After two seasons of driving with the Huffaker manifold, I've decided that
its really not appropriate for the primary uses of my car. I inherited the
manifold when I got the car and many people told me that it wasn't any good
for street use. Although I was able to tune it to get acceptable street
performance, I'm sure I'm not taking full advantage of its performance
capability and I'm probably suffering some low end penalties. I've also
decided I'd like to use the car more in colder weather, and its design is
particularly unsuited for driving with a not fully warmed up engine. So,
here's the deal:
What I have: Original Huffaker Engineering/Leyland Racing single plane
intake manifold for Buick/Rover/Triumph 215. Ideally suited for high RPM,
high flow racing applications. Flows best above 3000rpm. Includes two
Earl's stainless, braided, racing quality hoses connected to front coolant
ports. These hoses collect coolant from the heads and deliver it to a small
Offenhauser coolant manifold that mounts to the alternator bracket on my TR8
installation. The coolant manifold contains the thermostat and is where the
top radiator hose connects. The manifold is also tapped for a temperature
sensor and for a small fitting to connect the small hose to the factory TR8
coolant bottle. The left rear coolant port is also tapped and fitted with a
nipple to allow connection through a tee into the heater hoses. I'm told
this is done to improve the ability to bleed air bubbles from the cooling
system, but it was already done when I got the manifold. I have seen the
replica of this manifold that is currently available, but this is an
original with the Huffaker and Leyland logos cast into the manifold on
either side of the carburetor. Although the replica may or may not be
functionally equivalent, the finish of the original is much higher quality
IMHO. I have a Holley 390 fitted (not included with the deal) but most
4-bbl carbs will fit.
What I'll Take in Trade: $$$'s of course, but also looking for a
replacement manifold. I'm aware of the JWR/Offenhauser and Edelbrock
manifolds and I'd like to hear opinions on the performance of both. I have
the Isky street cam, Silvolite 9.6:1 pistons, Holley 390, and tube steel
headers fitted. I'm also running the Mallory Unilite distributor with only
mechanical advance. I'm trying to create a spirited daily driver with
occasional autocross capability.
For the serious racers out there, I'm also currently running a 3.9:1limited
slip rear end. I'd rather have a 3.45 or maybe even the original 3.08, but
would like to keep the limited slip feature. The differential is of the
same vintage as the manifold, and I've been told its one of the original
Leyland racing units by Salsbury and imported in '80 or '81. It works OK,
but has the typical whine at about 60mph. To cruise at typical freeway
speeds you have to turn 3500 rpm or more. I drove the car 500 miles each
way to the TRF Summer Party and back and would have preferred to "loaf"
along at lower engine speeds. Ideally, I think I'd like to trade for 3.45
limited slip rear end. Any takers?
Ben Zwissler, zwissler@hsonline.net
Columbus, Indiana
1980 TR-8
1966 TR-4A IRS OD
|