The Q-Jet intake manifolds from 1967 to 1972 are functionally equivalent (except for type of chokes) and will bolt up to any 1965 and up heads and front cover. The 1973/74 manifolds are similar in function (and will bolt up) but have the EGR provision which requires a matching push rod cover (1973 to 1979). The 1975 and later Q-Jet manifolds have the EGR, restricted secondary openings, and poorer overall design. Read more

The harmonic balancer is installed on the front of the crankshaft primarily to dampen the torsional vibrations of the crankshaft that is caused by the power pulses of each cylinder/rod. The secondary purposes of the balancer are to provide an ignition timing mark as well as a mounting point for the various drive pulleys. Read more

A cooling system consists of: The radiator, radiator cap, overflow tank, water pump, thermostat, fan assembly, fan shroud, hoses and the coolant. (The water passages inside the engine block technically are part of the system, but other than cleaning them during an engine overhaul, there is no practical method of changing their operation.) Read more

The most significant advantage of tube headers (with a common collector) is their ability to lower the atmospheric pressure within the collector. This provides scavenging of the combustion chamber, which more effectively removes the exhaust gases and tends to “suck” the intake charge into the chamber during overlap. The effectiveness of the scavenging is dependent on proper matching (tuning) of the header pipe sizes to the engine RPM and application. Read more