Just wondering if it's been done and if it's a worthy option? I'm 90% sure I'll stay with the carby motor (unless an EFI conversion comes along at a very nice price), but was thinking when the time comes to pull it out for a freshen up, what about a later model turbo pattern block and T700 gearbox, so it's still a carby but with 4 speed auto, will it perform better? Seeing as you can put EFI heads on the early girls, it shouldn't be an issue to put the carby heads and manifold onto a VN-VT block, right? Just something I've been thinking about anyway, haven't researched it yet. Other option is to rebuild what I have a slap and T5 behind it, but they're not easy to find to suit the trimatic pattern block, and what is around = $$$$ Opinions?

Heaps of people have done it before... lots of 5.0's and Gen IIIs getting around with carbys (more 5.0s though). Harrop sell a manifold to suit the VN heads (better than old heads) and then you bolt a carb on top! The advantage is in the heads.

If you go carby on the EFI 5L, you lose the restriction of the manifold and tune etc. Harrop AND Torque Power do both single and dual plane manifolds, and torque power offer a high rise dual plane which is what i would use if i didnt already have the Harrop

So the VL heads and manifold wouldn't be worth keeping? I thought the VL heads were good? I was wanting to keep the original look, not too worried on performance over standard, but would be looking at exhaust and headers and maybe a cam to improve things a little. The car is only a weekender/cruiser, not looking to make anything big of it, just stay as original as possible, but make any subtle improvements I can. Diff gears as well maybe. Thanks for the info too, nice to know it's been done plenty of times and there's a fair bit of support out there parts wise.

VN heads flow 460hp out of the box, with standard valves etc. The torque power/harrop manifolds are well designed rigs. Guys with VN heads, TP/Harrop manifold and a 650 carb, with a baby cam, are making some decent power. Personally, that's what im going for. The rods and crank are stronger in the VN-VT 5L's as well VN 304 VN Heads Harrop Manifold Barry Grant Mighty Demon 650 Crane 284 cam, eventually... somewhere around that mark.

That gives me plenty to think about and plan for over the next however long the current motor lasts. 294xxx k's and no signs of tiring yet. Had it tuned a few weeks back and the mechanic said it was going great, mind you it only pulled 133HP on the dyno at 96k/h so it's no monster, but it's pretty healthy for it's age, pretty sure it's the original motor too with no work done so far. I have already decided to do no work until the motor needs to come out (other than some headers), so maybe it'll get done one day.

133rwhp = 99rwkw... not bad considering they came factory with 127kw @ flywheel. To do the VN motor you need to change extractors and cam anyway so itll maul the current motor!

there is a mob call "active" have a similar one to the harrop single plane(cost less too i think). some one else might be able to give you some more info on them. will chase a mate up he has one on a vr 355 vn heads.

mach10: the active manifold isnt as developed as the Harrop or TP

no worries thanks for the info

And it's a high rise single plane i think isnt it?

carn't remember, already sent an email to a mate to find out. he was running a barry grant with a fair of comp for 549.1hp on engine dyno. happy or sad one i don't know.

engine dyno is engine dyno.. that's big power, should walk into the 10's easily with that! But judging from the power, it would be a high rise on a well developed engine, and i think Waughy is looking for sometihng a bit more mild

Correct. As I said, I'm not looking to build a monster or do any track work, just something to cruise around in with a bit of go, and not cost an arm and a leg. However, if I was to ever win lotto..... look out poor VL, lol.

yeah, more budget in mind thats why i mentioned the active manifold.

If i was you I wouldnt bother changing anything major if you just want a mild set up, the VL's have the big valve heads that are good for about 330hp which should be more than enough for what you want. A nice cam, small skim off the heads around 35 thou should get you running around 9.5:1 (from 8.8:1) provided heads are totally standard, no more than about 40 though otherwise you'll have valvetrain geometry dramas and it will be a bitch to get your intake to bolt back on plus your piston rings wont be too happy. Leave standard pushrods and old school bridge rockers since you wont be revving too much and even if you wanted to it will take more than just roller rockers. A decent exhuast, some pacemakers, Eldelbrock Performer intake, small mods to your existing great Rochester, small stally and you should be pulling mid 14's which is decent for the street. However if you do end up finding a EFI block and decide to go carb disregard what I've said and take note of what others have mentioned

Thanks guys, some great info there. I guess now it all comes down to how much I'll have to spend at the time when the motor decides to give it up, hopefully it won't be too soon because I'm all but skimped right now, thanks child support.

good luck there driver

Thanks. If I ever do anything it'll be written up in here.

people are still running carbs?? Some original photos have not been recovered yet.