increase performance help

[bamastang]

I have a '66 mustang convert with a '68 200 6 cyl engine. It was originally a 3 speed manual but was converted to a C-4 by the previous owner - but still has the clutch pedal! The engine was rebuild about 3500-4000 miles ago and has hardened valves (can use unleaded gas) but I know nothing else about the rebuild. I would like to increase the performance of this engine but I have a limited budget. I'd like to replace the carb, intake if necessary, electronic ignition, and add exhaust headers. My question is what you all recommend for this mild rebuild. Do you recommend a single exhaust header or duals - I would like dual exhaust either way? Do you recommend the petronix system or duraspark? Do you recommend replacing the intake manifold - I understand these are crap? What 2 barrle carb do you recommend? I have little fabricating experience but do have a mechanic friend that will help in Jacksonville, AL. Thanks for all your advice and help.
Frank

 

[CobraSix]

Frank,

First off...let me welcome you to the sickness that is sixness.

Now...for information:

1) You're stuck with the intake unless you spend $800-1400 on either the Aussie or Argentinian head and intake manifolds. The US variant of the 200 head can with an integrated intake manifold (here-in affectionately call the LOG) that is the cause of all the lack of performance from the ford small 6. There are those of us who have upgraded with this and not one of us is complaining about it. The only other option is the Offenhauser (Offy) 3x1V set up.

http://www.kastang.net/oz250review.html
http://www.kastang.net/offenhauserreview.html
http://www.kastang.net/ozversusoffy.html

2) Exhaust is really up to you. If you want dual, go for it. The 6 will not overpower a single exhaust but will not suffer behind a properly sized dual set up. For a stock to mildly built up 6, 1 3/4"-2" diameter exhausts for duals are fine. I have 2" on mine. I would definitely look at FSPP (www.fordsixparts.com) for headers. They are top notch. They have single and dual out options.

3) Pertronix versus DS2. The eternal debate. Really, the performance of the two is comparable so it is really up to you which you want. Here is my comparison of the two (I've run both). Personally I like DS2 a little better, not because of performance, but because if it breaks, I can go to Autozone or the like and get replacement parts for it.

http://www.kastang.net/pertvds2.html

I recommend browsing member's websites for ideas and information.

Slade

 

[bamastang]

Slade,
Thanks for the info. I think I'll get the header from FSPP and I have a local muffler shop that will custom make the rest of the exhaust system. What do you recommend for mufflers? Are flowmasters as good as they say? Now the big question - what do I do about the carb? I would like to go to a 2 barrel and I've seen some adapters out there. What do you recommend using the original 'log'? Do any of these work? and if they do, are they any good?
Frank

 

[CobraSix]

Most people either use the adaptor from Clifford (www.cliffordperformance.com) or stovebolt. There are others who can chime in on which is best. Stovebolt requires modification to the throttle set up like adding cable IIRC. Most people do like the 2V carb on the log. Direct mounting is the best option but requires more work.

Look here for ideas on log head build ups: http://www.geocities.com/mustang_man_1966/index.html

Mufflers are really dependent on you as well. Do you loud or quiet with the throaty sound? I have flowmaster 50 series (the quieter ones). I like them at idle and WOT, but otherwise are a little loud for my taste. I'll probably leave them there until they need to be replaced and then go with stock turbo mufflers for a quieter sound.

Slade

 

[63 4spd]

Slade,

I was looking through your site (it's great by the way) and was wondering about the difference in gas mileage of the offy vs. the Oz.

I'm looking to put a 200 in my Falcon and was planning on going with an Oz head (or maybe Argie)...but was wondering what the damage would be to the mileage.

It'll ba a daily so MPG = good

 

[CobraSix]

My mileage went from 27-28MPG with the stock 1V carb with T5 tranny to about 23-24MPG on the highway. But, that's mostly because I have much more fun with my 4V carb. I run the car hard and fast now because it's so much fun. If I milk it and drive it like when it had the 1V carb, I can get 25-26MPG on the highway at 75MPH.

Slade