I've done a ton of research- so now I'm really confused....

hudskit said
Good evening All,

I've just purchased a very clean 66 cuda that while being in pretty good shape also runs terribly. It's a 273 2 bbl car- automatic all original to the car but until I can pull this combination and replace with a mildly built 360 /380 that I already own I was wondering how to make this car a decent driver until I get around to doing the engine swap. My thoughts were as follows: electronic ignition to start- simple Mopar swap out unit - orange box. I've tested the compression - and it runs from 125 to 135 across the board but smokes some when it starts. I've read as much as i could about swapping over to a 4 bbl carb and simple intake to get a better running car - but the initial low compression of the 2 bbl motor makes me think that if i can find a set of "302" 360 heads I can up the compression, get a better fit to the 4 bbl manifold , change to an Isky e4 cam in there and top it off with a small 4 BBl - probably an AFB or similar and still not have to pull the engine itself and get a reasonably decent driver.

Thoughts, anyone?

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Since you asked here is my two cents. If you are going to swap the motor anyway, I would not swap the heads and especially not the cam. Inviting trouble with the cam.

Electronic ignition might help if there is a problem with the points distributor. Not a bad idea to swap for long term since it will work with the new engine as well.

If you can find a cheap 4bbl intake to work with your 273 then do the swap 2bbl carb you have needs work.

Most of the changes you outlined sound like a lot of work and money for something that will only get stuck in the corner of the shop at some point and collect dust.