Where to go next?

[200ci66]

My mods should be seen in my signature. I've gotten my motor running very good, it's become a quick little beast off of stoplights, and it's given me VERY forgiving fuel economy. However, I want to know where I can go next.

I'm at the point that I'm wondering what else to do to my motor without having to actually dismantle it out of the engine bay. I've thought of doing a head swap, but budget definitely prevents me from jumping to an aluminum cylinder head. What else is there to do that I haven't yet touched, and what disadvantages am I still facing that I may not be aware of (yet)?

EDIT: Something else I'd like to add is that I'm still running the 2 dollar Autolite Spark Plugs from Autozone, because I figured if it works don't bother changing it in fear that I'll make something go wrong in the process. Since I have the Pertronix Ignitor running in the distributor is it worth it to jump to a more expensive plug?

 

[bmbm40]

Cam,T5 or direct mount the two barrel or all of this.
Do you have a copy of the Ford Falcon Performance manual? Highly recommended.

 

[200ci66]

Yes, I have a copy and I've given it a pretty decent read. It's interesting and helpful no doubt! I've also been reading tech articles and dyno tests on classic inlines, and this one has gotten my interest lately.

http://classicinlines.com/Dyno3A.asp

I'd like to either purchase one of these large log cylinder heads, or modify my own to fit the 2bbl. Is this a job that any typical machine shop should be able to handle for a reasonable price, or is there a place where I could buy one that is already modified (perhaps someone on here swapped to an aluminum cylinder head and is trying to sell theirs?) While I'm at this, I'll go ahead and switch rocker arms, and I'll call that the end to the madness this winter.

Would this be the right direction to go? Or would I be better off investing in a DUI Ignition system to replace my otherwise stock 68 distributor w/ pertronix?

 

[MPGmustang]

I say, keep the pertronix and your current distributor, for I think $100 FSD (falconSedanDelivery) can recurve your distributor to really help it out.

you can do a cam swap without taking the block out of the car, but you are taking it apart... IDTTWYW (I don't think that's what you want)

rockers are good, but the cam does worlds better and is little cheaper, just more time involved.

if you want the alum, save for it, don't waste $ on the log head for a direct mount... I put over $1100 in my cast iron log head and I could have had an OZ250 head or saved a little more for the alum.

if you want to clean up the ignition, go DSII, or if you want fuel injection down the road and want the timint to be controled, go DUI and talk to AFI for a TBI kit... in my sig I got a new thread started for my TBI install.

all large log heads are made as orderd, you can watch the "for sell" section to maybe find one.

 

[200ci66]

Good to know about re-curving the distributor. I take it that will be $100 very well spent?

Well, I don't have near the budget for an aluminum head, nor would I even like to spend $1100 on a different head. I've read in the Falcon Six handbook that simply going to a neighborhood junkyard and finding a head off of a '77 or later engine will be a performance improvement over the stock head. Granted, I'd still have to either modify the intake or use the carburetor adapter. Is this a good way to go on a small budget? Or am I better off focusing on the cam first? I'm at the point where I'm still looking for the best bang for the buck, not necessarily the best bang no matter the cost.

 

[Explorer]

If it's running that good, I'd drive it and save money for a full engine build.

 

[bmbm40]

There's always many different ways to go but the decision is sometimes at least for me based on what parts I can get at what price. If you come across a late model six and can get the head or the whole engine cheap you may want to get it. If you are ever going to direct mount the 2v use the late model head. A stock late model head will flow more than a modified early small log.

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy all:

My 2 cents is- For the next logical step in a "Biggest bang for THE LEAST Bucks" is a late model head upgrade. It will compliment what you've already done and be one step farther along when you get ready to build the block with cam upgrade. You can find a head already done or do your own. The more you do the less it will cost you. We've never paid more than $50.00 for a head, but that included the DS II as well. Most of our head were less, or free for the taking. Next you have to find a machine shop that will work with you. They will be doing a basic valve job that will include a three angle valve job and milling to true. The basic valve job on an inline six will vary from area to area. Here it runs approximately $200 - $250. Extras will include milling to CR, but you will need to mill at least .075", to compensate for the head gasket you will be using on assembly as well as to get back to a stock 9:1 CR. Also for back-cutting the intake valves. The basic will also include disassembly and cleaning (See note below)and reassembly. Those two extras shouldn't be more then $100. A valve job gasket kit runs about $60 and will include gaskets and new valve stem seals.

IF you're going to have the log modified for direct mounting a two barrel carb, that will be extra and negotiable to some extent. If your machinist get into the project you might be surprised how friendly it gets.

Note- once the head is disassembled and cleaned it's time for you to step up and do some extras yourself. Such as clean up casting flashing inside the intake log. Also do some mild porting like smoothing the transition from as cast to machined inside the valve throats. Also rounding and smoothing inside curves in the ports. Smoothing the chambers is also worth doing. These extras will take some time, be very dirty if you do it. It will be vary expensive if someone else does it. I did my first head with a Dremel and a variety of stones and cutters. Are these extras worth it? Probably not, until you step up to a cam and more carb. But, you'll know and it will feel good. Caution!!!! Do not get near the valve seats with the grinder.

Take your time. When the new head is ready, swap the old for the new. In the meantime keep driving and enjoying your car. IF you're ever going to go to a performance cam, I suggest that you save the $$$$ on the high lift rocker arms and get the extra lift from the new cam. If you're sure you will never go to a performance cam, the the high lift rockers are a good bolt on. About .030" more lift and adjustability to.

Glad to hear the Handbook is useful to you. I do go on. Keep us posted.

Adios, David

 

[200ci66]

Thanks everyone! Yeah, I'm going to keep driving it as is. I'm waiting until this winter to do anything.

So long story short - switch over to high lift rocker arms this winter, and keep an eye out for a late model head and have that worked on the side until eventually ready? (looking at spending about $400 at a machine shop to modify the head)

And yeah, the Handbook has a nice spot on my coffee table, and it's opened at least once every 2 or 3 days. Fantastic and complete!

 

[ludwig]

You know, while you are saving for some major metal add-ons, you might start with the little improvements in the Performance Handbook starting at free and working your way up. That is my favorite part of the book. It keeps your hands busy working on the car, doesn't cost you much money and you get something out of it. Plus you get to go to part shops and such to assemble those smaller bits until your ship comes in.

 

[200ci66]

^ I hear you, that part of the book is awesome. I wish I would have had that when I first got the car. The four part system is essentially how I modded my engine, even though I didn't get the book until I was halfway through phase 2. I guess I would be starting phase 3 right now.

 

[bubba22349]

If you have not installed a trans shift kit yet that would be good mod

 

[Luke76]

Not sure which "high lift rocker arms" you have in mind, but if you are thinking the new CI roller rockers I'd get my order placed now, and expect to wait. I haven't heard that any are in production aside from the two prototypes - not saying they aren't, just haven't heard of it.


Luke