1964 Thunderbird build

[crashchoate]

I'm not sure what the best thing you can do for throttle response is but I would think that going EFI would make the biggest improvement. I'm going with a Edelbrock Performer Intake and a Comp Cams Thumpr cam. Hydraulic Flat Tappet, Adv. Duration 278/296, Lift .515/.501. REDBIRD just did the EFI conversion I believe. I'm going to go ahead and do that as well. I was going to wait and do the air ride first but it doesn't make much sense to do that before the EFi. Ive been wanting the efi for so long. I hate the Edelbrock carb I have.

[64ZCODE]

Yes, EFI would be cool but a little expensive and involved for me for now. I think Redbird spent $1400 on his setup and it was a lot of work. But don't get me wrong, I agree EFI is the way to go.

Hmm - what about the headers? I would think that would add 15-20hp.

[RedBird64]

As soon as I get my car back on the road I'll check the RPM's with the EFI screen but at 60 I seem to remember it doing roughly 2200.
Top-oiler FE's like ours can be built to reliably turn 6000~6500. Not sure the COM would take much of that though!

Scott

[crashchoate]

I need to get a tach then. I’m afraid to turn my motor that much.

[sseebart]

Hmm - what about the headers? I would think that would add 15-20hp.

Unless something drastic has changed, only one supplier makes headers to fit our cars, and they're not shy when it comes to pricing. I think the last person who posted about them paid somewhere in the $600-$700 ranges--so not a lot of power for the money.

~Steve

[64ZCODE]

Thanks Steve. A while back I saw a forum post about Sanderson headers and they are right up in the price range:

https://www.sandersonheaders.com/header ... underbird/

As you say, not much bang for the buck. Is it the case that the engine would need to come out to install headers?

Doug

[64ZCODE]

Also, on the subject of intake and exhaust manifold upgrades, I came across this reference:

The Great FE Intake Comparo is the perfect title for Jay Brown’s exhaustingly detailed evaluation of Ford FE engine intake and exhaust manifolds. Once you read it, the “Comparo” is clearly as “great” as the title implies. Few first-time authors ever approach the level of detail Brown provides in his refreshingly thorough, no stone left unturned evaluation of FE V8 induction systems. The cover states that it is the most comprehensive work ever produced comparing intake and exhaust manifold performance.  Brown delivers dyno data and detailed analysis for over 150 intake manifold and street engine combinations ranging from 350 to 675 horsepower. This book easily serves as the ultimate bible for Ford FE owners seeking the optimum set up for their own street engine projects.  It covers all 352, 360, 390, 406, 427 and 428 FE engines.
Brown’s training as a degreed engineer is quickly evident in his methodical and detailed approach to engine testing and evaluation.  He begins by describing his personal interest and motivation for FE engines and then moves on to a thorough and technically correct explanation of engine dyno testing procedures and what they can and can’t tell you. The dyno mules supporting this work include a 375 HP Thunderbird 428, a 410 HP 428 Cobra Jet, a 425 HP 428 Cobra jet, a 500 HP 390 stroker, a 575 HP 427 side oiler and a 650 HP 427 stroker.  Evaluations are provided for single and multiple carb setups and every intake is described in full detail with original specs and installation notes. Each entry covers disassembly and assembly, gasket notes, port matching procedures, testing notes and detailed photos from every angle. Cylinder head flow data is also provided so readers can judge the effectiveness of different combinations.

[RedBird64]

A lot of things make no or a tiny difference by them selves but help the overall package.

My experience:
Performaer intake manifold - no noticeable difference.
Cam - hard to tell. Rebuilt entire engine and lowered compression so results were hard to pin down.
Heads & roller rockers - a nice little boost.
Carb - nada, nothin.
Capacitive discharge ignition system (MSD) - also a small but noticeable change.
EFI -

Scott

[sseebart]

As you say, not much bang for the buck. Is it the case that the engine would need to come out to install headers?

Doug

I haven't done it, but somewhere back in the archives you'll find posts from those who have. I believe it can be done with the engine still in the car (rusty, snapped-off bolts notwithstanding), but in many cases the motor mounts had to be shimmed to provide clearance.

~Steve

[crashchoate]

Made a little progress today.

Got the new radiator in. Cam and alternator should be here tomorrow.

[stubbie]

Have a look at older model BMW, Audi and I think VW for a Hella vacuum pump. Similar to the one from MPB.

[64ZCODE]

Hey guys, here's a post I ran across on a Galaxie forum site, about a hydroboost setup a guy put on his Galaxie:

https://galaxieforum.boardhost.com/view ... hp?id=1423

"My set up consists of a mid 90s Chevy S10 hydroboost, 67 corvette master cylinder and home made lines using ends and lines from aeroquip. The power steering pump is a stock unit. I have T-bird front discs that I have had on the car for a couple of years and MarkVII rear discs that were installed as part of this project."

Doug

[crashchoate]

Here are a couple of pics of me trying to clean the engine bay up some.

[crashchoate]

Well I finally ordered some parts and I guess it’s time to get back on this project.

Got the engine bay cleaned up some.

[sseebart]

The engine bay looks sharp. I've got my motor out and am planning to clean up the bay later this summer. What did you do the prep the surface? Also, where did you source the paint?

~Steve