Murfman-
I used a NOS 230 crank, rods, and flywheel in my '50 218.
The 230 has an 8 bolt flange, that is thicker than the 4 bolt 218 crank. The 230 flywheel has a recess machined into it's face, to accomodate the difference in thickness on the crank flange. If you use the 218 flywheel, which will bolt up, the face of the flywheel will be about 3/16" farther back toward the rear of the car, and the starter will not reach the ring gear.
I used the Langdon tube headers, had them coated with HPC ceramic coating. For the money, I would get the Langdon cast headers, which are almost the same price and a better all round setup, if I were to do it again. The problem with the tube headers, is that the have to be removed to get the valve tappet covers off for valve adjustment. the tubes are directly in line with the tappet cover bolts, and very close to them as well. There is no way to get the bolts out with the headers installed.
I also bought my HEI and carbs from Langdon. Great service and immense knowledge base, I'd buy from him again any time.
Offy still makes the dual intake, in two versions. One with the stock heat riser and one without. I have a vintage Edmunds intake with water heat, and love it. It warms instantly with the coolant. The chokes are disabled on my carbs, and it will start and run smooth even in zero degree weather. It is warmed up and ready to go by the time I've backed out of my garage. Functioning manifold heat prevents icing as well as keeping the air/fuel mixture from condensing on the cold surface of the intake.
The Asche dual intake probably flows better than the new Offy, but has a home-brewed look. I've heard that the Offy intake had the poorest flow of the aftermarket intakes, but maybe that was hearsay...
Check out my engine at
http://www.50plymouth.com for lots of pics, sound clips, etc.
Pete
