Group,
While on the subject of distributors, this may be the right time for a short
recap of small block Ford firing orders. The 221, 289, 302, pre-HO 5.0 and
all truck 5.0's used 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 while the Mustang HO5.0's used the 351
firing order of 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. The 302 and 5.0 blocks are the same, just a
marketing name change.
Ford used roller lifters in its truck and SUV 5.0's even though they were
not designated "HO" and used the 1-5-4 firing order. Full size Fords,
Lincolns and Mercurys using 5.0's would have also used the 1-5-4 order
unless the engines were designated as HO5.0's.
The Ford letter cams (B303, E303, etc.) and most current aftermarket
performance cams are designed for the 1-3-7 firing order. It is no problem
to change the firing order of your carbed engine. Just be sure you know what
firing order the cam is designed for and run your spark plug wires
accordingly. Fuel injected engines would probably require more changes.
Roller lifters are so superior and there are so many roller lifter 302/5.0
engine cores out there that using a flat tappet engine now seems to be more
a matter of personal choice than a matter of cost.
Incidentally, most junk yards think Mustang engines, being HO5.0's, are
worth more than the 5.0's in pick-ups, Broncos and Explorers. If you are
planning a rebuild anyway, especially if you will be using an aftermarket
cam, you may be able to save some money by buying a non-Mustang roller
lifter engine.
HTH,
A. C. Tynes
New Orleans
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