Head Opinions, Rebuild Stock 200 or get Aussie

[Anonymous]

I have been contemplating replacing my head on my 1968 200ci for a while now. I was planning on doing one of the following..

1. Getting my stock head rebuilt (with hardened valve seals)
2. Getting the Aussie Head from the ford six performance parts store

I know the Aussie head will give me more breathing, but I am worried I will have to mill the head to get the correct CR. I have no idea where to get this done, how much it will cost, or anything (I'm not very familiar with any of these terms, as this will be my first rebuild). It would be nice to get a little more performance out of my six, but I dont mind staying stock with today's gas prices.

Anyone's opinion will help. Also, if you have any recommendations on a rebuild kit, or if you think i should buy the parts seperately, give me help on that one too.

 

[Asa]

don't think the Oz head can be gotten at Mike's anymore, however if you talk to Phil (screen name ausheads) he will be able to tell you if he has any in stock
i talked to him about two months ago and he had a few in stock

in any case, the Oz head will need pretty much the same work as the stock head will when getting it rebuilt

and i wouldn't worry about milling it for the compression ratio, that can be done at any decent machine-shop


there is also the cast iron Argie head, and sooner or later the aluminum Argie head will be available
the cast iron Argie was just a little more expensive than the Oz 2V head, but it shouldn't need to be rebuilt

 

[Anonymous]

Wait untill FSPP comes out their aluminum head.You will have to get the head miiled to get a higher compression ratio=more HP. You can get this done a machinest shop. Shoulnt costs that much $$$.

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Ihavea:

Welcome to the Forum.

Rebuilding your stock '68 head is a good idea. For less than $300 (I'm guessing since I don't know your location and I'm figuring on you removing and reinstalling the head. I hope you have purchased a shop manual already and are studing.) you should be able to get your head rebuilt. That will include a three angle valve job, back cutting the intake valves, a gasket set, which will include new valve stem seals, milling to maintain or gain compression, and installing hardened valve seat inserts on the exhaust. It should also include a thorough cleaning and grey paint.

While you have the engine this far apart, consider a new water pump Aprox $35.00 and a new cam timing set (?) These are much easier to get to with the head off, and if you are in need of a valve job these items aren't far behind.

All of that will likely need to be done to an OZ head as well. So don't expect the up front cost to provide you with a ready to bolt on head. The head alone will not be a giant improvement. It will need a cam, intake and exhaust to utilize the breathing potential of the better head. Without the whole package you will have a unique looker, but disappointing performance.

Another option for you to consider is a later US log type head. A D7XX and later casting (1977 and later model year) will have bigger intake valves 1.75" vs 1.68"), hardened seats all the way around, a larger carb hole, and larger intake tract volume. It will also need the same valve job treatments as listed above, sans the seat inserts- it already has them. It will need to be milled about .075" to maintain a 9:1 compression. A late builder head can be had for little, and sometimes, nothing.

This way you can build the head at you leasure and when it's ready, swap out the old for the new.

The prospect of the Argentine and Alloy heads is very exciting, but there is no silver (or aluminum) bullet. These heads will be expensive and will take a carefully coordinated package to get the most out of them.

The choice is yours. Plan carefully, spend wisely, and enjoy the results.

Adios, David

 

[addo]

What Dave didn't tell you is to buy his book. He's far too nice for crass commerciality.

It will fill in a lot of the "whys" - making it easier for you to resolve issues by reflecting upon knowledge of your specific situation.

You can always swap in another head later!

Cheers, Adam.