009 be run
on a 6V system, or will I have to keep the stock dizzy?  I'll try and
get some photos to put on Wilson's page soon -
http://www.squareback.com  Please give your opinions on this, especially
the thermostat situation.  Thanks,

Jake Kooser