I would take it back to the shop before touching even one bolt. If the brakes aren't safe right now, go to the shop and let them know of the problem. Some places take their 6-12 month warranties very seriously. Others understand in the old car world things sometimes sit for a bit before being...
I'm going to throw a theory out here. You mentioned you have your crossovers blocked, could this have contributed to extra heat staying in the heads, closer to the exhaust ports rather than being distributed a little more evenly throughout the entire head?
Here's my '70 440, car originally was...
No, there were no gaskets from the factory. I believe this is the nature of the HP manifolds, and why someone stepped up and made a product to help.
I wonder if these new ceramic coatings would help keep temperature a bit lower, possibly enough to prevent this?
I've never seen or heard of anyone making an in tank pump that mounts through the existing sender unit hole. That's a nice idea though! By design most in tank pumps are cylinders from top to bottom. This typically requires welding a lowered corner to the tank. I've also seen pictures of guys who...
This is the best way to look at it. Another term that comes to mind is "preventative maintenance". You have an 800 dollar carburetor, what's a good timing set go for, 150$? Cheap insurance.
I'm not sure you can access it from the fuel pump port, possibly from the distributor. I've always checked for play by twisting the distributor. Perhaps someone has a better method?
It's not written in stone, more like nylon. Glad to hear your new distributor is working well. It may work a bit better with a new chain and gears. Gears wear with use and there's a good chance you're missing a few nylon teeth. Both of these will allow for slack.
Personal story - 1971 Newport...
Wow! That must really be seized together. If you have a strap wrench I'd try turning it with that. A crowbar with some wood shims for protection might pop it straight up. And penetrating fluid.
I've had good luck with cork, once it's been throughly coated two or three times with high tack spray gasket. Some brushed on contact cement around the outside edges of the head and cover and around the bolt holes for extra insurance. Lightly hand snug bolts for an hour or two. Tighten a bit...
Excellent write up! I've always kept mine open. Perhaps darth_linuxs' are blocked? And on the literal side again, I believe your statement should read, "Gas pigs will have:"-"crossover blocked"?
Well, your question was regarding miles per gallon. Threads get easily sidetracked 'round here. It doesn't help that I take things very literally. And please, don't say "Canadian gallons"!
Yes, however Canada has been metric since 1977, so Canadian gallons haven't technically existed for almost a half of a century. I've never in my life heard or have seen the two words written together. I had to say something!