Pondering Performance Upgrades in a Stock 'Appearing' 200

[jamyers]

OK, so I've got this 200, and a board member has a bunch of parts for sale...got me thinking...

Limitations:
* I promised Dad that I'd keep it Stock, or at least looking Stock, so no header, alum head, or carb(s) that won't hide under the red aircleaner, and a nice quiet exhaust.
* 7.25 rear axle
* Budget = budget, what budget?

What I've got:
* '62 Ranchero that's not a daily driver, but needs to look, sound, and drive like one (in terms of driveability
* '68 200 with unknown mileage, good compression and oil pressure, but the valveguides leak and foul the plugs something awful.
* 3.03 manual tranny (column shift)
* 3.20 rear gears with 14" wheels and taller tires (iirc, equivalent to 3.00 gears and the original 13" wheels/tires)
* DS1 / HEI ignition
* H/W 5200 (weber 32/36) progressive 2-bbl that I'm not sure I want to go through the re-jetting process again with, but I kinda like the mileage potential.
* Later-model throttle cable/pedal assembly
* Larger-diameter, ported cast-iron exhaust manifold, 2" pipes and stock muffler
* Overall, it drives well around town, but could use more oomph and runs out of air/rpm/steam above 70 mph. Flat out on level ground it might get up to 80 or so.

Think of:
* leaving the pistons, rings, rods, crank alone (it's got good compression, it's the valveguides that leak like sieves...)
* a 274/274 - 112 Clay Smith cam w/ hydraulic lifters and stock rockers
* Porting as much as I can out of a flat-top log head
* Machining the log head for a direct-mount 2-bbl carb
* Valves - maybe larger, probably 3-angle w/ hardened seats and bronze guides - depends on money.
* Either rejetting my H/W 5200 or picking up and rebuilding an Autolite 2100 from ebay or somewhere cheap
* Going back to DS1 / MSD ignition (if/when I can snag a box off ebay for <$50)
* Picking up a take-off muffler from a late-model pickup / SUV - oughta flow way more than I need and still be quiet.

What do y'all think?

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy James:

Wow!!!! What a fun project. IIWIYS, I'd be inclined to leave the cam for when It's time to do the block. And then I'd stick to something more in the 260 - 264 duration range. In the short term, I'd be looking for a later model head to build. With the '68 engine with OEM head and gasket you're looking at about 8.8:1 CR. You'll want more. As long as you have to modify, I'd suggest finding a later head to build. You'll gain larger intake valves, hardened valve seats to begin with in the later head. I'd do the intake mod so you could use either a H/W or a small 2100. Adapt a stock air cleaner to fit either way. Milling to gain CR and torque, increasing flow and combustion efficiency, and increasing CFM is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, while you're claiming to have a stock '62 Falcon. How much fun is that? Super stealth.

When you do the block, the Hipo cam will bleed off some cylinder pressure. That's when planning for the extra CR will really help out.

Your combo of engine, gearing in a light weight '62 should be smiles of fun. Enjoy!!!

Adios, David

 

[jamyers]

Thanks, David! Since another board member was in line for the cam before me and bought it, that solves that part of my immediate-future... :mrgreen:

I'm thinking you're right in focusing on getting a newer, better head (and non-leaking valves) on there, and leaving the cam until the compression or oil pressure weaken.

Any other comments out there, especially regarding pros/cons of HW 5200 vs Autolite 2100?

 

[67chrrybucket]

Im no expert but IMO the 2100 is as close to fuel injection that you can get for that era and it would be easier to tune and rebuild I have had a few 2100"s and they run so much better than holleys, just watch what venturi you get dont want to over carb :mrgreen: