QuestionQUESTION: I own a 1976 F100 Ford 2wd Pickup Truck currently used as a daily driver. I have owned the truck for three years exactly and have been restoring it to stock condition as time and money allow.
The engine (a small block Ford V-8)and carburetor (a Holley 500 cfm 2V with 76 jets) were not original to the truck when I purchased it. At the altitude I am at (5,000 ft above sea level), this carburetor was not suited for my truck for economy due to too much fuel going into the motor. The motor would flood often and stall. I made a decision to replace this carburetor with a new Holley of 350 cfm (59 jets)with an electric choke. I wanted the carburetor to be as close to the original Autolite 2100 350 cfm, but without the vacuum choke.
During the carburetor exchange, I ended up with more questions about my truck than answers. The performance is adequate for my driving style. However, the kickdown cable/bar running to the transmission is completely missing and I would like to replace it to help in passing situations and with engine braking.
The previous owner of the truck provided little to me in documentation of the service history/componentry of the truck other than saying that the engine is out of what he believed to be a 1980 Mustang. The appearance of the motor is very much like that of a small block Ford. It looks like a 302 ci. The 1980 Mustang came with only a 255 ci motor. I can't find any information on how to ID the difference between the two motors or what transmission it has. Even my mechanics are stumped; some saying I don't know what I am talking about since they have never even heard of that motor
The importance of this is foremost because if it is a 255 ci motor, I need to be able to correct spark gaps, tolerances, etc. for what is a smaller engine. Furthermore, I need to know how to ID the transmission for the kickdown/Holley carburetor because it will work for a C4, but not a Ford AOD. I was told through Ford Forum that if it is the 255 ci motor, than more than likely it is an AOD behind it. To compound the situation even more, some of my car friends have said they thought it was a Ford 302 Mexican block.
Help! I definitely need a fresh perspective via your opinion because I can't find any ID information on the net or in bookstores.
Why can't people just leave cars the way they came from the factory...lol! Thanks.
Matt in Albuquerque, NM
ANSWER: Hi,
It sounds like you have done some research. thats great.
Ok.the transmission... 3 most popular available for the small block ford were the AOD (14 bolt pan), the C-4 (11 bolt pan) and the c-6 (17 bolt pan)... easy huh?
the motor.. if it is a 255, that is what i call a smogger motor, as it isnt very efficient, and i beleive it was produced only for it's reduced emmissions. physically, it looks like a 302 and 351 windsor.
identifying a 351 w is quite easy. the distance between the deck (where the head bolts to) and the top of the frost plug is closer to 3" on a 351W and closer to 1" on 302/ 255 engines.
If you can give me the casting number off the block (I believe it is lower on the block near the rear) It will be a letter/number combo such as ET76-1254-AA.
Once I have this i can tell you the engine and year of manufacture
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Tim,
Thank you for your information regarding the transmission ID. The truck definitely has an AOD Tranny, as the transmission pan is a 14 bolt pan.
As for the engine identification, I will get back to you. I can't find any markings on whatsoever. The exhaust headers are massive and block a lot of the area where it might be. I need more daylight and good, good light source and some rags and cleaner to find it I think.
I need to get moving on things because I need to get a starter for it and I want to know do I get the truck specific application or the 1980 Mustang starter.(?)
Thanks (Again) and thank you for your continuing patience.
Matt in ABQ, NM
AnswerK, let me know what you find. you may need a mirror and flashlight to read those numbers, and a hoist would definitely make it easier.
as for the stsrter, you could call a parts store and tell them what you are up against, or better still, take your old starter to them and they can match it up
