many thanks, Techinspector1... i've just re-read Stimpy's spec list; i'm out of touch by years, but it sounds like you'll have something real impressive running there Stimpy. to answer your question richard, i bought the poncho thinking i'd warm her over using the tech of the time; y'know, back in the day, with guys doing so much of their own work - as i understood it - and with the engine being in such a soft state of tune to start with, i was thinking i could make up some decent manifolds, match in more sophicated carbs, maybe a pair of beefy webers, flow the head, fit a slightly lumpier cam, find or turn down some light-weight pistons and retro-fit a decent spark system - i see pertronix gets a good press. the car was re-sprayed recently in an eye-catchin two-tone gold finish which doesn't stand too close inspection, but show the lines and size of the car off really nicely.
my intention was to get her running up comfortably over the autumn and maybe start with the improvements once i'd satisfied myself that she's sound enough to reward the investment, y'know the form...
i like the idea of her being able to stay with the modern traffic, while not expecting miracles, while looking like a 'staid' old classic - 'til you lifted the hood, or dropped the pedal. but from what i've read in some of the club's chat-rooms, it seems like i'd be better off going the whole hog and investing the time and money in a later v-8 transplant - the other option that had always been in the backof my mind. your counsel in this would be greatly welcomed. as i mentioned previous, i've yet to get myself somewhere with decent workshop facilities, so it'd likely to be a while (though not too long) before i'm in a position to play with the bits of plant i've kept a hold of over the years. with time does come patience, so i can deal with the waiting these days!
Len