Technical 1960 Ranchero inline 6 questions

What spark plug gap do you recommend?

 

With the small cap distributor 0.035".

With the HEI 0.045"

 

So a buddy of mine sent me this tech article on installing the 250. It can be done. But not on my car. Because of how heavily modified my engine bay is already. Being body dropped, the hood won't fit without cutting it, and I don't want to do that. I already re made the firewall, trans tunnel, and floor, for the c4 on the 200, and changing that would be a lot of work and would affect the fitment of the center console wich would be a big issue inside. I already pushed the radiator as far forward as I could to clear the fan on the 200, and it always ran cool. So it's a no go on the 250.

 

Anybody in So Cal want a 250??

 

This sounds like a very fitting ending to a very interesting story

 

That looks like a great reference book. Could you post a picture of its front cover?

 

how do you install the belts??? thats really a squeeze

 

Take the radiator out first.

 

sounds annoying, what if you throw a belt, need to take the rad out then?

 

In that case the belt takes the radiator out!
Ford has a better idea! GM builds it! And Chrysler races it!

 

True, but in reality, how often does that happen if everything is healthy and mounted in the correct spot?
You could see it as a reminder to change the coolant every few years, replace it whenever you have to drain it to change belt. It's a feature, not a bug!

 

at least the coolant doesnt get a chance to get old haha

 

I change belts annually, needed or not.

This car has an alternator, AC, and power steering, which also drives the Hydroboost brakes.

 

What is the correct firing order? Just want to check to make sure mine is right.

 

1 -5- 3- 6- 2- 4 and the rotor turns clockwise
This never changed for 200's, 221's, 250's , Aussie Crossflows, or Barra's

 

Place a thin piece of cardboard between the fan and rad and see if you can finesse the belt out. Looks like enough room to me.

 

Firing Order: 153624

Front is #1.

 

Most inliners learn this meme:
1-5 too young
3-6 too old
2-4 just right

Does anybody know of an inline six engine that doesn't use this firing order?

 

https://forums.autosport.com/topic/135808-odd-firing-orders-in-inline-sixes/