Newbie needs some help

[Anonymous]

I'm starting a new project and I've already jumped before doing my homework. So I'm hoping I can find some help here.

I'm getting the parts together to build a Model T "style" boattail Speedster. I have had several Ford's with 300's and have always liked them, so when I started looking for a drive train for the Speedster I really wanted to go Ford (Duh). Anyways, I found a 170, 3-speed stick, and 8" rearend from a '63 Fairlane online for a $100. I didn't realize it had an intergal intake until I had already commited to the purchase.

So, now I need some help making the little six a little more peppy. I want to stay on a low budget for now, so the aluminum head is off the list for now unless someone has a used on for sale. Other than that what suggestions do you have? I kind of like the triple ace offy intake that Clifford has. Any opinions on that option? Cam choice, head work, other intake options, ignition, etc.?

This will be a super light car so any performance mods should go a long way. It will also be driven often so it will need to be relatively reliable.

Thank-you, all input will be greatly appreciated!!

Marty

 

[Anonymous]

Here's a thought for you:
By the time you buy the Offy intake, all 3 carbs, the filter housings, and the linkage set-up from Clifford, then get the head worked over to flow properly, you could probably buy the AL head and a decent 2 or 4 barrel carb for close to the same money, and have a lot better performance.
If the AL head had been available when I had my engine built, that is how I would have gone. Probably going to buy one anyway, as it is definitely starting to pan out as the single best HP improvement you can make on one of these engines.
If you can find a complete Offy set-up used you might save enough to make it worth while, but then again, do you really know what condition it will be in?

Now, if it were me, I would go AL head, a decent cam, and freshen it up a bit. Don't go overboard on the 170, as it is not the best block to have. It is only 4-main bearing, so if you're going to build a screamer, find a 200 or 250 somewhere and build that, as they are 7 main bearing, and virtually indestructible.
The 250 gives more inches, but is a unique design without as many parts available. The 200 is externally the same size as the 170 you have, and LOTS of high-perf parts available. Use the 170 for now, get it on the road, and if you need more power, build a hot 200 short block later, and swap the AL head onto it and put it in the car in a weekend.

As far as the 3-speed, if it's a 3.03 it will take some power, but if it's the little 2.77, you will probably scatter it as soon as you build a serious engine and/or develop any kind of real traction. Don't bother with the Dagenheim 4-speeds that came behind some of these sixes. They are expensive, hard to find parts for, and as weak as the 2.77 or worse.
Look for an SROD or "top-loader imposter" 4-speed w/ overdrive. A 79-80 Mustang or Fairmoint with a 6 would be a good donor car for the tranny.

Only in a $100 for the drive train? The 8" rear end is worth that if it's in decent shape, concentrate on the tranny, and making the engine breathe (head, carb, exhaust and cam), and a good electronic ignition.

Just my 2-c worth.

Mike.

 

[fmartin_gila]

You may also find, if it is light enough, that you don't need all that much more and you could leave it closer to stock to maintain economical running.
Fred

 

[Anonymous]

Put a 200 head on your 170? There are a couple on eBay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Mus ... 0153670915

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-Mus ... 0142332718

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys. I plan on at least a mild rebuild just because I can't keep my hands off of anything. Like I said I expect the car to be super light, and being an open cockpit car with no windshield to speak of, anything above 50mph should "feel" like it's flying.

Mike, you're probably right about the cost out so I will reconsider the AL head.

Thanks

 

[69Falcon]

If you're going to machine the head, prep it for a direct mount 2 barrel carb, and use a progressive carb. (e.g. one that works like half of a 4 barrel.) If budget is a concern, than I think that would end up being less expensive than the Offy setup.

 

[in2hotrods]

1) Duraspark II conversion...most bang for the buck!
2) 2 Barrel carb
3) Header/Exhaust...makes #2 really come alive!


Good luck, sounds like a fun project!

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Marty:

And welcome to The Forum!!! This the place.

First off, what is the casting code on the block of the 170 you have? What about a casting code for the head? With these we can tell you what will go with what you have. There were subtle, but significant changes over the years to these engines. Once we have the code info, we can tell you what goes with what you've got, advantages and disadvantages of each, and possible upgrades.

Secondly, do you have a theme or look you're going after with this speedster? It sounds like a great project.

I kinda envisioned it with an old style six into one, old style speedway side pipe exhaust out the side and 3 Holley glass bowled one barrels, sitting on the log- All in black. Some flat black and some gloss black. Can you picture it?

Is this being done from a kit?

Enjoy!!!

Adios, David

 

[Anonymous]

David,

I'll be picking the parts up this Friday, so I don't have any casting # info yet. All I know is that the engine, tranny and 8" came out of a '63 Fairlane and all are supposedly in good working condition.

As far as the rest of the project goes here's the scoop: A friend of my brother's had a '19 T frame he wanted to part with, I bought it because I can't say no to cool stuff (just ask my wife). But what does a hot rodder, soup up a scooter kind of guy do with a 1919 Model T frame? I found some cool looking Speedsters online and went from there. I found 2 bodies online, 1 fiberglass, 1 steel. I was going to buy the steel one, but since I work at a custom rod and fab shop (we just finished filming this seasons Chop, Cut & Rebuild), I figured I'll try doing a one off on my own. Plans are a 6 into 1 full length, exposed exhaust (track T style). I'd really like to do a multi-carb set-up (I really like the glass bowl idea). It'll be a 2 seater, steel over wood body with a track T style nose. Hairpin radius' in front and buggy sprung 8" in back.

Get this: My boss wants to try a suicide shifted 3 speed! That would be different.

Other than that, the project is open for suggestions. As with all my projects, I would like to stay looooow budget, but before it's done I'll have 10x more in it than it'll ever be worth.


I really like the mult-carb plan. What can anyone tell me about the offy triple ace set-up? How is the aluminum head set-up as far as intake? Anyone tried a custom fabed intake? Results?

Thanks,
Marty

 

[Anonymous]

Here's a '29 boattail. This is very close to what I want to do. Notice the dual carbs.


http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z7504/Ford_Model A Speedway Racer/default.aspx