Which one of these will provide the best driveability?

Gas mileage? Low end torque?

Seems to me that the Offy would result in more even fuel distribution; I've owned several /6's but they all had stock 1bbl.

Recently acquired a '77 Volare - /6, 1bbl - want to build something mild but respectable.

Welcome on the board. Both setups can be made to work very well. Both setups can also be made to work very poorly! It's more work to make the twin 1bbl setup work well, even on a car for which (most of) a prefab linkage kit is available (that is the Offy 5041K kit, which helps adapt the pre-'67 rod-operated throttle linkage. If you're installing on a '67-up car, creating workable throttle and kickdown linkage is a "you're-on-your-own" situation.)

The single 2bbl is going to be much easier to set up in your '77 and will give a significant overall improvement over the 1bbl. You'll need the intake manifold, carb, air cleaner, throttle cable (shorter), complete auto trans kickdown linkage setup if your car is automatic (or see this thread for kickdown options). The intake manifold was produced in both iron and aluminum. The iron one is much easier to use in as-received condition; they almost never fail. The aluminum one is attractively low in weight, but is failure-prone; Read this, this, and this; you may decide it's wiser to pick the iron one. If you want to use an aluminum one, inspect it closely for damage and then prep it carefully per this post. Carb selection and condition is critical; if you find an original carb in basically sound shape (not previously "remanufactured", throttle shaft nice and tight in its bore), put a good quality kit in it. If you want a brand-new carb for your setup, I still have some left. Whichever setup you pick, it is very much worth your while to get the good gaskets for the manifolds-to-head and intake-to-exhaust junctions.

Exhaust: Definitely Dutra Duals if you've got the budget for 'em. If not, a better system (2¼" headpipe at least) on the stock exhaust manifold.

You will also want to look at recurving the distributor and maybe doing the HEI upgrade, do the fuel line mod, and finish off your 2bbl installation with one of the electric choke kits.

How much of a buildup are you planning? Just bolt-ons, or a complete engine rebuild?

Before you go too far down any path, plot out your goals for the car in specific detail of performance, mileage, cost to build, cost to run, and regulatory requirements (do you have to pass any emission tests?).

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I agree with Dan, the single 2bbl carb will be much easier to setup for your Volare.
Then, you might want to think about "Dutra Duals", and a free flowing exhaust system.

_________________
"Ja, Ich fahre ein altes auto."
'78 Volare 225
'67 Charger 318

Speaking of Dutras, what is their advantage over cliffords headers?

No noise, no leaks, they actually fit, you get to keep your automatic choke and intake manifold heat and thermostatic air cleaner, they actually last, you actually get them when you pay for them...shall I continue or is that enough?

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

'nuff said . . .

anyone other than slantsixdan had a bad experience with clifford?

I'm considering the blueprinted head they offer - would appreciate any feedback about them.

Not reccommended. Too much money for what you get.

_________________
Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

The engine still runs, but has a knock & no oil pressure. It pulled itself onto the tow dolly but I haven't cranked it since.

Total rebuild - I've got a set of oversized (1.70/1.44) valves. Have a super six intake & carb in transit - sans kickdown . Don't know if the Dutra's are in my budget . . . there's a set on eBay now - bidding starts at $400. What do they run from Dutra? What I want to end up with is something on the wilder side of mild - something that demands respect from the V8's but still gets half way decent mpg's. No emissions tests to worry about here . . . yet. I really want to put an A500 or 518 behind the 6, so I need to build torque down low. Also pondering the long ram hyperpak intake. Any advice on this?

Thanks, dan

It's going to take some money to get respect from the v8 guys. I still don't get much and I've ran down a 5.0 and a 318 so good luck. As far as the norm of things I always tell guys to do (search engine matrix) I've been harping on balancing rotating, and also choosing a good cam. Speaking of cams, I talked to clifford for about 2 hours on the phone and ordered a cam from them. Two weeks later I learned about Oregon Cam grinders and canceled my order from Clifford. They had charged my credit card but hadn't even shipped it yet. My uncle and I have been having a horrible time with stuff like this. The bottom line is they charge wayyyyy to much for what you get. You can send me a check and your head and I'll return you something a lot nicer.
As far as your build would go in the direction of what you have to what you might get I would hold off on the exhuast and hyperpak for a while. The Super Six is a great setup that will get you started down the right road. If you have anysort of budget I would now direct it towards your head and cam. Than when you've reassembled your engine you can go back to intake headers and MSD stuff. Don't forget about rear end ratios to help launch your car. Last, write out a budget and plan before you take apart your engine. This makes things go better, especially when your can get all your parts together before starting such a project.

77 Volare, Welcome! I recently purchased a pair of Dutras. These are heavy-duty beefy castings! Doc had been selling these for $225 each but I believe the last bunch of castings cost him a bit more to manufacture. Everything is getting that way isn't it! PM him and he can shoot you a price. I am VERY happy with what he sent me!

_________________
66 Lil' Red Piggie Valiant (Mater Crusher) - Thanks Zilla!!!!! 72 Demon (Number 1 Son's)