So, back from the first real trip I've had it on. Good shake down run. Mixed results.
Overall it performed well. Ran good and strong. Did some trailer pulling duties and the added weight smoothed out the ride nicely.
First issue I ran into was a thermostatic fan switch failed. I have two electrics on it. First one kicks on at 200 and the second at 220. The first one quit operating on my way to my brothers house. 4 hour drive. Going through small towns and having to stop the temp would climb slightly until the second fan kicked in. I'll have to order a replacement for that right away and probably a spare at the same time. For the short term, it was simple to "hot wire" while doing low speed duties.
Second issue, my demon carb was giving me grief. The front float bowl was filling well beyond where it was set and causing a flooding issue. This happened a couple times. In each instance, I would have to cut off the fuel pump and bring the float level back in check at which point it was OK again for a while. Not sure what the problem is with this right now.
Last issue and the most "OH ****" value, we returned to my brothers house after some light trailer pulling duties and pulled into the driveway. Upon shutting off the engine, 2 plus quarts of tranny fluid hit the pavement within a few seconds time. The pan gasket gave up all in one shot. Never had one do this anything like this. It was very unnerving to say the least. As odds would have it, I had a pan gasket and filter on hand as well as some trans fluid. 45 minutes of work and it was back up and going. Why the pan gasket gave out as it did, I don't know. The old gasket was in very bad shape. Thankfully it held till we got back to the house and stopped.
Gas mileage sucked!