And consider that the cfm on the Rochester is 280 and your stock carb may have been 185 cfm. But if your head is a 1970 it has a larger log than what was on the 1966 200 1240cc vs 1100cc. Changes like this will probably require tuning skills but old cars require that usually. Any corrections on this from anyone are appreciated.
All Small Six My 200 l6 engine is a hodgepodge...can this affect performance?
- Thread starter My66Mustang
- Start date
This relates to all small sixes
My66Mustang
Active member
So it's definitely incompatible, and sounds like it's on its last leg. Very valuable information thank you. The shaft does move freely back and forth without any hesitation, no wobbling, no noises, seems like it "works" but only in its moving parts. *adds distributor to parts list*
"If the bushing is disintegrating you have a big problem."
........w-what would be that big problem?
My66Mustang
Active member
Ok I'll send him a message!I like the screw in type better than the ones with rubber tips, less room for error. I’m surprised nobody mentioned the ground wire,, it’s toast!
Get with Bill at Ambler Race- in the vendor section. He can get you set up with a quality distributor curved properly for your car. I think he’s got $50 off right now
My66Mustang
Active member
My66Mustang
Active member
Ok, currently doing more research on this, because this just opened up a rabbit hole that I need to go down.
So since the intake is larger, is it possible that the stock carb isn't powerful enough to pull enough air and fuel into it? I might have to upgrade to a better carb too.
The Rochester is a carb, a 2 barrel, not like your stock 1 barrel, and it flows more cfm which can increase performance when setup and tuned properly. This pdf is for fitting a 2 barrel Carter BBD to head like yours but the process for mounting will be similar for a small base Rochester 2 barrel. It is a rabbit hole haha.
My66Mustang
Active member
The same one!! That's so cool. I'm trying to find more info on the head, looks like the codes say it came out of a falcon or a maverick if my research is right. Yours has a dash in between the 0 and the A, mine doesn't. InterestingThat the same head I have. I have been told it’s a good head for the 200’s. Mine has been modified for a 2 barrel. Allegedly it is a little bit of a rare head
My66Mustang
Active member
Ok I'll read into this!
Read into it, but don't do carburetor/intake modifications at this time: The Carter carb on the engine is good, plenty good, bigger than the original carb already. Get the distributor, get what you have tuned up. It's going to run strong, assuming good internal condition. . . It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the conversation and bite off more than is practical up front.
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My66Mustang
Active member
Good deal I was thinking that I possibly needed to invest in a different carb. I will get that distributor and go from there!
Ok, good work! Now that we know for sure that you need the distributor, it’s smooth sailing. I’d do the compression test to make sure your rings and valves are sealing correctly but putting together a well running 200 is a cakewalk now.
There are so many recipes to make these engines perform better and have fun but to promote the smoothest direction to the finish line, I’m going to also recommend that you call Bill about one of his custom curved Duraspark II distributors and he will probably also be able to discuss the best carburetor and initial timing etc. for your engine. Once you’ve got the engine working for the best of its abilities, there’s always room for headers and camshafts and other things to make it an awesome cruising vessel.
By the way, it’s also worthwhile pulling the damper off and the timing cover to see what shape the timing gears and chain are. They’re steel gears so it’s not likely that they’ll jump a tooth but if there is too much slack, you might as well get a new chain and gears for a smoother running and quieter engine.
There are so many recipes to make these engines perform better and have fun but to promote the smoothest direction to the finish line, I’m going to also recommend that you call Bill about one of his custom curved Duraspark II distributors and he will probably also be able to discuss the best carburetor and initial timing etc. for your engine. Once you’ve got the engine working for the best of its abilities, there’s always room for headers and camshafts and other things to make it an awesome cruising vessel.
By the way, it’s also worthwhile pulling the damper off and the timing cover to see what shape the timing gears and chain are. They’re steel gears so it’s not likely that they’ll jump a tooth but if there is too much slack, you might as well get a new chain and gears for a smoother running and quieter engine.
My66Mustang
Active member
That all sounds good, I could check out the timing chain for sure. I did look at Bill's distributors and I was looking at the wiring but I got worried because it didn't look compatible with the coil I have. Guys on here suggested I can rewire it to make it work with my coil, but rewiring stuff is way too intimidating for me right now. I was looking around online and eventually found what I'm looking for, I'm going to pull the trigger on it tomorrow.
It is compatible with my year engine, has good reviews and a very detailed description, and it has a wire for a tach which is something I would really like to have. Made in America too! This will be fun.
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Post a link to the site selling the product please. It will still require one rewire, it's not difficult, we'll help.
