Howdy 48 Ford nut:
You've got a nice project idea and goal. The Fox based 200s have some barriers to performance and economy as well as some assets. Before going into details, I have some questions for you. Is gas mileage the goal or ecomomy? For example, IF you are spending $2,000 building an engine and drivetrain, It will take you many many miles to recoup at say 29 mpg as opposed to 23mpg. Although, still a darn sight cheaper than buying a new econobox.
If you have a plan that begins with assessing what you have and optimizing it, and then carefully selecting the most cost effective upgrades from there, you will be more economical. Given that, do you have plans to do only what rebuilding is needed? Or start with a Valve job? rebuild block?
What trans will you be looking for? Manuals get better mileage than autos.
There are subtle, but important differences between building an engine for performance as opposed to economy. For example, Heat. On a performance engine holding heat in check helps performance. For fuel economy, generating, holding and using heat increases mileage. Ever notice that you will get better mileage in the summer then in the winter?
The short comings of these engines are 1) carburetion, which you already have a good plan for resolving. The H/W are very tuneable and efficient. for economy and driveablility. 2) Cam timing. The stock cam has timing advance built into it for several reasons.- reducing emissions and to incease low end torque. Selecting and upgrading to an aftermarket cam with slightly more duration then stock, but with a fatter profile and increased lift to about .400" will help a bunch. The goal will be to increase efficiency while maintaining cylinder pressure and high vacuum. 3) Compression- these engines are reduced to 8:1 CR. For economy, a properly managed 9:1 is a worthy goal. This can be achieved in several ways depending on your plan. 4) Exhaust. Depending on what year and what EPA systems your car will have, all are crippled and crutched to accomodate emissions control stuff that actually hurts mileage, even when it was new and working. This can be addressed in several ways also, from retro fitting a '68 vintage exhaust manifold mated with a 2" exhaust system and a 2" turbo muffler to headers and system.
The pluses for these engines are the best air cleaner system you can find. I was called the Climatic Control System. It should be adapted to your H/W and maintained. The best production cylinder head every from the factory. A specific rebuild is all it needs. A very good ignition system called a DuraSpark II. All in a lightweight, safe, liveable vehicle package. A good starter choice for your goals. Keep us posted on your project.
Adios, David
Adios, David
a good running 200 in a 78-83 car. I have seen the recommended valve size to go with 1.75/1.50, what about milling the head for more comp? how much ? I will be opening up the intake for the h/w. will be removing all the smog piping. I plan on using the present dist, maybe some port work on the exhaust side. any recommendations on cam for mpg, or is the stocker good enough? thanks for the response. jim.
