Building a performance 200... where to start

sarnett346

Active member
Hello Everyone,
This spring I plan on pulling the engine out of my '63 Ranchero to upgrade the cam/valve train, balance the crank and perhaps upgrade the pistons.
The engine is a 1968 200, with a 1976 250 head, I'm not sure what machine work has already been done to accommodate that set up.
I'm going to run a Clay Smith H-274-8-B cam with 1.6 rockers, so a dual spring upgrade will be in order.
I have a few generic questions about the project:

What books should I be purchasing?

Are there aftermarket pistons I can use to increase compression ratio?

What work will the head need to maximise it's potential?

Thanks!
 

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Hi, looks like you have almost the same cam as I have, only difference is my cam is 110 lobe center and I'm using stock 1.5 rockers. I've been advised to keep dished pistons I already have, and just mill head to have compression over 9. Your head might have those 1.649" intake valves instead of 1.750", but you should check it before ordering. I haven't looked at valve springs yet, some beehive springs would be good way to reduce mass of valve train.

The Ford Falcon Six Cylinder Performance Handbook is the book I'll get for my build.

Porting the head might be good for performance, but big boys told me I should not do it myself and let specialist do it for me.

And don't forget good harmonic balancer when you are running over 5000 rpm.
 
You can use dished or flat top pistons, which ever you use plan to zero deck block to get the best performance. Then adjust the heads chamber volume to obtain the compression ratio you want. X2 for more info on best mods pick up the Falcon Performance hand book from V.I. Good luck on your build (y) :nod:
 
Howdy Sarnett:

Q- "What books should I be purchasing?"
A- As already suggested, the "Ford Falcon Six Cylinder Performance Handbook". Our host, Vintage Inline (VI), has them available. Another reference that I found extremely helpful is the Falcon Service Manual for your car. Chiltons is also helpful but less detailed.

Q- "Are there aftermarket pistons I can use to increase compression ratio?"
A- The stock 200 piston has a small dish with 6.5 cc volume. A flat-topped piston from the Tempo 4 cylinder engine has the same dimensions as the 200 pistons. The Silvolite part numbers is #1185. The piston will increase CR. However, I would suggest that you assess what you have, including critical dimensions before choosing pistons. There are several ways to increase CR in addition to piston type. As long as the engine is out and apart consider having the block decked as one step in attaining your goal CR. Milling the head also increases CR but it should be the last step in attaining your goal CR.

Q- "What work will the head need to maximise it's potential?"
A- A basic performance valve job plus a back cut on the intake valves of 30 degrees, above the 45 degree seat. Milling the head, as a last step, in attaining your compression goal. You might also want to consider going to larger exhaust valves of 1.5". Also available from VI.

I am guessing that you are planning on a complete engine overhaul as long as you have the engine out for the cam install. Is that correct? As you disassemble be sure to check the cam timing chain and gears, which you should seriously consider for upgrading to a more durable and exacting double roller timing chain/gear set. The stock damper needs a close look also.

What is the lift of the cam you's selected?

Lots to consider. Keep reading and keep the questions coming.

Adios, David
 
sarnett346":2c4vojkc said:
Hello Everyone,
This spring I plan on pulling the engine out of my '63 Ranchero to upgrade the cam/valve train, balance the crank and perhaps upgrade the pistons.
The engine is a 1968 200, with a 1976 250 head, I'm not sure what machine work has already been done to accommodate that set up.
I'm going to run a Clay Smith H-274-8-B cam with 1.6 rockers, so a dual spring upgrade will be in order.
I have a few generic questions about the project:

What books should I be purchasing?

Are there aftermarket pistons I can use to increase compression ratio?

What work will the head need to maximise it's potential?

Thanks!
If you want to go with Clay Smith, i would get the 264-274 112 L/C if a C-4 is in your ride. You will have no low end with the 274. What ever cam you choose get the most ratio rocker arms you can afford.
I would call Jerry at Schneider for a camshaft. Those cams have more lift than the Clay Smith.
You better degree in the camshaft you get. Advance it 4 degrees if you want more low end otherwise advance 2 degrees.
I don't know what distributor you have, but i offer DS11's & HEI's. Bill
 
sarnett346":2o42albe said:
...What books should I be purchasing?...
Not sure, mostly cuz I don't know how much U will do urself & how much is to be sent out, what ur level of knowledge is... This is an engine rebuild with modifications, yes?
as starters: Will U machine it or send out? so just assembly? Have you planned out a rebuild before?
Since it's a rebuild and of an 'unknown' I think taking some measurments to know 'where U stand' might help to know 'what U need to do to get where U wanna go'. Also an assessment of your needs (Application of Vehicle - end goal/final use) could form the target you're aiming for making it easier "to aim".
as 2nd level: will U install engine, maintain vehicle - both ur self?

Hope it's not too late @ 12 posts to say:

W E L C O M E !!!]

and stick around!
(y)
 
Let your wallet be your guide. Choose a machine shop that can not only bore a block, but plasma hone the bores using sealed power plasma rings for the best seal & oil control. Dished pistons for a 9.4 compression or HSC flat tops for 10.4 compression.
Balance all components.
Are you going to a late model 250 head with a direct mounted carb. Milled .070" to get head cc's close to 50 cc's
Or are you going to spend the money for the aluminum head from Vintage Inlines. That head will have to be milled to get your desired compression ratio.
All this has to be in line with your camshaft choice for intended vehicle usage??
 
Thanks for the replies.
Chad,
This will be my first performance engine build, so I'll have the professionals take care of the machining, but I plan on doing all the wrench turning and measuring.
I plan on sticking with the 1976 250 head that is currently installed.
It has a manual three speed of some sort. I plan on using 4.11 gears in an 8 inch rear end. Highway performance is not a concern for me, I don't drive them, so a 70 m.p.h. cruiser isn't what I want.
I'd like to be able to run a decent E.T. at the strip (decent being a relative term in relation to the engine in question) but still have the flexibility to drive a mountain road (at most 55 m.p.h.)
This leads me to my next question... how will compression affect the performance when driving a road with large elevation changes? A usual altitude change would be from 4980 ft. to 10,000 ft. in a cruise.
 
Where R U located?

"...Are there aftermarket pistons I can use to increase compression ratio?
What work will the head need to maximise it's potential?..."
as mentioned earlier some measuring could assist - What is the current: deck height and CCs of the head?

and some goal deffiniton - HP, tq, 80% of use at what RPM? what octane will B used?

Application sounds like drag/street? the 'alu' or 'oz 2v' heads sound ideal. One yr newer on head (lrg log came in '77, no?) might be third down (C "Tech Archive" above~)
ci/AlumOverview-2.html

we have a "Ford Six Racing" forum as well...
 
Firebolt":1ksba5rf said:
Hi, looks like you have almost the same cam as I have, only difference is my cam is 110 lobe center and I'm using stock 1.5 rockers. I've been advised to keep dished pistons I already have, and just mill head to have compression over 9. Your head might have those 1.649" intake valves instead of 1.750", but you should check it before ordering. I haven't looked at valve springs yet, some beehive springs would be good way to reduce mass of valve train.

The Ford Falcon Six Cylinder Performance Handbook is the book I'll get for my build.

Porting the head might be good for performance, but big boys told me I should not do it myself and let specialist do it for me.

And don't forget good harmonic balancer when you are running over 5000 rpm.

Hey just curious. What comp ratio are you running with that cam? Also how well does it idle and perform ? I was looking at that cam to swap in to my 200 as the Clifford 270 i have has too short a duration for my 9.5 to 1 compression (i have been having problems with it predetonating)
 
The Blue Box":12tuw8aq said:
Hey just curious. What comp ratio are you running with that cam? Also how well does it idle and perform ? I was looking at that cam to swap in to my 200 as the Clifford 270 i have has too short a duration for my 9.5 to 1 compression (i have been having problems with it predetonating)

I haven't run that cam yet, bought it at December.

But here is something from that exactly same cam: www.ponikorjaamo.com/ti80/gen2.htm
 
Chad,
I'm in northern Colorado, I plan to run 91 octane.

I'm not sure what to expect from this engine as far as performance goes, like drag strip times, so if anyone has some numbers... my expectations are low, I just think it'll be fun to build.
 
The Blue Box":1nbya9jx said:
Firebolt":1nbya9jx said:
Hi, looks like you have almost the same cam as I have, only difference is my cam is 110 lobe center and I'm using stock 1.5 rockers. I've been advised to keep dished pistons I already have, and just mill head to have compression over 9. Your head might have those 1.649" intake valves instead of 1.750", but you should check it before ordering. I haven't looked at valve springs yet, some beehive springs would be good way to reduce mass of valve train.

The Ford Falcon Six Cylinder Performance Handbook is the book I'll get for my build.

Porting the head might be good for performance, but big boys told me I should not do it myself and let specialist do it for me.

And don't forget good harmonic balancer when you are running over 5000 rpm.

Hey just curious. What comp ratio are you running with that cam? Also how well does it idle and perform ? I was looking at that cam to swap in to my 200 as the Clifford 270 i have has too short a duration for my 9.5 to 1 compression (i have been having problems with it predetonating)
Either your are too lean A/F ratio or your distributor is not calibrated correctly. When are you getting the ping, WOT or part throttle acceration??
 
wsa111":2kqpzm1v said:
The Blue Box":2kqpzm1v said:
Firebolt":2kqpzm1v said:
Hi, looks like you have almost the same cam as I have, only difference is my cam is 110 lobe center and I'm using stock 1.5 rockers. I've been advised to keep dished pistons I already have, and just mill head to have compression over 9. Your head might have those 1.649" intake valves instead of 1.750", but you should check it before ordering. I haven't looked at valve springs yet, some beehive springs would be good way to reduce mass of valve train.

The Ford Falcon Six Cylinder Performance Handbook is the book I'll get for my build.

Porting the head might be good for performance, but big boys told me I should not do it myself and let specialist do it for me.

And don't forget good harmonic balancer when you are running over 5000 rpm.

Hey just curious. What comp ratio are you running with that cam? Also how well does it idle and perform ? I was looking at that cam to swap in to my 200 as the Clifford 270 i have has too short a duration for my 9.5 to 1 compression (i have been having problems with it predetonating)
Either your are too lean A/F ratio or your distributor is not calibrated correctly. When are you getting the ping, WOT or part throttle acceration??
More at wot. Ive already stepped up 2 jet sizes though
 
What is your A/F ratio at WOT??
What are the specs on your distributor?? Initial advance & total advance & at what rpm??
 
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