Head Problem

[Anonymous]

First of all can I put a head for a 170 on a 200 engine? Second, how do I get the same or better performance out of the head for the 170?

Thanks matt

 

[Inline6Merc]

That would not be a good choice. The 170 heads are smaller in volume, have smaller valves, and have small cumbustion chambers. If you were to put a 170 head on a 200 you would loose performance and have way high compression. Look for a later 200 or 250 head for a 200 block, it is a more desirable choice for performance.

Later,

Curtis

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Matt:

It really depends on the year. Check the casting #. The early 170, '61-'63 were unique to those years. They had smaller valves, intake volume and chambers. A C3XX casting and later is virtually identical to 200. The CR difference was in the 170s flattop pistons VS dished in 200s.

Anything prior to '65 would be a performance detriment due to smaller valves and intake tract.

A 170 D0XX head would be identical to the 200/250 heads. 1.75" carb hole, 1.649" intakes and 1.38" exhaust valves.

Installing bigger valves in the small chamber early heads is no advantage due to shrouding. Just do a three angle valve job and back cut the intakes. Bore the carb hole out to 1.75". Polish the chambers.

Hope that helps.

Adios, David