Inliners International Forums General Discussion Hi Performance cam, intake,and headers for a 216

anyone know of any of these? I want to keep the stock engine in the car for a long as possible. Just looking for some more hp. Would you recommend converting to a 2bbl carb and if so which one?

Jack;

The way I read your post, you don't want to remove the 216, but want more HP, and don't care if it doesn't look stock. Here's my $.02.

You really can't do a lot with the 216; the dipper oil system and cast iron pistons really limit the RPM's and compression, the two easiest ways to raise HP. In my opinion, the 216 is a severly limited engine.

So why did I put an 'ISKY' 3/4 grind cam, Fentons and 3X1 manifold on my '49???? The answer is "because I wanted to" . I didn't run any before and after comparisons, but it sure felt stronger and sounds a lot faster!! Also, everything I did on the 216 will be a 'bolt-up' to the full pressure 235 with pop-up aluminum pistons that is in the process of replacing the 216. When the 235 is in and running I will then be facing a weak transmission and rear axles - I used to break them with the stock engine.

If you're looking to have fun, put a mild cam, 2X1 intake (or Tom Langdon's 2X2) and a set of duals on it, but don't challenge anything stronger than a stock flathead Ford!

jack, delta cam will grind you a cam on your cam stock for 49.00, or they have cam cores for 20.00 more, real good guys to deal with, phone 1800 562 5500, shave the head a little will boost the compression, I was reading one of my old hot rod manuals and there was a guy that made his own intake with 2-1, I thought it was cool, hope this helps, cyclone

Thanks to "Langdons Stovebolt" I have acquired for under 100.00 a 2bbl rebuilt holley and the adapter plate! woo-hoo!!! I am working on the cam, thank you cyclone, and next is some exhaust w/ headers.

The next best item to address on your 50 is the low geared rear end. I used 3:55 gears from a 54 in my coupe, made a ton of differance with driveability. The other major problem with hopping up the 216 is low compression. I'd go with dual carbs, exhaust while you are searching for a '54 235/261 motor.