OK, Now what?

mraley

mraley

Well-known member
First, Many thanks to Mike @ FSPP for the deal on the Pacemakers. He's the best!!! They looked great and my mechanic didn't gripe too much about installing them. My 200 Six sounds super!!! No one would know that it's a six under the hood. I've already fooled several guys at work. When they see it's a six banger they can't believe it!!! HA!!

In addition to installing the Pacemakers, I had a new carb by Pony Carbs and I have true dual from front to back, Petronix and a Flame Thrower Coil. My problem is the car still is SLOW.....It cruises at 70 to 75 OK, but if I hit 80 that's about it unless I'm going down hill. It seems that I have quite a bit of throttle but no more power than I had before. I've got a C-4 with 2.83 rear end. I've got the orginal breather on the car. It is possible it's not getting enough air? I'm not looking for a race car, but it would be nice to hit 100 every now and then.

Does anybody have any ideas?
 
You can only get so much out of it with only a one barrel. Direct fit a 2-barrel to the intake log and then take it for a spin.

Kirk ' 73 bronco
 
i can hit 100 with no headers and a stock holley 1bbl.

try advancing your timing some or adjusting your carb. doesnt seem right...maybe your vaccuum advance isbt working? did you check that?

maybe bigger gaps for your plugs,,,
 
I have not checked the timing yet, or the plugs. The carb seems fine. Runs smooth as silk. I'm afraid to monkey with it too much.
 
How would I check the vacuum advance? That makes sense...When I floor it when I'm doing about 70, I don't feel hardly any pick up...Seems strange........
 
A failed vacuum advance would limit top end power.

disconnect the vacuum line at the carb and apply vacuum while watching the breaker plate. You should be able suck on the line and hold a vacuum. If the plate does not move or will not hold, replace it and ensure the line has no leaks.
 
I'm taking it back to the shop Wednesday to check out the vacuum advance.

I haven't had the compression checked. What would be considered low compression?
 
68 with a 200, C4 and 2.83 rear, H/W and headers, Pertronix and Accel super coil. 85 is about tops on mine also. Sounds normal :wink:
 
Ronbo....glad to hear that. I don't really want to tear into it right now. If that is normal then I'll be all right for a while.
 
I'm with Addo on this one. If the motor was rebuilt by a novice a few years back, then chances are they removed the steel gasket and installed a composite one, which would lower the CR. They probably didn't know any better. :)

Check the vaccum advance as Jack suggested, and then mill the log and install a 2V carb. Your motor will love you for the extra breath at higher RPMs. While your at it, you can install a steel gasket at the same time.

Look at it this way, try running the hundred yard dash, while breathing thru a straw. :D
 
Shoot, does that steel gasket make that big a difference with the compression ratio? I didnt think it would change that much. I was never really too concerned with getting more top end, just getting to the top if you know what I mean. So when I finally get around to putting a newer head on and I have it milled I should get a pretty decent change in performance eh? 8)
 
I'm with Addo on this one. If the motor was rebuilt by a novice a few years back, then chances are they removed the steel gasket and installed a composite one, which would lower the CR. They probably didn't now any better. Smile
Click to expand...

Did we ever settle this on the OZ heads? I didn't have the edumacation :lol: I now do when my 81 engine was rebuilt, no decking no milling, nothing. I did change to the composite gasket and I know without cc'ing the head I won't know for sure. BUT, did they use the steel gasket in OZ?
 
My 66 Falcon cruises fine at 80. I drove from Oregon to Atlanta and went over 100 on some southern California freeways, at which point people were still passing me. I also have the 2.83 rear end with a I6 200.

How much difference do you think having a composite gasket vs. the metal gasket makes? When I first got the car some friends of mine helped me rebuild it but I didn't know what we were doing and now I am trying to go back and interpret the notes on the machinist's invoices. Would the gasket difference make a big difference?

-Dan in Atlanta
 
If the steel gasket was ever used here, it was very early on. Most came from the factory (including the 2Vs) with a thin composite gasket.
 
i know that i used to be able to get Susie up to 95.... (now ask me how i know that :oops: ), only thing i'd had done to it was a Petronix
 
My car was limited on top speed too. Ended up being that throttle linkage was misadjusted and the new carpet limited the travel of the gas pedal. The carb was only opening up about 3/4 way. Have a friend depress the gas pedal to the floor and see what position the throttle blade is . Make sure the car is off when you do this :wink:

Mugsy
 
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