All Small Six Performance 6 Build

This relates to all small sixes
So I have a 66 mustang with a 200 in it and I want to build another L6 to put in it. I have a budget of about $5-6K and I wanted to know what would be a good option for a performance build
 
What transmission do you have now? If you have a standard I would suggest a T5 swap to make the best use of a performance engine build.
Do you have a copy of the Falcon Performance Handbook?
A good build could be upgraded cam, DSII custom curved ignition, head/valve work, direct mount 2v carb and headers.
 
The performance potential of the small block six is determined by the cylinder head and its ability to flow air/fuel mixture.
Please read all the post in the "cylinder head" section of the technical section found in the "Classic Inlines" link below. Then ask plenty of questions.

Deciding on a cylinder head and actually getting one is the first step.
 
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I currently have the 3-speed manual so I will definitely look into a t5 and I just order the falcon performance handbook
What transmission do you have now? If you have a standard I would suggest a T5 swap to make the best use of a performance engine build.
Do you have a copy of the Falcon Performance Handbook?
A good build could be upgraded cam, DSII custom curved ignition, head/valve work, direct mount 2v carb and headers.
 
depends on how much machining you are willing to do, or how much is needed. boring/decking/shaving/honing are givens, assuming a stock block. The SB6 would also need to have the intake balanced, and it can really only be done while the head is off and valves removed, so it would need to be done at that point. putting larger valves in would also mean new seats; and if you wanted to do a 2V conversion, now would be the ideal time to open up the log to mount it.

once those expenses are decided and are out of the way, its a matter of parts you want to put in.

camshafts don't vary much in price, so putting in one with your wanted curve wouldn't be too hard. roller tipped rockers don't require extra machining and can be gotten (as of writing this) for about $700. 305 valve springs, larger valves/seats. if you want to keep regular unleaded, use dished pistons to keep the compression in the right range, and use H-Beam conrods to fix the weak wrist-pin issue stock SB6's have, the old Toyota 1JZ-GTE (not the more popular 2JZ-GTE) conrods will work, but the crank journals would need to be turned down for them to.

the rest of what you do would be quality of life/longevity modifications. oil-pump, timing chain, distributor, fuel pump, carb, all up to you.
 
This is link to a T5 for sale for 500 don't know details ratios etc:

Is your current 200 in good condition? If so you could start out with a larger carb, custom curved DSII ignition and a T5 while you find and build a new 200. The five speed trans is a performance modification. You might be find this level of increased performance and drivability is fine. Then work on some handling improvements, lots of gain here with some simple mods to enhance your daily driving experience.

You might find rebuild prices in your area and add cost of cam, head work etc.

Just something to consider.
 
Lot's of good info from smart people on t5 swap like this:

 
This member also has experience with t5:

 
Install the 5 speed.
Then (or maybe before) if you have a loadomatic distributor replace it with a newer electronic distributor that has mechanical and vacuum advance.
Connect the vacuum advance to manifold vacuum after plugging the original dist. advance vacuum line.
A cheap HEI distributor will work great compared to an LOM dist..
The HEI's with the black cap look better than the ones with a blue cap.
 
Just wondering how much should I be looking at to build a motor to make some power and put a t5 in my car
The log head six is not and never was a high performance engine.
It will though do what Ford designed it to do.
It's consistent reliable Ford designed performance has made many people happy.
 
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