Beginners 170 Rebuild

[Anonymous]

I want to rebuild my stock 170 (in a 64 falcon) to get some more horsepower out of it and I am at a loss as to where to start. Any suggestions on manufacturers of parts or specific roads to take?

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy FalconGirl:

And welcome to the Forum. By finding this site you've taken a great first step. Learn to navigate it, use the search function and learn.

The next step is to assess what you have. It is possible that a '64 Falcon 170 could have a C3xx or C4xx casting # on the block. The casting numbers is cast into the passenger side of the block, under the exhaust manifold. It is usually quite dirty and will require some crawling and scrubbing to find and read it.

The cylinder head casting # is a little easier. It is cast onto the intake log behind to carb. Again, a C3 or C4 head could be in use. The 1st character represents the decade. C = '60, the second the year. C3 = a '63 casting. The year of the casting does not necessarily mean the year it was produced.

The third step is to read and study your option. Then create a plan that is realistic and reflective of your budget.

In the mean time, buy a shop manual for your vehicle (about $50.00) and spend some time and money learning what you have and how to get the most out of it.

In addition-
*Set the initial advance to 5 degrees more than stock specs call for. Make sure your ignition system is in top notch shape. Regap your spark plugs to .040".
*Make sure that you are getting full throttle when the accelerator pedal is pressed to the floor. This is a two person job. One to depress the go pedal and one to watch the throttle butterfly to make sure it opens all the way.
*Air your tires up, cold, to the "Max PSI" rating on the sidewall and add 10% more to each. For example 32 psi, would be safe at 35 - 36. They will wear better and give better mileage. The extra preassure will compensate for the gradual loss of air and for temperature varations.

Adios, David

 

[mugsy]

First question you have to ask yourself: will this be a daily driver, weekend cruiser, or all out performance attempt? Once you have that answered it will help with "what" you want to do.

Power is typcially found in the 3 Cs: Carb, Compression and Cam. Depending on what type of car you want will determine what type of Cam, Carb and Compression you select.

The other thing I would recommend is that the lower end/short block be built for durability and the top end/head is where you will find the most horsepower. If the engine is being rebuilt go with good quality pistons, rings, connecting rods, bearings, and most importantly machine work in the short block. Stay away from the HiPo pistons, rods, etc. Spend money to add a larger carb, a cam with more duration/lift and finally mill the head to raise the compression ratio to the low 9.something to 1 range.

There are other areas too. As Dave pointed out, get the timing advanced as much as possible, but stay out of spark knock. With the bigger cam and carb you'll need to have a larger dia. exhaust system. And most of us here add headers. And lastly, find out what the rear end gear ratio is, changing it to a higher number will have a positive impact on the performance, but cost you at the gas pump.

Have fun!