Performance upgrade help
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New User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Houston USA
Performance upgrade help
I've got a 63 f100 with a 292 in it and I'm wanting to rebuild the motor. I want to go old school with it so I've decided to go with a 3-2 setup. Here's the question, what other stuff could I do to this engine to get a little more performance out of it? I want to go with a nice lopey cam. My only concern is getting enough gas with the 3-2 setup. Any help is greatly appreciated. Also what's the max I can bore the block? Thanks in advance
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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It's JMO, but you'd be much better off going with a single 4bbl setup than the 3-2's.
3-2's look good sitting on an engine, but if it's performance you're after, the new Blue Thunder intake or even the stock cast iron '57 intake is a much better choice!!
The BEST 3-2 setup won't hold a candle to either of those 4bbl intakes!
Plus you'll spend alot less time tweaking on the 3-2's to keep 'em in sync!
John Mummert at ford-y-block.com has a great selection of performance cams & he's very knowledgeable to talk to, you might want to contact him!
I don't think I'd personally go more than .060 on the bore, but that's just me!
Good luck!
3-2's look good sitting on an engine, but if it's performance you're after, the new Blue Thunder intake or even the stock cast iron '57 intake is a much better choice!!
The BEST 3-2 setup won't hold a candle to either of those 4bbl intakes!
Plus you'll spend alot less time tweaking on the 3-2's to keep 'em in sync!
John Mummert at ford-y-block.com has a great selection of performance cams & he's very knowledgeable to talk to, you might want to contact him!
I don't think I'd personally go more than .060 on the bore, but that's just me!
Good luck!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
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You can go to 3.86" (312 + .060") bore and still use stock sized pistons. Anything larger than that and you will need custom pistons. To determine the maximum bore that your block can take you should have it sonic tested to see how thick the walls of the cylinders are.
I agree with My58Ford that the 3-2 is not the way to go for performance but they will give it an old school look. Visit John Mummerts site and give him a call. He will be able to help.
You can find a 312 crank and have the mains turned to fit the 292 block. Increase the compression by putting the pistons 0.000"-.010" in the hole (figure this based on the thickness of the head gasket). Cut about .020" off of the heads. Do some porting and polishing. Get some headers. Oh and the ECZ-G heads are the high compression '57 heads. There are some new aluminum heads in development but they are going to be around $3000.00 per set bare.
I agree with My58Ford that the 3-2 is not the way to go for performance but they will give it an old school look. Visit John Mummerts site and give him a call. He will be able to help.
You can find a 312 crank and have the mains turned to fit the 292 block. Increase the compression by putting the pistons 0.000"-.010" in the hole (figure this based on the thickness of the head gasket). Cut about .020" off of the heads. Do some porting and polishing. Get some headers. Oh and the ECZ-G heads are the high compression '57 heads. There are some new aluminum heads in development but they are going to be around $3000.00 per set bare.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
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your block should be c2ae and i wouldn,t go over 060 with this block.they were not as good as the old blocks.as you have been told be sure to sonic test if tou want to go bigger.you should have at least .125 of cylinder thickness left after boring.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,389
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The 6-2 is not meant for a slightly modified street engine. It is a high RPM, highly modified type of manifold. I still would only use the 4bbl manifold, however. If you intend to drive this on the street on a fairly regular basis, the 6-2 manifold will not be worth it. 3-2s can be hard enough to keep just right 6-2s can be a nightmare. Not to mention that you will probably have to fab up some linkage. 6-2s will look neat on a street vehicle but that is about it. I would go with the blue thunder 4bbl manifold or the stock ECZ-9425-B cast iron manifold, ported and polished, of course. You want to pick parts that work in the same RPM range. Don't get caught up in the bigger is better thinking.
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From: Houston USA
Anybody know where I could get a set of the 57 heads? I tried ebay but no luck. I know I'm hard headed but I gotta ask one more question about the 3-2 setup. Would they work with a moderate strret engine? It ain't gotta be the best but would it work or would it be too lean on gas? I want the truck to have a little show and a little go! Not a drag racer and not a show winner. just somethin I can cruise in on the weekends and hit the local car gatherings(not really shows just good ole boys showin off their work). Thanks for all the advice!!!!
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From: Southern Oregon
Performance upgrade
For my two bits a little "show and go" could be provided by a set of large valve heads, a cam, a pointless ignition, blue thunder intake with four barrel carb, and dual exhaust. Match that to a good trans and a 3.55 or so rear end, and cool out. If you want a bit more go wait for the aluminum heads.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Boise, Idaho
Hi, Chris.
I don't know how handy you are, but I think a 3 deuce setup can be made to work fine for the street.
Get a new distributor from the parts store, about $55. I'm going to convert my new distributor to DuraSpark.
Any of the late 50's heads are good; ECZ-C ECZ-G ECZ-B, 5750 and the 5752 heads. Don't use the stock heads.
Get a 312 cam and try to find the 1.54:1 rockers.
Have fun!
I don't know how handy you are, but I think a 3 deuce setup can be made to work fine for the street.
Get a new distributor from the parts store, about $55. I'm going to convert my new distributor to DuraSpark.
Any of the late 50's heads are good; ECZ-C ECZ-G ECZ-B, 5750 and the 5752 heads. Don't use the stock heads.
Get a 312 cam and try to find the 1.54:1 rockers.
Have fun!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,119
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From: Southern New Hampshire
The problem with most 3x2 complainers is they havent a clue how to set them up and tune. It is a bit more involved than tossing on any 3 flea market carbs and going for a ride.
The Edelbrock 573 is the best flowing intake and the 553 isnt too bad. The Offy is junk.
Nothing wrong with the Blue Thunder and a fancy new carb if you dont mind blowing $800. And it will still look like any other 4 bbl setup, such as on them Chebbys.
I had my 573 with three carefully rebuilt 94's on and tuned in an afternoon and it is noticably an improvement over the cast iron -B intake and a old rebuilt 475 cfm Autolite. Total cost ~ $250.
My cam is also a Mummert grind; Reds Headers carries Schneider or you can order direct.
The Edelbrock 573 is the best flowing intake and the 553 isnt too bad. The Offy is junk.
Nothing wrong with the Blue Thunder and a fancy new carb if you dont mind blowing $800. And it will still look like any other 4 bbl setup, such as on them Chebbys.
I had my 573 with three carefully rebuilt 94's on and tuned in an afternoon and it is noticably an improvement over the cast iron -B intake and a old rebuilt 475 cfm Autolite. Total cost ~ $250.
My cam is also a Mummert grind; Reds Headers carries Schneider or you can order direct.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Houston USA
The whole reason I wanted to go ol school with it is because of my dad. This is probably going to be the last car we do together, and I remember when I was little hearing stories of him and his 3-2's. I told him the idea and his eyes lit up! I'll probably go with the 573. Thanks for the info to everyone
