64 170" carb/disp matching questions

[SnakePlissken69]

Hey all, need some expert help. I have a 1964 Ford Econoline falcon with a 170 co inline 6. It has the Holley 1940 carb. I just got it and the back story is it sat for 6 years and now I got it and want to make a surf van. After doing a bunch of electrical stuff to get it to crank, now no spark. Instead of fighting with that I thought this would be a great opportunity for an hei. From what I read this engine beggs for a bigger carb and better spark.

Ok so my problem is I don't know if this is load o matic or not, but I don't see the flower shaped screw in valve that I usually see on them. The vacuum to the dist comes off the top portion of the carb right now.

Additionally, it sounds like they made this engine with two different size distributor shafts, no idea how to check.
Photos included of my current carb and the distributor id like to put in, along with description. Hopefully it allows me to uplod all this!

-edit; can't get it to upload photos. Sorry

 

[chad]

sounds like ur on the right track: ID everything U can on a recent purchase of a 30 + yr ol rig (many owner swaps, unusual lookin prts not in use today) ie block, rear end, carb, ign & charging system, and so forth.
Use 'the Handbook' (obtained by some at vintage inlines dot com for abt $25?) and while waitin for delovery C above 'tech archive' (big blue box w/crossed screw driver/wrench) by scrollin over/dwn to "SCV/LOM".
The break on "hole at bottom of the dizzy" is the '64 yr so I think ur too small (or may B "right there') for the DSII dizzy. Hi machening costs (can B done urself but requires skill/tool) so "Petronix "may B it (electronic points). Just a shade tree so lets ck in w/the experts as they arrive~
W E L C O M E !!!
Enjoy yer stay !

 

[bmbm40]

Those Econoline vans are pretty awesome a long time favorite of mine. Definitely get a copy of the Falcon Performance Handbook, it is a guide really for step by step performance mods for mild to wild stages. And presented in a way to get you up to speed on the Ford six cylinder environment safely and comfortably. It also provides maintenance information and reference for decoding casting numbers etc. As a for instance you could have a block later than your 64 year van but you need to know how to read the block casting codes. All that and much more is in the Falcon Handbook. Keep us posted on your adventure.

 

[SnakePlissken69]

Great advice guys, I'm going to look for the book now

 

[chad]

..I'm going to 'look for' the book now

as U wait for snail mail delivery 'look up' the above tech archive...
Some good performance (pep/MPGs) mods, more ID info, tech info...

Do U have tools, experience, or interest in doin some wrenchin?
:
again, welcome~

 

[SnakePlissken69]

Tools, yes
Interest, yes
Experience, from 20 years ago.
I'm in engineering school which means I have great theoretical knowledge, not that it does me any good in practice.

But yeah I bought this van just for the fun of working on it

 

[chad]

"...bought this van just for the fun of working on it..."
G R E A T !!!
lotsa help here, some who were in the factory as these ol birds were made, some international experts, others who turbo their motors, historians (concourse detail to motors, and since you'll pick up 'the Handbook" @ VI take a look at what I our founder developed as seen on that site - the alu head...
I hada read the Handbook and tech archive just to know the right Qs to ask (away frm mechanics 1978 - 2012 cept 4 mantanin the work rig in my avatar).
'Ask & ye shall receive' - lotta good guys on here, we have a lill fun too.

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Snake:

And welcome to the FORUM. Yes, it is that good.

First advice was to ID everything. It is good to know what you are working with. Casting code for the head is on top of the intake log, behind the carb mount. For the block, look under the exhaust manifold. Someone already said that with a van this old it is very likely that parts have been mixed and changed.

For example, the Holley 1940 carb is a Service Replacement part that came available after 1970 when Autolite went out of production. The 1940 was a generic carb designed to adapt to every FoMoCo vehicle that used a six cylinder engine- 144,170, 200, 240,250 and early 300- from 1963 to 1970 when Carter YF carbs became the FoMoCo standard.

It is not unusual for builders to mismatch 1940 Holleys between SCV (1963 to 1968) and non-SCV carbs (1968 - 1970). The bad news is that a stock 1964 170 will have a LoM distributor, which will require a carb with a SCV to work as designed.

If you are going to enjoy this adventure I'd recommend that you buy a Service Manual for your vehicle. It will help you with the basics of How-to. Most of all take the time to enjoy your adventure. We are here to help. Again, Welcome.

Adios, David

 

[bubba22349]

Welcome to the Ford Six forums Snake, you have received lots of good info already as you start on your journey with the 64 Econoline. Below are a couple links that might also help you in IDing the parts you have. Good luck

Differance's in Small Six Blocks
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=80022

Adding a better Distribitor in the early small six blocks
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=79622