Reply to "71 pushbutton"

If you've 'gone thru the motor' following Pat Ganahl's book and some of the more reasonable advice on the Web, that's likely as good as it will get or need unless you intend to compete with the thing. I'm assuming that, like 95% of the Panteras out there, it has a Holley 4bbl and a few other mods? Because if it still has that invention-of-the-devil stock Autolite/Motorcraft 4bbl, do yourself a favor and put it in a box on a high shelf. There are a few (darn few!) Autolites that run but far more do not and no one- even pros- seem to know the tricks to make them work decently. Rebuild kits are rare as well.

You're correct- you will likely never recoup any significant engine mod expense, since with today's prices for labor & gaskets, it costs roughly the same to rebuild a Pinto 4cyl as it does a V-8. As-stock, the Cleveland put out about 275 real horses and it's not much of a stretch to get 450 bhp with almost imperceptible mods, for around $8000 or so.... Far more fun to drive fast when combined with a brake and tire upgrade, too.

There are a few Duck owners in the Club- my oldest son in Napa has a modded '87 Paso and one guy in the SF Bay area always has the latest go-fa$t model. Whats yours?