200-250 Swap --- Electronics/Distributor

[Curseoftheblade]

Hey all,

I apologize if this is already up somewhere but i'm new to the forum and figured a new topic would be good for getting my feet wet. I have a 1966 Mustang that came with a 200 straight six. I have a 250 straight six laying around and am considering swapping it in. I've done research and have been able to solve most of my questions but one.

The 250 I6 has three wires coming from the electric pickup module (orange, purple, and black). Will those wires tap in to the 66 Mustang's electronics without a hitch or do i need to remove it and go back to points? Any suggestions or advice on the subject is greatly appreciated.

A mildly built I6 will go in down the road. This setup is just for a couple years. I also still have the working 200 I6 if anyone wanted to suggestion a route using that engine instead. Ideally i'd like to use the 250 I6.

Thanks,
Connor

Side note: I've heard the whole "just swap to a V8" deal enough times. That's not what i'm going for here. Thank you for the suggestion but i'm sticking with a I6.

 

[tom_66]

Connor,

If the distributor on the 250 has 3 wires (orange, purple, black), that must be a DuraSpark II distributor. If that's the case, you will need an electronic ignition module (like a Duraspark II module or MSD 6A/6AL). The stock '66 mustang engine has a load-o-matic distributor, which works with points and condenser. Installing an electronic ignition module is not difficult. I replaced my stock distributor with a DSII and installed a Duraspart electronic ignition module. Great improvement. There are plenty wiring diagrams and how-to guides online for the conversion.



Tom

 

[Curseoftheblade]

Thank you for your input. I'll start doing some research on point distributor to DSII swaps.

 

[bmbm40]

250 is a great motor but almost two inches taller than your 200. I think someone on here has done that swap just don't know who. What transmission do you have? If you have a manual then you will have to change that also.

 

[powerband]

The Distributor and ignition probably will be the simplest part of a 200 to 250 swap in an early non-OEM 250 car.

I put a 250 in a '61, a '66 should be more straightforward, dealing with the extra height and length of the 250 is all parts integration. A big advantage of the 250 is that it is SBF V8 from the Flywheel back and the choice of transmissions and Clutch setups is same as SBF. The extra torque of the 250 makes older cars more capable of modern driving speeds and conditions - only if other drivability components are also upgraded , brakes, handling ...

The Electronic Distributor is just a sensor for the Electronic Module to trigger the Coil. Ford DSII distributor uses a Ford Module or any Solid State module. Ignition Modules like the more expensive MSD type aftermarket boxes or a simple $30 GM "HEI" can be used. Typical " ignition modules" simply have TWO connections and Ground to Distributor and ONE to the COIL. Importantly the FOURTH is full 12Volts without resistor wire from Ignition Switch.

Here's the straight info and wiring diagram just click on ignition:
http://www.gofastforless.com/

My favorite DSII module is the simple GM-HEI module shown here on 250's :


Mav'


'61 ( DS-I dist.)


test stand


have fun

 

[chad]

powerband -
&
Curseoftheblade
That final pic - of the industrial motor (D7xxx)… that wuz how I wuz gunna answer ur Q on "what to do w/my spare 200ci?"
/OR/
for a boat.
They use'em both places.
BUT
It makes a v e r y nice race motor & the guys here really know how to do it/that !

W E L C O M E !!! to the site & this forum, lotta great guys (don't C many woman) here with some internationally significant knowledge, skills & experience !

Finally,
"...an electronic ignition module (like a Duraspark II module…"
I'd 2nd that choice and add that the blue colored strain-relief (@ the wires) is the model to get!
High availability, hot spark, affordable and reliable!

 

[Curseoftheblade]

Thank you all very much!

 

[Curseoftheblade]

Just another quick question. Besides the GM HEI module (part number anyone?), what other modules are out there that will work? (IE stock ford modules?) Any part numbers or model years of cars that they were in would be great!

Thanks again

 

[chad]

Just another quick question. Besides the GM HEI module (part number anyone?), what other modules are out there that will work? (IE stock ford modules?) Any part numbers or model years of cars that they were in would be great!
Thanks again

sorry no prt # from me...

1) "...electronic ignition module (like a Duraspark II module…"
I'd 2nd that choice and add that the blue colored strain-relief (@ the wires)…"
(is it '73 through the early 80s?)

2) petronix

3) HEI - lotta info at go fast for less dot com EDIT- just saw 1 on the shop floor (sez: 990 8L14) is a GM one

4) rhomb (our member) uses the Chrysler "orange box"

5) the MSD company (6gal?)

Number one is #1 for a (personal) reason
8-0

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Conner:

And welcome to The Forum. I'm here to second the stock DS II module. IF you are able to access a complete system from your local recycle yard pick up the distributor, coil, spark plug wires, the module and the nifty wiring harness that connects it all together so neatly. IF you feel you need a hotter spark consider a Blaster coil from MSD. They are made to fit the factory connector. I'd recommend this set-up regardless of which engine you choose to go with.

Adios, David

 

[Curseoftheblade]

Thanks as always everyone. I may have some last couple questions within the coming week here. Still happy to get any more information on part numbers or model years for the Ford ignition modules.

 

[chad]

CARQUEST by BWD Ignition Control Module
Part No. CBE7P
1977 Ford Maverick 250/4.1
$34.99

stick w/ 'stock'.
again, ck for the blue strain relief (color on box where wires come out).
match up w/DSII dizzy which has been re-curved to ur cam/other specs & U will NOT b dissappointed today, tomorrow, or for yrs "down-the-rd".

 

[62Ranchero200]

@CurseOfTheBlade,

My '62 Ranchero was originally equipped with a 170, but that was swapped for a 200 by the time I purchased it. I swapped the 200 for a 250.

The 250 was offered as an option in the Mustang beginning in '69. I don't know enough about Mustangs to know if the motor mounts from a '69 Mustang would bolt into a '66.

To fit the 250 into my Ranchero, I had to do the following:

* Trim the core support and move the radiator forward (since the 250 is longer than the 200)
* Flip the steering centerlink to the bottom of the pitman arm and idler arm to clear the 250 oil pan
* Make custom motor mounts (since the 250 was never offered in the round body Ranchero)

None of this was all that difficult. It might not be necessary to do all of this to fit a 250 into a '66 Mustang.

I used an angle grinder with a metal cut-off wheel to trim the core support, then made extension brackets that bolted onto the side mounting brackets of the radiator. The radiator was bolted to the core support using the extension brackets.

With a seven degree reamer, I was able to ream the bottom of the holes in the pitman arm and idler arm, before flipping the steering centerlink over.

For the motor mounts, I first mocked them up in cardboard, getting the shape and location of the mounting bolt holes right. Then, I picked up some 1/4" weldable plate steel at Sears Hardware, and used the angle grinder with the metal cut-off when to cut out the three pieces that would form each motor mount. I don't weld, so I found a friend to weld the brackets together.

Of course, my 250 is extensively modified (think aluminum head) - the build threads are here in the forums. But the torque from the 250 makes driving the Ranchero a completely different experience.

Thanks
Bob

 

[Curseoftheblade]

Thank you all again for the advice. It has helped a lot! Does anyone know the difference in motor mount location for the 250 motor mounts compared to the 200 motor mounts? (i managed to get some 250 mounts from a maverick) Or will i just have to guess, check, etc?

Thanks as always

 

[BCOWANWHEELS]

I,am going to use the gm HEI style BILLET distributor. its all contained in the dist. 65K COIL ,1 wire hookup for ignition and tach. plus its 115.00 and lifetime guarantee. JMO

 

[Curseoftheblade]

Thank you sir. Still wondering if anyone knows the locations to drill for the 250 mounts in comparison to the stock 200 mount holes. Do i have to just guess and check?

Thanks

 

[chad]

Thank you sir. Still wondering if anyone knows the locations to drill for the 250 mounts in comparison to the stock 200 mount holes. Do i have to just guess and check?
Thanks

Worse case senerio: the demintional differences are listed on a chart. Obtain that and side pic of the two, view; then measure the bosses on ur motor to gage an accurate drill bit location.

No success here? label properly/start new thread~

 

[Curseoftheblade]

Another question has come up as i work forward. Can i use an old coil with the screw-in terminals with the DSII ingition and ford controler or do i need to get a newer coil with newer terminals? Part numbers would be amazing as well! Thanks a ton as always.

 

[Curseoftheblade]

Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

[chad]

Lookin Good!

How's the hood clearence? Good?
Whaja hafta do? nothing?
Sometimes there's no issues but that's rare…

Now - hop up that 200 for HP/RPMs
keep the 250 for Tq.
8)