newbie questions on 200 engine

[RatVanRoddin]

I just bought a 64 econoline, engine is not stock, it has a 68 falcon block and the head is from an 80 fairmont. I'd like to do begin performance upgrades, but I have some questions.

Looking underneath on the block one of the frost plugs appears to be patched and has a washer with a bolt in its location.
a pic can be viewed at:
http://www.remix-lab.com/econoline/frost_plug.jpg

why would something like this be done? Is this something that can be fixed (replugged)? Is this potentially bad in the long run if I want to do performance upgrades?

There is a metal plated bolted to the side of the intake manifold
http://www.remix-lab.com/econoline/Intake_manifold.jpg
Is this a mod of some sort or just covering a stock mounting location?

Which brings up the carburetor, the throttle link is a rig of welded round stock pieces and literally connected with wrapped wire. At this point I was wondering if anyone can identify this carburetor?

the markings on this side are 8604 3348
http://www.remix-lab.com/econoline/carbID1.jpg

this side are 12R-76028
http://www.remix-lab.com/econoline/carbID2.jpg

this side R5585
http://www.remix-lab.com/econoline/carbID3.jpg


thanks for any help, appreciate it.
Ryan

 

[64falconsix]

most likely the original freeze plug rusted through and was leaking . nothing wrong with that repair as long as it doesnt leak.just looks bad, you can get a new plug at your local auto parts store. make sure the bore is clean add a little permatex #2 to the edge of the plug and drive the new one in with a socket . the plate on the intake blocks off where there was an E.G.R. valve. not sure of the carb manufacturer but advance auto parts shows that same carb (pic) as a replacement. the linkage was probabley rigged to fit as the fairmont used a cable throttle mounted over the valve cover.

 

[RatVanRoddin]

great - good to know, thanks
any idea how I can get that carb ID'd?

 

[64falconsix]

edit in previous post

 

[JackFish]

That carb is a Holley 1946.

 

[RatVanRoddin]

cool - thanks for all your help!
Ryan

 

[HARVEY LIGHT]

That freeze plug is the type they sell for people that come in to the AutoCheckersPartsconnect and say I need a freeze plug about so big. One size fits many holes, as it is expandable. I usually measure the diameter of the hole and say I need a 1 3/32" plug. They also sell those if they are out of the size you need and Dorman (One of the plug manufacurers) hasn't made a delivery of replenishments. Like the previous post said - nothing to sweat about.

 

[BENJENBROOKS]

If you run an in-block heater for cold weather, they generally use basically the same plug, only the heater element sticks thru into the water jacket. I've had these on most of my rigs, never had a problem after installed properly.

Carb is a 1946 as previously stated. I've never had one, but I have always used Weber 32/36 where I could.

Good luck with your project.

Ben