Hello Everyone!

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Anonymous

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Hey, I finally got my dream car, a 66 mustang, in November. It is one of the Sprint 200 models with a 3-speed cruise-o-matic. I thought about going the V8 route, but after really thinking it over I decided that it was too much money and not worth it. I've come to really like my little 6. I've been thinking about engine upgrades but i am having a problem deciding which area to modify first. What should i address first, intake, exhaust, ignition, etc.? Also, what does an car like mine sound like with dual exhaust and flowmasters? I'm pretty new to the car world since this is my first car.
 
i'd say to go with exhaust, and ignition first, depending on what you do, both will be about the same price-wise

check out the tech section for some articles, and some info on what to do
i'd also suggest buying this book for some ideas and info

welcome to the site, watch out for the rabid ones and you'll be fine!
;)

EDIT: oh yeah, and for the most part, intake is hard to modify due to the integral log manifold, but upgrading the fuel system is a different story
 
Welcome,

I totally agree with asa67_stang, the Falcon Performance Handbook is a must for the new owner.

As for mods, I recommend ignition first. It will add a lot to your enjoyment of the car and pave the way for carb / exhaust mods. As a matter of fact, you will need to change distributors B4 you can make any of the common carb upgrades.

If you have a recently rebuilt engine that you are not in a hurry to take apart, after ignition I would go with a 2v carb on an adapter (Holley 5200 with your head), then header with port divider (interference fit), then 1.6 ratio adjustable rockers. You can expect a 30% increase in HP with these mods.

If you're ready for a tear down, well, that is another story.

For overall enjoyment a 67 - 68 valve body in your trans will give you the ability the shift it yourself (12DNRP vs. green dots and no 2nd gear hold). A 3.20 or 3.50 rear will add some pep (your can probably has the 2.8 - most of the 65-66 automtics came that way).

Enjoy the process - Steve
 
as a start I would go with the DS2 ignition , 2 1/4 exhaust , and as steve said a lower gear , if you drive on the hiway alot you would prolly want a 3.00:1 - 3.20:1 if you do more town driving ya might want a 3.20:1 - 3.50:1 have fun with you`r new project and welcome the the forum :D
 
steve...OMG, we agree on something... :twisted:

Go ignition first. Either pertronix (will fit inside your existing distributor) or Duraspark 2 (DS2). the DS2 upgrade is listed on the main fordsix web page. Here is my pertronix review:

http://kastang.tripod.com/pertronix.html

However, I am currently running DS2 for various reasons, mainly dealing with what I plan for future upgrades. There is no real difference performance wise between pertronix and DS2.

Also, get the Performance handbook. Lots of good ideas there. Basically, it should be renamed: "Falcon Six Bible".

If you don't want to tear down your engine, then the path steve described is a good one. most are simple and can be done with simple hand tools (other then headers).

As far as tranny goes, can't help there. I put an 89 mustang T5 manual tranny in my mustang.

Good luck, and welcome.

Slade
 
Hi!

I agree with what the others have said here.

I have a '65 Mustang and I found the point gap did not like to stay constant. One of my first upgrades was to the Pertronix. Also, its nice not to have to worry about the ignition system malfunctioning. Getting the distributor right is critical before you tackle the carb. Many of the problems a dizzy can cause (poor idle, bog on acceration, etc) are the same as a carb. But again, get the distributor right FIRST.

As for performance, remember the three C's: cam shaft, compression and carburation. The cam shaft and compression changes will require you to remove the head. So from a ease and "bolt on" point of view go for the carb upgrade.

In my other project car (a '68 Catalina convertible) this past summer I changed the rear ratio from 2.92:1 to a 3.42:1 and it made a huge diffrence in the performance. Gas milage got worse :oops: , but oh man, really woke that car up :D !

And lastly, the exhaust. All the cam, carb and compression will not do anything without a free flowing exhaust. I added a header and 2-1/4" pipe to my other wise stock (and tired) engine. Didn't make a big difference, but it sounded cooler 8)

Have fun,
Mugsy
 
welcome to the site, watch out for the rabid ones and you'll be fine!
Click to expand...

8) you being one of us :lol: :lol:

i would also recomend an ignition upgrade. after that exhaust. then save your money and get the aussie head from mike at www.fordsixparts.com
then when you are ready for a rebuild, unless your short block is in good condition, upgrade the cam. for drivetrain i recomend the T5 swap as it adds flexibility.
 
just dont go thinking your better than us with your "sprint 200" sticker...

just kidding man...welcome...we all have come to love our little sixes

chaz
 
Hey a new sprint!
Welcome welcome. DEFINITELY do what these guys say and keep up with this site. It has done wonders for my car. I went all out this summer and did head work, carb, ignition and exhaust all at once. I LOVE it. The car has alot more get up and go, it sound WILD and it turns heads more than usual. Any questions you may have, post them, they WILL get answered!!!!!!!!
Matt
 
Just a little FYI...

Dual exhaust on a 200 sounds great, just all depends on what you put in the back...

I am running 2" pipe off dual out headers, through a set of Flowmaster series 70 mufflers... sounds really nice, very deep and throaty like a 302, but I am running a performance cam and Non-Stock head which changes the sound of the exhaust...

I would suggest looking into a set of Borla Pro Mufflers instead of the Flowmasters if you are running a stock head... seems like they are the preferred mufflers for our little "Bangers"
 
My head is stock, worked a little, but its the stock log nonethe less and flows sound great. Never heard borla's before so not arguing, lol, but I love my 50's
Matt
 
Exhaust! These engines had difficulty breathing. When you add a dual out header, you will wake the engine up!
 
Howdy Folks,
I been here before, but not really able to work on the car. But I have been able to this week. I have the engine out today, tranny out tomorrow, and the rear-end is going to be out ASAP.

The engine got dropped off at the machine shop today. What do I need to tell them to do for a little pep? I am not looking to go all out, but just give it a little more zoom.

I am looking at ordering the Clifford Performance Single-Outlet Headers,
http://cliffordperformanceshop.com/cata ... 747420.htm
But I haven't seen anyone on here in awhile sing their praises. Has something better come around?

What about some of their carb upgrade kits?
http://cliffordperformanceshop.com/cata ... oducts.htm
Are these worth a look or is their something better?

I am looking at doing the T-5 here soon, and I would like to upgrade the rear-end to 8/9 in. What are some good donor cars that can provide a compatible rear-end?

Sorry for all the questions, it just feels great to be seeing something actually happen to the car. Thanks for all your help!!1
JT
 
LT,

If you have the engine out being worked on, get a new cam put in. I went with a Comp Cam 260H. It isn't radical, only a little more duration then a stock cam. The lift of the came is about 30% more though which allows more air in. That really woke up my engine.

Also look at the T5 swap now if you can. Easier to do with all the stuff out of the car. I love my T5.

I had a set of clifford headers that I never installed. I bought some headers from fordsixparts.com (AzCoupes site) and they are so beautiful. I nearly...well...that's private... ;)

As far as their carb kits, I think you can do better for the prices they are asking. Get the 2V carb adaptor from them and the port divider for the exhaust (especially if you want headers). Go buy yourself a nice holley 2300 or 5200 and you'll probably still save $100 from their prices and still make out with better product.

Good luck.

Slade
 
Hey, Thanks a lot!! You guys are really helpful. I just got a job at a restaurant so I can't wait to get started once i save up some money. :D

What you said made me wonder, what is the difference between a 200 and a sprint 200?
 
iirc the diffrence between the 200 and the 200 sprint was just cosmitic.
o yeah take it from some one who did it backwards, i started with the t5, then have an 0z head with a 4v carb. GET INGITION FIRST. All these post that say to are very much correct. The ingition has been the main factor in most of my problems. I just keep putting it off or i dont have the money to get it. o well one of these days. a new ingition is very good and will save you lots of tuning troubles later in life!!


kevin
 
Ok,
What do you all mean by ignition. Are we talking the Petronix (sp) distrubitor and coil or something else that I am not thinking of? Thanks!
JT
 
Is there any difference between the I & II series? WHere is a good place to purchase them?

JT
 
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