Engine Head and Block

[65fall]

I have a 200ci 64 block in my car w/ a 78 Head , and a C4 behind it.....should i get a different Block for better performance

My future upgrades will be an alumnium head w/intake and a 264 camshaft hopefully mid 2009

 

[Javabean]

IIRC, the early 200's had only 4 main bearings where as the later 1966 & up had 7. But t hat would be for durability rather than performance. Whats the casting # on your block?

 

[Anlushac11]

Not only will a early 200 have 4 mains for less durability the later blocks have a different bell housing blot pattern.

It was my understanding the later style bolt patterns are easier to find bellhousings for.

 

[rbohm]

8) it was the early 64 blocks that had 4 main bearings, later ones had 7. as fo rthe bell housing, until you get to the late 1980 3.3's with the low mount starter, the bell housings do swap except for the top bolt holes which are higher up. as for your engine, build it and run it. if it breaks then find a later 200 and build that. even with 4 main bearings these are tough little motors and can handle a decent amount of power before they break. the only other issue you might have is the distributor might have the smaller shaft and thus you will have to make a few minor mods to use a later model distributor.

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy 65fall:

In addition to the info you've already gotten from others, the difference is in the block casting. A casting code of C4DE (Used in 1964 & 1965 model years) or a C3DE (Used in 1963 & '64 model years) will likely be a 4 main bearing block, not plumbed for a hydraulic lifter type cam, and a smaller distributor drive shaft from the oil pump and a smaller distributor hole in the block. A C5DE code, ocassionally seen in '64 model year vehicles will be the later, 7 main bearing engine. 1964, '64 1/2, and '65 were major change years for the 200 engines. Also complicated by FoMoCos "empty bin" policy.

The differences equate to choices. The later blocks capable of using hydraulic lifter type cams offer many more cams to choose from. The same is try for distributor options. The earlier blocks can be modified by retro fitting a later oil pump with the larger distributor driveshaft, and the block hole enlarged for the later style distributor.

A 7 main bearing crank will be much more durable at higher rpms and power levels.

That's the details. You have to decide what's best for you.

Adios, David

 

[65fall]

i thought i would ask i knew it had 4 main bearings a have a DUI distributer in there already, now that i know i will be limited to a camshaft i might change over but this is gonna be mid next year so i have plenty of time to find a later block....yea i know for sure it a 64 block i looked it up i think it was from a falcon...also when did they come out w C4 transmissions i thought anything before was usaully a Cruise-O-Matic or three speed?

 

[wallaka]

C4s came out in 64 IIRC.

 

[FalconSedanDelivery]

True C-4's came out in 67 , mid 63 saw the C-4 varient called a cruisamatic same tranny ( although the valve body was different, GREEN DOT , where drive was as second was later )C-6's were also called cruisamatics and had the green dot valvebody, so its easy to see the confusion, and true C-6's in 67 as well

 

[Hot 6t Falcon]

Howdy, from the other FPH brother,

You GOTTA tell us the casting code.

It is located on the side of the block, behind the exhaust pipe, and in front of the starter. You'll need a flashlight (just like CSI on the TV) and maybe a screwdriver or scraper to scrap of some gunk. It will be like C4DE - new line - 6015 - AA.

Then we can all be more accurate.

Good Luck, Dennis