Advice needed for mini engine overhaul

[Timsar]

Newbie here, again!
Have a 74 K5 4x4 standard 350 engine and transmission.
Car has sat for over 10 yrs. Starts right up and runs perfect.
i noticed the power steering pump is leaking. So besides replacing the power steering, perhaps, i should also replace the water pump, all the hoses, belts etc.

What brand of parts do you recommend for steering and water pumps?
I want quality, no cheap chinese, specially since even AC delco is made in china these days.

What other parts?
Spark plugs
Wires
Brake booster and pump
Cast iron exhaust manifold to headers
Exhaust pipes and mufflers are in good shape.
Gas tank has rusted surface and couple of major dents.
Anything else?

 

[Wes Harden]

For the gas tank I would try to source a Spectra, I would also opt for the in tank EFI pump option, even if you are not going to use an electric pump. Nice option for the future and not real difference in cost.

I still use ac delco for water pumps. I just changed mine last summer and got a new AC Delco. Couldn't tell you what the old pump was it was almost 30 years old. Only got changed be cause I could say what size the impeller was. There appears to 3 sizes of impeller. I have the middle size now, which I think is the largest in AC Delco.
R45ts plus those are cool if you want hot get r43ts.

Are you asking if you should change from cast iron stock to headers ? That is personal choice. If you want to stay cast iron but need new manifolds check Hooker's offerings.


As for the Power Steering pump New one if available. If you have to use a rebuilt, I would source local for easy returns.
Recently put a Cardone new brake booster on my 77 k20, matched perfectly and works, can't ask for much more.

I choose AC Delco wires, reason is the y never fit well enough to satisfy my ocd. I have a box of AC Delco wire from broken sets, so I can mix and match. Recently put Taylor 10mm on my 8.1 and they are quality wires.

Glad to see the revival of full top, keep us up on the efforts

 

[bigjimmy82]

More information on those Hooker replacement manifolds?

 

[Wes Harden]

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Hooker-8527HKR-S-B-Chevy-Exhaust-Manifolds-D-Port-Natural,456622.html

 

[Wes Harden]

I decided I am not going to us the flange. and do flared head pipe with a doughnut


They are also available for D exhaust ports