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Flair Birds [1964-1966] You have a Fourth Generation Bird or just have some questions about them? Then this forum is for you, check it out. |
This is a discussion on camshaft to wake up an old girl within the Flair Birds [1964-1966] forums, part of the Thunderbird Model Years category; I would love to replace the stock cam/timing gear while I am there, I need to do the intake/valve cover ...
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camshaft to wake up an old girl
I would love to replace the stock cam/timing gear while I am there, I need to do the intake/valve cover gaskets on a 70K mile 65 390 bird Town Landau. I want something in the middle with better fuel economy and a little more rumble. I might just go fuel injection, but try to keep "Collector Status". Any thoughts?
Watermelon Jack |
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Just a couple of quick thoughts:
A mid-1960's 70k motor would generally be considered near the end of it's service life, especially after 50+ years. Back in the day, you'd be very lucky to get a motor all the way to 100k. Before doing anything too radical, check the compression all around and/or pull the heads to see how things look--if most of those miles were piled on in the 60's and 70's, there could be a ton of carbon build up in there. There are a bunch of reasonably priced EFI kits out there that can give a modest performance boost without a bunch of new parts. If the engine is sound, this may be the easiest way to get what you want. Added plus--easier starts and no chance for vapor lock. To my way of thinking, the only reason for a performance cam is to encourage better breathing. A cam can't do much, though, if it's inhibited by the stock manifolds and ignition system. Also, better breathing = hotter burn = hotter running motor. You may need extra cooling if you live in a warm climate. I don't show my car, but I'm aware that some car shows have a "modified" category. Based on my experience with the hobby, most t-bird enthusiasts wouldn't consider a car "collectible" with these kinds of additions. Good luck with the project, and let us know how it goes! ~Steve |
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Hello, I appreciate your opinion, I thought 70K was still a young girl, I have a 94 work truck with almost 300K still original! I hate the idea of open heart surgery in the car, but going down to the heads is pretty deep, tearing the motor out is so much more. She is such a beautiful car to drive and I hate to long term her especially with summer coming around the corner. We love to show her, and don't want to deviate from the original, but any slight modern HP gains would be nice without anyone knowing. Jack
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