I wish I'd found Ford-Trucks.com a long time ago! 81F100, L6, man OD: Drove off the lot new in '81 and always had to use Premium gas to keep the 'ping' down. Since gas went skyhigh, I've tried to adjust on ignition sys to get Reg gas to work. It seems the distributor advance is full at very low rpm(springs are like wound hair strands) I'm thinking a vacuum control part is bad somewhere in the system, but can't find any info on the proper operation of the system. I've got the vac advance plugged and using only centrifugal advance now, but want to fix the system right. Any info/site on the vac control system? Also: what is the least expensive/easiest swap combo to install a V-8? The truck is in too good a condition to get a newer one, besides it's paid for! Thanks!

Dave S, Austin, Texas

 

Easy swap-ins are a 302 or a 351w but not if you are looking for better gas econ. Lots of threads here on this very subject!!