Tmacdagreat
Well-known member
Need advice on how to get my online 6 to between 200-300 hp
All Small Six 200 inline 6 horsepower upgrade help
- Thread starter Tmacdagreat
- Start date
This relates to all small sixes
Blower!
where are you at with your engine today? Is it stock, mildly upgraded?
The head and log are the sore point. After you’ve cam’ed it and put better breathing exhaust and an electronic ignition, you either gap your rings for safety and put on a blower (or turbo) or you change the head, intake and carburetor. You’d want an Aussie 2V head or a Vintage Inlines or an Argentinian head.
If you boost it, don’t forget to gap the rings with more space so you don’t blow the top of a piston off. It tends to happen when people put on a turbo without considering anything else. You’re also probably going to want EFI if you boost it so the fuel injection can compensate for lean conditions.
The head and log are the sore point. After you’ve cam’ed it and put better breathing exhaust and an electronic ignition, you either gap your rings for safety and put on a blower (or turbo) or you change the head, intake and carburetor. You’d want an Aussie 2V head or a Vintage Inlines or an Argentinian head.
If you boost it, don’t forget to gap the rings with more space so you don’t blow the top of a piston off. It tends to happen when people put on a turbo without considering anything else. You’re also probably going to want EFI if you boost it so the fuel injection can compensate for lean conditions.
I see youve listed your home as Vancouver in BC, I worked for a company based there, Westport, they do still exist and did natural gas for engines, mainly truck and bus use. Have you ever heard of them? The comment I made is the easiest way to 200-300bhp, NA you would need a ton of work on breathing to get anywhere near. bear in mind the stock 200 is realisticly about 80bhp net, thats a long way short.
Tmacdagreat
Well-known member
My engines stock, and do have any links to an EFI
Tmacdagreat
Well-known member
I’m in California, so is it easier to do a V8 swap ?
frozenrabbit
Well-known member
2 more cylinders, you can thrash a stock 302, or throw a ton of money at a 6, never really get it there, and cost a lot of money when it blows.
As previously mentioned, you will need a better breathing head with an intake manifold for a 4 barrel carburetor.
The other problem not mentioned is that performance camshafts for the small six are becoming non-existent and the few remaining performance flat tappet camshafts and lifters have a high probability of failure.
Tis the reason why roller camshafts were made available for the big block six.
The small bock V8 is the less expensive and more reliable way to go.
The 302 V8 can be anywhere from 302 to 347 cu inches using the 8.2" height block.
There are a wide variety of roller camshafts available.
A set of aluminum heads and an aluminum intake manifold will decrease the engine weight.
The other problem not mentioned is that performance camshafts for the small six are becoming non-existent and the few remaining performance flat tappet camshafts and lifters have a high probability of failure.
Tis the reason why roller camshafts were made available for the big block six.
The small bock V8 is the less expensive and more reliable way to go.
The 302 V8 can be anywhere from 302 to 347 cu inches using the 8.2" height block.
There are a wide variety of roller camshafts available.
A set of aluminum heads and an aluminum intake manifold will decrease the engine weight.
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Probably for you, yes. However you will need the matching drivetrain and brakes to do it right.
Crow cams in Australia, do list cams for the precrossflow engines. https://crowcams.com.au/product/ford-pre-crossflow-hydraulic-4
67Straightsix
Well-known member
Which part of California are you in? I agree a V8 would be a lot easier, but not as fun. If you have the ability and the equipment to do most of the work yourself, it's worth doing . If you have to pay someone to do all the work. Go with a 302 or 351.
I totally agree. A 302 will be a much cheaper and more reliable option.
A total matching drivetrain is a good upgrade. It should be done with any 200 - 300+ HP engine build.
About flat tappet cams from overseas:
Make sure that there is certified proof what the cam is made out of and what the Rockwell is. Most importantly, make sure there is warranty and return policy is in place if something turns out to be not right. Last thing, find out how much shipping will be if items need to be returned.
I found that it’s usually better and cheaper to purchase items in your home country.
Oh, about cam grinding:
Many high quality cam grinding shops are still grinding the old fashioned way. The only things that some cam grinding shops are CNC grinding are the cam keys. There is a good reason why a good amount of the good cam grinders are not willing to change.
Below are some good videos to watch:
Watch this one first:
To open up all the clips click on the very top edge of the link posted below:
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And I would like to mention that Strong performance 302 blocks are also available from Ford Performance and Dart.
Ford Performance:
DART:
What’s not to like?
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