Not sure if I ever posted before, but evidently I had an account under my old email. I just retired (mechanical engineer) and have more time to devote to cars now. I have a stock 1963 Ford 260 that was rebuilt and balanced at a reputable shop in Seattle for the previous owner (RIP). Only has a few thousand miles on it. It runs beautifully, very smooth. I would like a little more power (torque) and economy. I am sticking with carburetion. I have a reproduction of the Cobra 260 aluminum intake manifold and 289 size Motorcraft (Autolite) 4 barrel that I intend to use (annular discharge venturis). The intake was known to be restrictive back in the day due to small passages, but that will be perfect for my use. Maximum fuel economy requires higher temperature thermostats - I am waiting on RoberShaw to make a 180 and a 195. Extra power is usually available by blocking the exhaust crossover in the intake. I live in south Florida so winter operation is not a big concern. I am hoping that the hotter thermostat and aluminum intake manifold will provide enough heat for proper fuel vaporization in the intake manifold, while still allowing a cooler intake for extra power. I am also going to run a Carb Cheater, as much for instrumentation, data gathering and tuning in addition to the ability to lean the mixture from the carb settings if I venture into higher altitudes. I also intend to convert the single 2” exhaust to a single 2-1/2” exhaust and recurve the distributor. Anybody else out there do anything along these lines?
Welcome to the HAMB from Illinois. Im not a Ford guy, but your Ford 260 sounds pretty typical, somewhat lacking torque and disappointing fuel economy. You may get more responses if you post your proposed modifications, etc. over here: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forums/the-hokey-ass-message-board.5/
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