I opened this “Six stealthy upgrades....” expecting to read about performance upgrades and finding instead how to pimp out a classic ! Lowering a car was a popular trend in ‘50’s usually accompanied by full length lakes pipes and flame paint. Jumping low rider, frame draggers re-emerged later. Not my style, reminds me of sagging springs. Porsche seats in a Z 28 or L-79 Nova ? Any love for faux fur seat covers and matching dash pads ? Front disk brakes are nice and an inexpensive upgrade. Rear disks on most RWD American sedans have little value. Having said this, I have never had a braking issue driving many ‘57, ‘63, ‘64 and various other Chevrolet cars and trucks all with 4 wheel drum brakes, some on the drag strip. HEI is a poor choice for performance application as it has little if any adjustability.... one spark fits all. Overdrive ? Most of not all carbed and cammed street motors need 3000 rpm to produce HP. Dropping rpm to 1800 or so with a weak OD trans is a recipe for trouble. A super low first gear insures an uncontrollable launch followed by big stumble as engine rolls over loaded by gear as trans shifts to second. Similar to skipping second on a 4 speed. Air conditioning. IMO, there are few ways to make an engine compartment difficult to service and generally unattractive than adding compressors, brackets, hoses, dryers and condensers. Many if not all GM Muscle Cars did not offer AC in their hi-performance versions. Imagine a ‘67 L 88 Corvette w/ AC Disappointing article !
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