FSPP head, or hop up existing?

[phoenix02]

Hello all,

I'm going back to work soon, so I will hopefully have enough discretionary income stacked up by summer to work on the engine in the Falcon. It's a 4 door sedan, so I'm not looking for a speed demon, just something that runs and drives nice, has adequate acceleration and is reliable enough to take on trips, as well as looking nice for local shows. Not a winner, just something I can share with others, ya know?

Now, my cannundrum is, do I put out the cash on the FSPP head when it's available and pretty much not have any other budget for engine mods, or do I work on a standard log head to get it as free flowing as possible, and still have cash for a DSII/MSD setup, dual timing chain, better cam, headers and a 2v mod? It'd be cheaper using the old head and porting/ modding for the 2v- I have an uncle that runs a machine shop that can get me free/good deal on the machine work. I'm just wondering, as I'm not trying to get the most out of the engine as I possibly can, do I really need the FSPP head? I had a '68 Galaxie with a tired 302/FMX combo that chirped the tires when you wanted her to. I'm looking for that- good, reliable power, but not a speed demon- eventually, I'd like to have a speed demon, but I won't do that until I have a 2 door falcon or mustang. (I had a Porsche 924 Turbo, but the upkeep was just horendous....)

Any ideas? I'll be doing little things in the mean time, but I'll probably be looking to do any major work or swaps come summer.

-Michael

 

[jahearne]

That's a hard decision to make.

If you buy Mike's new head, you are going to need extra cash for carburation, etc. Just bolting on a bad a$$ cylinder head without a good strong ignition system, killer carburators, a balanced block, hi-perf cam, headers ain't gonna get you the performance you'd expect out of a new aluminum head. A powerful engine is a result of a good match of components.

Your uncle will come in handy. On a budget, I'd probably build up a real nice balanced short block first with a modified log head maybe a 2 bbl carb, then save up for the bad a$$ aluminum head later.

 

[Mercury Mike]

Well think about it this way... upgrade your ignition, carburetor, short block, and all the real stuff that is tried and true, and save for the head. When you get the head, because the rest of your powerplant will be so solid, all you'll probably have to do is bolt the head on, bolt the carb directly on, and hit the gas! You'll have a real nice chunk of power at that point. =)

 

[addo]

I'd work from the inside out, too. Cam and timing set first.

Would also budget a nice amount for handling enhancements.

 

[XFlow_Fairlane]

I always liked building a solid bottom end first. get a decent rebuild done with a zero deck, rods, ignition, exhaust etc. don't forget a trans to handle it all. toss a modded log on it and run with that. then later down the road pick up mikes head and do a head swap some weekend.

 

[AzCoupe]

I agree with the others, normally you want to start with the short block first. Cam, dual roller chain, ARP bolts and studs, good balance job, etc. And the ignition if you have enough cash. In fact, I usually suggest the ignition as the first upgrade.

However, consider this. The new head will support a higher C/R than the log head. Do you build the short block with dished or flat tops? What C/R? Which cam profile? All which are decisions based on cylinder head characteristics and induction system (flow potential).

Therefore, maybe forget the ignition at this point and try to pop for the head and induction as well as the short block. Even if you have to save a bit longer. Then add the bolt on parts as finances allow.

Or do as you suggested and build a budget motor, by adding all the bolt on stuff first and possibly a mild cam. Then buy a secondary block and work on it as finances permit, eventually building your dream motor. Once the long block is completed (a year or two down the road), you can swap over all the bolt on parts you already have.

Tough decision.

 

[mcmillal]

Don't forget the most overlooked upgrade............disk brakes. If you don't already have them. If you're going to go fast, you gotta be able to stop fast.

Just my two cents.

...............Cheers, Alex

 

[LaGrasta]

I would build what you have; then as finaces change, you can start another engine on the side. You may be pleased with your present build and choose to not even do another. Utilize your Uncle and his shop.
If you do choose to build a bigger stronger engine, you'll always be able to sell the one you have with the great mods you did to it.

 

[rbohm]

8) when building an engine you have to take a systems approach. the short block needs to be built solidly for reliability, and to allow for future increases in power. it also has to be built with what cylinder head you choose in mind as well. if you build to the stock head, then install the new head, you wont get optimum power that will be available from the head. if you build with the new head in mind, but dont install it untill later, then you might have problems with detonation and drivability.

you asked do you really need the new head? the answer to that is

depends.

since you are not building an ultimate performace engine, my first response is to say no. you might be able to do almost as well using an aussie 250 2v head, or a 221sp argie head. since these heads are not easily available in the US, even mike seems to be having a bit of trouble getting them, what you might do is wait untill a few of the guys hwo have these heads installed, swap to the new head, and buy the old head from them.

you can also modify the stock head as some have done, and save for the new head. but consider this, unless you can do most of the modifications yourself, by the time the head is built, you could have bought the new head ready to bolt on.

what i recommend is to buy another short block and build that over time as the budget permits, leaving the engine in the car alone unitll it is time to replace it. it might take longer, but in the end you will be able to build the engine with all the parts you want installed.

 

[Mercury Mike]

Leave the engine in the car, after you build a good reliable motor!

Then you'll even get to drive the car! (I do remember you saying something about letting your wife drive it, too, sometimes.)

 

[inline300]

Acually, you get the cam last.


The camshaft ties everything else together.

 

[wallaka]

But he won't get that rumpityrumpity idle without that!

 

[Mercury Mike]

What I really like about the 200 as a stock motor is how smooooooth it is. =) I really like it.