221 SBF heads

46yblock

46yblock

Senior Member
Does anyone know much about the heads on these small engines? Like chamber size and how many thousandths does it take to decrease chamber 1cc. The CR was advertised at 8.7 :1.
Since my '62 Merc is bone stock original I've decided to keep it that way. I'm planning the future engine rebuild. Picked up a set of .040 OS pistons, and in the process discovered they are the same used on the 170 I6.
 
not to many people working on the 221 260 engine.they could be bored much farther than the 289.i bored a 260 to 289 back in the fall of 72 and it lasted.im sure there was a bit of luck involved but it shows how much thicker they were.
 
What Sweatdreams says may be a good idea. The five bolt blocks are getting hard to find. A Cobra or Tiger restorer may think that block is worth a lot more than you.
 
No doubt the head question will have to be figured out on my own, as most of the small V-8s are gone and replaced with larger SBF. Unusual and exotic vehicles and engines always intrigue me, but cant afford the exotic. In the short time I've owned the Meteor it has been fun watching guys when they ask what engine it has. There often is a puzzled look and some mumbling :). Aided by the 3.50 rear end the squirrel cage moves along OK.

At the other end of the spectrum the MEL series has been an interest. I actually owned one housed in a '59 Lincoln, for one day (???). Long story.
 
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Mike, I would still suggest a 302 decked out in the 221 garb. Just tell them you don't have any idea why it runs so well. Maybe those old molybdeum pills your buddy bought from JC Whitney 50 years ago, you know, the ones you dropped into each cylinder to rebuild the worn components...?;)
 
:eek:I could probably use some moly pills now. Maybe if a few were swallowed they would repair some of my internals :) .
 
An old Ford Performance Book by Pat Ganahl lists the 221 head volume (cc) at 43.6-46.6 which is less than the 260 at 53.0-56.0, for what its worth.
 
MMB said:
An old Ford Performance Book by Pat Ganahl lists the 221 head volume (cc) at 43.6-46.6 which is less than the 260 at 53.0-56.0, for what its worth.
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That is worth a Thankyou. What is the name of the book? Edit: I just ordered Ford Performance by Pat Ganahl through Barnes and Noble. $7.63 shipped.
 
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Sent you a pm with additional info,if you are doing a valve job you can increase the 221's flow by using 260-289 valves.Now all you need is one of the old Edelbrock Streetmaster intakes and a 4100 and some HEDMAN 88400's with Cherry Bomb's for some real fun!
 
Two books are on order now due to the recommendations which are much appreciated.

The Meteor had a leaking right rear wheel seal. I was going to change the seals and redo the rear brakes but instead took the car to an 81 yo mechanic friend. He doesnt charge much, likes working on old cars, and is fast. 1 day and it has new rear brakes, two new seals, and front bearings completely cleaned and repacked. Drum turning, seals, new rear shoes, linings radiused to drums, repacking, total cost $172. Not too bad. The seals were the original Ford with leather, and drums had never been turned. Front brakes had been done not many miles ago. Next up is the front suspension/steering.
 
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