I6 Mods

[cjperry81]

I have 66 with a stock I6. I have done some research on some of the upgrades I can do to hop up my single barrel I6, Because im on a budget like most people i was hoping that some people could give me some tips on the mods i should do and what order I should do them in because im not sure I can afford to do it all at once. Any help would be appreciated.

CP

 

[2+2GT]

Do a dual header and dual exhaust with GT 2" system. It'll sound like a 289, and you'll get measurably better power and economy. Any other mods to the engine will be wasted if you leave the crappy OE exhaust manifold on it.

 

[Hack]

I did a Pertronix electronic ignition upgrade on my 6 cylinder (before the V8 swap). I noticed a significant improvement in power and fuel economy. Also, I ran the car that way for years and never had to touch the dizzy again.

I would highly recommend that change. It's inexpensive and easy to do yourself.

Headers are good for power but you may notice more heat from the engine compartment.

 

[rbohm]

there are a lot of good budget mods you can make to get more from your six. electronic ignition, header, electric fan, two barrel carb conversion, etc. check out these sites for a lot of good information;

Ford Six Performance Home/Index we have a good tech section, and a lot of guys in the forums that can be a little crazy, cause we are six cylinder fanatics, but we are more than willing to help you get more from your six.

Classic Inlines Performance Parts - Home this site owns fordsix.com, and sells performance part for the ford six, as well as modifying cylinder heads. mike does a great job researching new parts possibilities, in fact he is right now working on new full roller rocker arms for the small six that will cost far less than the current $500+ market price. budget headers that fit, budget cylinder head mods by people who know the ford six, new cam grinds from clay smith, a double roller timing chain set for the 200 at a reasonable price, among other things. definitely check them out.

 

[cjperry81]

radiator upgrade?

It has the stock radior in it currently, do you think that I should put a new one in at the same time to keep it cool with the upgrades that im making? If so what brand and type do you recommend? Ive had people to shy away from aluminum ones for some reason.

 

[tx65coupe]

My car used to be a 200. I thought about modifying it, but decided to do a V8 swap instead.

I agree with 2+2's exhaust suggestion. Rbohm has some good links. I also agree with Hack about the Pertronix upgrade.

I did see something really cool in Mustang Monthly several years back. They had a 65 or 66 that was a red fastback I believe that had tri power on it with 3 1v carbs. That was cool. For a while I wanted to do that to mine. I can't find a link to that article. Has anyone seen it?

 

[brianj5600]

Just make sure you don't start down the I6 modding road only to find out you really want a V8. It would save time and money to go V8 from the start if that is where you are going to end up anyway.

 

[rbohm]

It has the stock radior in it currently, do you think that I should put a new one in at the same time to keep it cool with the upgrades that im making? If so what brand and type do you recommend? Ive had people to shy away from aluminum ones for some reason.

as long as the stock radiator is working fine, dont mess with it. the upgrades, unless you decide to turbo the motor, wont stress the cooling system much at all. however if the system is marginal now, then upgrade to one of the many three core copper/brass or a good two core aluminum radiator with 1"-1.25" thick tubes. and dont forget the electric fan.

 

[Georgia Snake]

HiPo 6

Check out the pictures of my 65 in the Garages section, Georgia Snake 1 FAST 6. I did much more than you will probably want to. Here is a run down of my mods:
Offenhauser Intake Adapter - Tri Power
3 Autolite 1100 series Carbs (they now make it for Webbers)
Hooker header - Duel Exhaust
dampened valve springs
Solid Lifter Cam
1964 170 head (Falcon)
Mallory YC Duel Point Distrbutor
Edelbrock Valve Cover - Chromed and finned
13.75:1 Pistons
Aluminum Flywheel
11" Clutch
Scattershield
I wasnt building mine for a little extra power. I built mine for SCCA Solo 2 competition, so economy wasn't an objective. Some of what I listed is or may now be obsolete but I am sure not all of it is. Good Luck.