I have agree that in stock form the early engines are a bit lacking in the low end torque dept. One thing these engines are begging for is a set of small diameter (like 1 1/8 or 1 1/4") x 36" (38"?) primary tube headers and on the early engines port the exhaust port its so darn restrictive. The headers will really help the bottom end.
If your handy with a welder there is a place on the web that sells exhaust head flanges for the 4200. A '54 should have lots of room for headers.
On the hwy in OD this engine is really good on fuel.
Last edited by efi-diy; 02/16/09 11:29 PM.