I am helping a friend streerod a 53, the doner eng is out of a 1982 LTD Sta Wagon 302,auto tranny. The 302 has a dura spark dist. The tranny has the word METRIC on the bottem of the pan. It also has a rather strange carb on it with plastic slides at the top.It has VAC lines everywhere. We want to trash the intake and get something a little nicer looking and keep the eletronic dura spark dist.Would like your input on what to go with, and any info on what the metric on the tranny means. The eng does not appear to be computer operated!

Thanks
HOTRODFORD37

 

Hehehe, memories. i helped a friend put basically the same engine in a '64 Ranchero. Anyway, you're in good shape. The funky carb he's got is a Variable Venturi 2bbl. It is actually one of the best carb designs ever made, but it has to be constantly maintained with pure cleanliness. VV carbs are super sensitive to even the smallest traces of dust and dirt. They gained a bad reputation from those who didn't understand them. For this application, I would replace it. If the engine is to remain fairly stock, an Edelbrock performer intake and a Holley 1850 600cfm vacuum secondary carb would be a perfect combination. If he plans to make it more of a racer, a performer RPM intake would be a better choice, with a Holley 4777 650cfm double pumper. The ignition system should be completely replaced The Duraspark never was that great to begin with, and a 19 year old Duraspark system is just asking to be retired. The best set up for the least money would be to buy an MSD 6a ignition box (with adaptor #8869, it will plug right into the Duraspark harness connector, for simple installation), a Crane Cams PS91 coil, and a MSD 8582 distributor. If he feels the Duraspark is good for him, I would still replace thye distributor. MSD 8352 is a direct drop in replacement for a Duraspark system. With the 8352, the only vacuum hose that the engine would require (other than PCV valve and power brakes) would be from the side of the Holley to the vacuum advance can on the distributor. The 8582, when combined with the 6a box, requires no vacuum advance, leaving with only the PCV valve and the power brakes as items requiring a vacuum hose.

Money plays a big part in what to suggest, but presuming he wants it done right, but affordably, these are the recommendations I am making.

Take care,
-Chris