SLANTY BLUES
Nice van, and I will tell you this,,
I tow a 15 second 1/4 mile drag race only 68 Barracuda, slant six powered with a 83 D150 also slant six powered and have never lost a head gasket on either.
I can average 15 mpg towing with the D150, slant with a a833 OD and a 3:73 rear gear.
Don't want to get into the 68 B motor, but the 83 D150 slant has been on a chassis dyno and turned 148 hp at the rear wheels.
I set it up for low rpm torque, small cam, 212 @.050, 8.5 static compression, 2 bbl carb, dual dutras with a very tuned and free flowing exhaust, I have a Casper Electronics detonation sensor that has proven to be very predicatable.
Static compression is 185+ and I run regular gas when not towing. The detonation sensor will light on long upgrades.
When towing I run a good grade of premium fuel, BP or Shell, the detonation sensor does not light on upgrades.
And I have pushed it hard, towing through the mountains, no head gasket issues. I did use the Mahle head gasket.
I am a retired automotive engineer, on a side by side comparison, I thought the Mahle head gasket looked a little more robust,
but I have no test data to support. I am also very critical on deck flatness, cleanliness and bolt torque.
Nice van, and I will tell you this,,
I tow a 15 second 1/4 mile drag race only 68 Barracuda, slant six powered with a 83 D150 also slant six powered and have never lost a head gasket on either.
I can average 15 mpg towing with the D150, slant with a a833 OD and a 3:73 rear gear.
Don't want to get into the 68 B motor, but the 83 D150 slant has been on a chassis dyno and turned 148 hp at the rear wheels.
I set it up for low rpm torque, small cam, 212 @.050, 8.5 static compression, 2 bbl carb, dual dutras with a very tuned and free flowing exhaust, I have a Casper Electronics detonation sensor that has proven to be very predicatable.
Static compression is 185+ and I run regular gas when not towing. The detonation sensor will light on long upgrades.
When towing I run a good grade of premium fuel, BP or Shell, the detonation sensor does not light on upgrades.
And I have pushed it hard, towing through the mountains, no head gasket issues. I did use the Mahle head gasket.
I am a retired automotive engineer, on a side by side comparison, I thought the Mahle head gasket looked a little more robust,
but I have no test data to support. I am also very critical on deck flatness, cleanliness and bolt torque.
