newbie with a BIG load of questions

[Anonymous]

Hey everyone, Im a newbie and I recently became intrested in fixing up a 79 fairmont futura that we have at home. I know its an inline six, but how can you tell what size it is (200, 250, etc...)(short block, long block?) I believe that it is a 200 but I am not sure. I would also like to know what is the most amount of streetable power you can make with it (if its a 200)using what mods? Thank you and all advice will be appreciated.

 

[Gene Fiore]

A couple of easy ways to tell if it's a 250 or not. Measure the distance from the bottom of the block, basically where the oil pan is attached, to the top of the block, basically where the head sits. If it's a 250 it should measure around 10 inches. Anything less would be a 200. Also the 250 has 4 bolts holding the water pump on, the 200 has 3 bolts. Another way is see if the starter is mounted even with the freeze plugs or down low by the oil pan line. The high mounted starter is most likely a 200...250's have a low mounted starter.

Hope this helps. As far as performance mods, you can search this site and find gobs of info on that.

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the suggestion. I will measure that ASAPP. As for the performance I probably have to know the engine size first.

 

[Alvor315]

For learning about upgrades you should check out this book. Wonderful investment.
http://falconperformance.sundog.net/

 

[JackFish]

It will be a 200, to my knowledge there never was a 250 in a Fairmont/Zephyr.

 

[Anonymous]

hey everyone, thanks for the responses, I just measured the block this weekend (I dont have access on weekdays) and it was less than 10 inches. Guess its a 200. Again thanks for your help.