Cylinder head compatibility for 1965 200ci mustang

[BigF80]

Hello again All,

Was doing some research on getting more hp out of my original 65 mustang with a 200 I6. Spoke to some machine guys and have been advised to replace my original cylinder head with one that was newer than 1977. I was told that the newer heads were bigger and allowed for better machining and provided more clearance for headers etc... Was also told that machining my head to accommodate a 2 bll carb would be an issue. Three questions really, does a "newer" cylinder head make hood clearance an issue? Is there a master list of make/yr/model of cars where the the cylinder head would fit the 1965 original engine. It would help sourcing the right head. Were the machine guys trying to push me into buying a head that they had already machines that happened to be for sale. Spome to two different guys and only one happen to have one done already and both made the same claim as a disclaimer.

Thanks all in advance. This site is a great resource especially for newbies like me!

 

[rbohm]

any later model head that fits the small six will work nicely. they are all basically the same, though the later heads have larger logs, larger ports, and larger valves.

you can machine the log for a direct mount two barrel carb, and not worry about hood clearance. there is also an adapter available that will let you mount a two barrel carb in place of the one barrel without machine work, and still maintain hood clearance, check vintageinlines.com.

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, there are advantages to the newer head, but, the old carb and distributor won't work. Get the Ford Falcon six handbook and start soaking it all up. Make a plan and have fun. Good luck

 

[bmbm40]

65 Mustang is a great one to have and I hope to have one someday. You would probably greatly benefit from purchasing a copy of the Falcon Performance Handbook it is a valuable resource and will get you up to speed on the Ford six performance methods. It is worth way more than the few dollars it cost, mine is pretty worn from use. And the guys on this forum have the knowledge and will be glad to help you with good advice.

 

[chad]

agreed w/rbhom, one of our tops - esp on cam choice.
peruse the "Handbook" to come up to speed on improved ignition, the 'feedback " system with carb/dizzy,
and other maintence/improvements for your rig.

The machisists were correct (that there's advantages to '78 + heads) but there's more to understand so as not to blunder as I have.
Also correct on hood clearence (in some cases) for '60s/70s fords. Keep them in mind & possibly go back when more knowledgable.

"...machining my head to accommodate a 2 bll carb would be an issue…." I don't believe that's true. However, it must be done properly. (there's some better 4 this operation, tho).

Look to our "index" page to find another resource beside the Handbook (yes - get it frm vintage inlines. com). On the index page U will C "Classic Inlines Archive". Click on it as It is an incredable, free, resource to assist you in yer Qs. After/during your study, if yer like me, U will begin to form the right Qs & we can help.