I recently installed a small aftermarket tach in my mustang just to see what the motor was doing while going down the road and so on. What I discovered has me puzzled.

I have noticed that this little 6 acts like a diesel motor. It shifts out of first gear at WOT at 3500rpm, then shifts to 3rd at 3000.

So, my question is: what is the normal redline of a stock 200 I6??? I know its got a tiny little carb on it, and a tiny little cam, but I can't imagine this thing only being able to spin to 3500 before nosing over like it does.

Thanks!

 

Is your mechanical downshift linkage adjusted properly?

 

Is the tach set up for six cylinders?

Even if it is, I don't understand why you think this is out of line. These are great little engines, but they are built for low speed torque. You gain nothing by spinning them up tight except more rapid engine wear.

 

Check out this site: http://fordsix.com/

 

The linkage is adjusted properly and the tach is setup for 6 cyls.

The problem with this is while driving down the hwy, Im pulling 3000rpm at 65mph. Traffic around here averages around 70-75... I dont want to zing this thing down the road at redline while just going from point "A" to point "B".

 

I've gotten my 6 up to 5000 RPM. I usually shift mine around 3000 in every gear. With my old 3 speed I got it to around 4500 RPM in first which was pretty much redline.