Ponyman,
Maybe.
Look at how you starter is located on you stock block as a reference before you go to look at the Fairmont. Notice how it is above the oilpan seam where the pan attaches to the block
You need to look at the starter location on the Fairmont. If it is below the seam where the oil pan bolts on, your C/4 won't bolt on It has a different, bigger, bellhousing flange on the block.
Ford made a running "empty parts bin" change - that is, when they finally ran out of the high mount starter block, they started using the low mount starter blocks. So it is impossible to say which block is in 79's and 80's without actually looking at the block.
If this enginge doesn't work out for you (big Bell) you might try to get the DSII distributor and ALL of it's wiring and Coil and brain box. The head and carb are save-able too. It is probably a Hex-shaped log head, but it would have bigger ports and valves, hardened seats, and a bigger carb.
So, if the car is going to the crusher, and you can get the parts CHEAPLY, grab them.
Hope it works for you
