1961 Comet w/1978 200 project help

[S2261]

I'm putting a 1978 200 in my 1961 Comet. I have run into a couple issues.
I am not ready to upgrade to a bigger carb or Duraspark distributor set up. I have 2 carbs available. A Holley 1908 and an Autolite 1100. I have 2 distributors available. One is the stock distributor. The other is from a 1965 Falcon. Neither of them have mechanical advance, so I'm assuming they are the loadmatic version.
Problem 1) The 1978 Intake log is the "big log" The carb bore and mounting flange is bigger than the carbs I have available. Does anyone know a work around or an adapter I can use?
Problem 2) If I can use the carbs I have, can the distributors I have work?
I wish I would have done a little more research on intake log sizes before I purchased this engine, but it's what I have to work with. I would like to stay as close to stock appearance for now. I have to work within a budget. I plan on going with a tri-carb offy over time. That is why I went with the newer engine. Any help is appreciated

 

[Asa]

i thought the '78s had the DSII already...

i haven't heard of any adapter to go from big to small for the carbs

 

[S2261]

You are right. I don't have any external parts, just the engine(Block,Head,Pan). I have a valve cover etc....

 

[Asa]

ahh, then nevermind
when you say stock distributor, is that the '61 model?
if so, i don't think it'll fit, during '64 they changed the diameter of the distributor hole

 

[mustang6]

I think I have something that might solve your problem. I still have a couple of old Autolite 1101s with the spark control valve. These are large-log sized 1100 carbs that would bolt directly onto the later model large log carb spacer plate, but have the SCV to work with the early load-o-matic distributors. I'm sure they would need a rebuild as they have been sitting in a box with other carbs for about 20 years, but it sounds like what you need if you are really using the old distributor. I always anticipated that these would only be useful to someone putting the later model head on an early block where they were stuck with the vacuum distributor, but I guess you are choosing to run that way.

 

[KustomSkylark]

I ran into the same probs as you. I put a 79 200 in my 63. stock disy wont work, you will need one from an early 200, the oil pump shaft is bigger on the 200. I searched all over for the kind of carb adapter you want and almost machined one up, but I decided to save money and just put a Holley 5200 on it. Also make sure your oil pan is the same as the old one.

 

[S2261]

stock disy wont work, you will need one from an early 200.

Which stock are you referring to? The 61 or 78? I don't have the Duraspark. I do have load o matic from a 1965 200.

I searched all over for the kind of carb adapter you want and almost machined one up, but I decided to save money and just put a Holley 5200 on it.

Ideally I put my stock 1100 and 1965 Dizzy in it. I'll just need an adapter made. If I go with a 5200 it means I'll have to jack around with linkage, distributor, Fuel lines, etc... I would like to keep this simple for now. Next year I can afford to jump to the next level.

Also make sure your oil pan is the same as the old one.

I have a couple Comet oil pans. Thanks for the advice

 

[Asa]

stock disy wont work, you will need one from an early 200.

Which stock are you referring to? The 61 or 78? I don't have the Duraspark. I do have load o matic from a 1965 200.

check my last post, i'd bet he's talking of the '61, the '65 should fit just fine

 

[S2261]

Hey mustang6, check your pm's. thanks

 

[KustomSkylark]

Yeah the 65 should be a-ok

 

[S2261]

I've had some time to check into a few things.
I have a distributor I can use. It is a load-a-matic.
I have an autolite 1100 I can use.
All I need is an adapater to fit the large log head and smaller throttle bore carb. My machine shop has said they could make one for me.
If anyone has an autolite 1101 with a dashpot they want to part with let me know. I will need the adapter plate also.
I stopped by the machine shop on Friday. The engine looks great. It cleaned up real nice and the guy is actually enjoying building it. They are intrigued by the tri-carb set up in my plans. I think they want to see it done as much as I do.

 

[hotrodbob]

The adapter to a smaller carb may be as easy as a trip to the wrecking yard. There is a plate under the carb that bolts to the head and it is smaller then the head/intake carb mount. The carb does not bolt to the intake directly. I had to get one to bolt the 5200 adapter to the intake on my 200 (still not on). I got mine off a fairmont 3.3 ltr (200) for $2 at pick a part. The later distributor was there and the box as well. Got it all for $20.

 

[S2261]

Thanks for the adapter info. The machine shop came up with a low tech solution for me. Use one of the existing holes in the intake and drill and tap one hole in the intake for the adapter. The smaller bore on the adapter is not going to be centered over the larger hole in the intake. This won't matter. The gasket will cover up the existing hole.
The engine looks fantastic. I dropped off the exhaust port divider and they will tack that in today. All I need to do is verify the oil pan will fit over the Comet crossmembers. I'm dropping off a Comet oil pan to compare, so they may just end up using it instead. I'm thinking I'll have it home by Friday.

 

[hotrodbob]

Good luck