Mixing 68 Block with 75 head

[blaze65]

The large hose is connected to the PCV valve. This is a picture from the other side. There is a temporary gas tank in place as the normal tank was rotted.

This does not show the Dist very well but I will take a picture with the cap off. The metal tube coming from the intake manifold can be seen coming over the valve cover and then down to the dist. I won't be able to post until next weekend as I won't get back to the car until then.

Regarding what to do with this engine I would be very happy keeping it. I like the idea of a straight six and I am not looking for a V8 option. I am hopeful that whoever built this engine knew what they were doing and milled the head.

I will get more info on the Dist and the freeze plugs.

Thanks again

 

[fordconvert]

Sweet gas tank! I used one from my boat in the front seat. No problem with fumes due to lack of floors (just like yours?).

 

[blaze65]

Thanks. The tank hold gas but not the carb.

Fordconvert, Can I ask you a question about converting to 5 lugs in this same forum or what forum would be better ? I intend to go to 5 lugs and am considering the CSRP granada conversion in the front and a 8 in rear in the back. Thoughts ?

Thanks

 

[fordconvert]

My car had 5 lug V8 drums and the 8" rear on it when I got it so I dont know the details. Check out the drivetrain section, the subject comes up fairly often. Search things like 8 inch 5 lug and granada.

 

[blaze65]

Thanks. I'll check it out.

 

[blaze65]

Hi again All, Been away from the car for a few weeks and just got back to it. Here is my latest info.

Car definitely has 5 freeze so it is a 200. I am attaching a picture of the Distributor and hope someone can point me in a direction. The carb is a 1100. So depending on what this Distributor is, what direction do I go in. Keep / rebuild this carb and keep this Dist, Get a new Dist, etc.etc

Look forward to your comments.

 

[wallaka]

That's a Load-O. Toss it and get a DuraSpark. Trust me, it will be one of the best mods you ever make. Even if your carb's SCV is working right.

 

[blaze65]

Thanks.

Where do I look for a Duraspark ? Ebay, etc. Is there a certain version/model that I do or do not want ?

Thanks again

 

[wallaka]

1974-end of life cycle for the 200. There are two caps, a small old style and a bigger, more modern cap that uses an adapter. It's choice, really. I am using the older cap because I just bought new plug wires, and the newer ones use different wires. There is supposedly more resistance to arcing, etc. with the new caps. Either way, they are both cheap. The distributor body is the same throughout the years.

There are good stickys at the top of the page about the swap and wiring. The distributors can be found on ebay or any parts store. Just ask for something from a '76 Maverick or Fairmont with a 3.3 or 4.1L engine. A reman should be anywhere from 25-50 bucks plus another 15 or so for the cap and rotor button. You'll also need a module, the GM one is recommended for ubiquity and ease of wiring.

 

[JackFish]

You can get reman parts from your local parts store, although depending on where you are they may have to order the stuff.

Ebay is OK, but you'll have to watch and wait for stuff as it comes up.
The prices are usually better, like blue grommet units for $10-$15.

Junkyard finds are great, but will have 30 years worth of wear, and will need cleaning and rebuilding. But it can be the only source of original wiring, and that can be worth trip.

These parts are available on 78-83 Fairmont, Zephyr, Mustang, Capri, Monarch, Granada.

 

[blaze65]

Many Thanks again. I will look around and if I can't find one I will just go new from a parts store. Two questions. The conversion article / link from joetrojan looks to no longer be working. In checking several threads I found someone had the article but no pictures. Do you know if the full article exists anywhere ? Also, In checking some threads I saw something about having to possibly have to replacethe oil pump if I change the Dist, Is that something I would really have to do ?

 

[wallaka]

You have a '66 block, so there should be no problem. '64 and earlier blocks and perhaps some later 170s had smaller distributor drive shafts.

 

[blaze65]

Just wanted to check. I have a 68 200 block. Changing to a Duraspark I should still have no problem with the oil pump , Yes ?

Thanks

 

[wallaka]

That is correct. 1965 and above 200 blocks all used the same oil pump and shaft, except for the Argentine engines that run a 3/16" longer oil pump and 3/16" longer shaft.

The oil pump situation is one thing that I am an expert on. Unfortunately.

 

[blaze65]

OK Thanks. Just to summarize these posts. Here is my approach.

This is a 68 block with a 75 head. 5 Freeze plugs definitely a 200.
1100 Autolite from an automatic trans car fitted into this manual trans car. Vacuum port and other ports are blocked off and vacuum is coming from the intake.

Plan would be to rebuild this 1100 and leave it in place.
Get a duraspark setup and replace the distributor.

Sound OK. Should the 1100 be OK or should I try to replace it.