Curt,
I have been running a nicely modified 1970 292 for about ten years. I am using Tom Langdon's newest cast exhaust manifolds, his water heated plate for manifold heating. I have not had any leaks, loose parts or starting problems. I used to live in Wisconsin for 7 years and ran my car only when there was no salt on the roads. I now live in the Dayton, OH. area and it does get hot and cold here. Last year, I installed a Vintage Air, Heat and Defrost system. The cooling, defrost and heat work as fast and as well as any brand new vehicle. With proper radiator, thermostat and plumbing, I see no problem using tried and true parts rather than a "Homebuilt" system. I have nothing against do-it-youself jobs as I often invent one offs and do it myself. When reliability and ease of assembly comes into play, it's usually better to listen to experiance rather than experimentation. Isn't that why you are here and asked the question in the first place?
If you need photos, I'll be happy to send you what you need. Just ask.
RapRap
1940 ChoppedChevyCoupe
