Ford EXP

[racerdrew43]

I managed to run both races in the double regional at NHIS, and NO BENT Valves!
I kept the RPMs below 6700 and generally never more than 6200. All the plugs came home in tact and looked pretty decent. I used the 3293 Autolites with gaskets (Thanks Joe) Now I'm ready to start finding some speed.
Joe, Does your car have a good brake pedal?
mine is mushy. The brakes seem to hold up real well, but the pedal is near the floor and real spongy. The car has stainless break-lines, new calipers, all new rear hardware. Thanks, Drew

[joeg]

Drew--Check the adjustment on the rears.

Also, you may want to replace the master if it was sitting around for a long time.

It will feel a bit mushy if the pads are worn, too.

Good luck.

[racerdrew43]

Hi Joe,
I replaced the master cylinder and re-adjusted the rears, blead the heck out of everything and voila! I've got a decent pedal.
Ran the car in the NARRC-offs and the motor quit after 6 laps. I'm not sure if its just the head gasket or something more yet. I was planning on building a new motor for next year anyway.
I'm determined to make that car into something competitive. Thanks for the advice,
Drew

[joeg]

Did it "blowed up real good" or just quit?

Can only be carburation or ignition (describes too much).

Can you determine what type of ignition--TFI or Durapark?

What kind of carb?

[racerdrew43]

Hi Joe,
The carb is a Weber DATV and the ignition module markings are all worn off. It has a chromematic sticker that used to have markings, but time has taken its toll. I have an old duraspark ignition in my parts box. That has a blue sticker. Is there a significant difference between them? I'll be putting the MSD in, for its rev limiter.
I havent had a chance to pull the head off yet. There is a mix if water and oil dripping out of the lower head area near the #1 cylinder. Could be a head gasket.
We were hoping to run the endurance race at WGI, but time is short.
Is your car already running in production?

[joeg]

Never heard of a Weber DATV; did you mean a DATR?

Yes the Production car runs. I do not drive it, however.

You definitely have a gasket problem and the head could have cracked if you got it hot enough.

The problem I discovered with the old stock distributors was that they allowed to much mechanical/centrifugal advance at sustained higher RPM. You need to limit the slot in which the shafts move the advance weights.

The big advance would detonate/preignite the motors and overheat them.

[racerdrew43]

I pulled the head off last night, yup its cracked in a couple of spots. All the cylinders were sprayed with water. I'll be pulling the motor soon.
Any idea where to get a passenger side fender. I'd like to do some body work and get the car painted while i have the motor out. Thanks Joe, Drew

[joeg]

EXP Body parts--Tough one. Try South West junk yards (google "used auto parts"). These are truly rare pieces.

My guess on fender OEM NOS part numbers would be E2GZ-16005-A (Left) and E2gz-16006-A(right), but that is just a guess.

Good luck (What year is your EXP? An 82 or 83-85?)

[racerdrew43]

HI Joe,
THe build plate says september 92
Were they different in 93?
That could make things even harder. I've checked with VENG (an aftermarket company) and local junk yards, they just look at me funny.
I'll try the south west, Thanks, Drew

[joeg]

Drew--You meant 1982, right?

Yes, there are differences. The rear hatch for one.

Mechanically, there are more significant differences. Strut/Hub/Knuckle/ outer CV Joint, brake calipers, lower control arm and engine oiling (rear brake spindles too).

The Strut/Hub/Knuckle/Cv joint for the "newer models" are from a Ford Tempo (a bit beefier...maybe), but the engine oiling system in the older model (baffled pan and different oil pump) is superior.

Mechanically, all 85 and older EXP (s) are identical to the same year Escorts and Lynx(s).

I have all mechanical parts for the older Escort (your 82), so let me know if you have a problem finding anything.

Cheers.