New (to me) 200 needs to be rebuilt

[Anonymous]

Folks,
I am in the process of completely restoring a 65 mustang convertible. Or, restoring my bank account to college days.....

Anyways, I have a 200 that the previos owner removed the head from to get out of the car and I seem to have all of the assorted parts. I do NOT know the history of this engine. I would like to have the engine rebuilt to like new running condition, and wanted to know if people had advice on how to shop for a good shop (I am in bay area CA) and what specific service I should be asking for?

Any special crank/cam shaft work, valve work.... what should I ensure the machine shop is doing? What should I watch out for on this motor (I am new to these inline 6's)

i would like to keep engine as stock as possible, as I will be restoring the car as stock as possible.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

Chris

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Chris:

And welcome to the forum. There is a wealth of information on here so take your time ane read. Unfortunately for you there are very few purests here. Most are interested in getting a little extra performance from their sweet sixes.

It would be helpful to have a little more info on your '65- Head casting number? trans type? Factory origin?

It might also be useful for you to acquire a Shop Manual for your year.

When you say that you are interested in restoring the engine to "as stock as possible" do you mean inside and out, or do you mean stock appearing. You can have a stock appearing engine with internal modifications that will make a big difference in performance, economy, and durability.

Enjoy the journey.

Adios, David

 

[MercuryMarc]

Hi Chris-

I ended up rebuilding my engine myself (twice -it's a long embarassing story...) but I did ask the local speed shop (Gotelli's in South San Francisco) who they 'd recommend. They advised:

Bayshore Engine Rebuilders
301 Barneveld Ave
San Francisco, CA 94124-1319
Phone: (415) 647-9575

In the end I decided to do it myslef and learn (which I highly recommend) but if I could not get all parts back together I was going to take my engine to those guys.

Good Luck!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Guys,
I will take a look at the head and see if I can locate casting numbers on it.

The car has a 3 speed manual tranny BTW.

Thanks again. Also, anything that can be done to INCREASE reliability and driveability would be a plus, like I hate adjusting points.......


Chris

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Back Chris:

Three thoughts jumped to mind as I pondered your rebuild and your criteria.
1. Request that the machine shop deck the block to zero as they fit the new pistons. This will compensate for the thicker (.045" to .050" compressed thickness) modern composite head gasket you will likely have to use on reassembly. Typical deck height on a 65 200 is aproximately .25". A stock, OEM steel shim gasket is about .025" thick. Decking the block to zero, rather than milling the head, will help to restore quench and combustion efficiency.
Be sure to use hardened washers on the head bolts on reassembly.
2. Request a three angle performance valve job on the head, regardless of what casting you chose to use. Also ask for the intake valves to be back cut.
3. Consider a "stock" type cam from an aftermarket grinder. Even though the advertized duration is the same as a stock cam, they will have a fatter profile and more valve lift. They will have an excellent idle and improved overall driving characteristics. Clifford Performance and Comp Cams both list this type of cam.
4. You will have several choices as to distributor upgrades. Be sure to reread the two stickies at the top of this forum; Load-a-matic distributors, and Spark Control Valve function in an Autolite 1100 carb. Coordination of the two must be maintained in a "Stock" setting, for bets performance.

Keep us posted on your plans and your progress.

Adios, David