Am I missing some bit of thorough research you've done regarding this?
The expense of rebuilding an early 2F with late 2F flat tops, late 2F head, and all associated bits necessary to successfully complete.
Theorized, researched, hypothesized, then attempted to prove viability, which it is very doable, how good of a runner the combo is, only weeks away from being seen.
There are no issues with, beyond expense and dwindling inventory of even late, OS 2F pistons.
We know that flat tops in a vintage block work with the corresponding late head.
We know that the late heads ('85 to end) are a 3F head, and know that the 3F manis and carbs are available, new, and work....even that a late 2F air cleaner on a late 2F head can remain with the 3F parts, without any modifications.
What I now know is this:
If engine vintage doesn't effect value, it's more economical to build a 1FZ-F (standalone carb) than to replicate what I've done on this, with new components that will be available for many, many years to come.
Looking at a '78 2F right now, that the voices in my head are chanting "rebuild, rebuild, rebuild" and it probably bodes better on this Cruiser, from a valuation standpoint, to do so more than the '76 Pig......but hesitant to embark down the same path as this one, merely from a cost/time perspective.
aren't the 78 manifolds one piece? why won't a later 2F manifold work? same issue as the 3F manifold? I can't remember what my older stuff looked like before I traded it for better working less older stuff
'78 manis are the same as all, being mated to one piece.
Later would work, but availability is scare and still require machining.
The 3F seems to be the most logical, but still don't know exactly how the carb will work, what type of mods to the dizzy may be required, or anything about how good in runs.
On the '78 in discussion, like to keep it simple and NOT rebuild the bottom end.
If and when it's determined that's not possible, I'm not so sure that a 1FZ won't be opted
