1985 Grand Marquis 2-Door

[sluggish91]

Its a non-roller block with a flat tappet cam, early 1985 block.

Haven't installed the shift kit yet.

Any thoughts on the carb conversion?

[sluggish91]

Happy New Year to all my GM enthusiasts. Looking forward to some killer progress on my car this year. Started/ended the year with a dead battery, but no biggie. I said eff it and got an Optima. Any thoughts on which carb/ distributor/ coil to use on a carb conversions from CFI?

[whitemgm]

I am considering doing the same to my 85. I am going to follow your progress so I know what to do when the time comes! I think I am going to go with a Duraspark setup for my distributor. I also considered just doing a points style distributor with a pertronix unit in it as well. It would be the simplest route.

[Tiggie]

I am considering doing the same to my 85. I am going to follow your progress so I know what to do when the time comes! I think I am going to go with a Duraspark setup for my distributor. I also considered just doing a points style distributor with a pertronix unit in it as well. It would be the simplest route.

Duraspark used to be the go-to because of junkyard availability. Now that that’s a rare find in the junkyard, it’s pretty much a question of what you can afford and what you need. I like the idea of the old points distributor with the pertronix. Two wires, a 12v universal coil, and it’s running. But it won’t give you a rev limiter (if you need one).

As far as the carb, it’s a personal preference thing. If you want a Holley, go for it. Wouldn’t go over 600cfm. Use vacuum secondaries. Be sure it has a hole on the throttle linkage about an inch below the butterflies for a TV cable kit from Lokar.

[clutch47]

Sweet. They are definitely some long studs. I'll end up doing the same on the front of another car I have. Needed the same spacer for the wheels to clear the Shelby caliper conversion. They are working for now, but I'd feel better with another 8 or 10 threads..

[P72Ford]

If the transmission you have doesn't have the HI-REV governor, add it to your list.

I would go with a Weiand Stealth intake, if you don't yet have the performer. For a carb, a Holley 4150 VS (as close to 600 cfm as possible), but you'll need to correct TV geometry. Ignition wise, a DS2 set up should be fine for your RPM range. What does the car have in it stock? I would also use a fuel pump that doesn't require a regulator; Carter makes some higher volume units that with provide the 5.5 psi a Holley is looking for. I would't order push rods without checking the length, and I would spend some making sure the valve stem witness marks are acceptable.

Running a flat tappet cam, I would add zinc or equivalent at every oil change.

Is this going to be a regularly driven rig, or a weekender? If you really want to make use of those tires I'd add a converter and some 3.73s (well I personally would go right to 4.10s) to the list as well. And if the build is just a weekend cruiser, ditch the damn VS carb and go right for a 600 DP. MS, 3200+ stall converter and the 4.10 gear will make it fun to drive.

[sluggish91]

Some progress was made on my little build over the weekend. I installed some BBK 1 5/8th unequal length shorty headers along with a Mustang h-pipe from Summit Racing. I also threw on some Flowtech flow tubes, and during the week I will be getting the Hooker Max-Flow mufflers welded up. I gotta say, without the mufflers it is LOUD. It needs mufflers big time. The Mustang h-pipe sits a bit low, but I'm hoping that when I take it to the muffler shop they can help tuck it up a bit better. I won't be doing tailpipes because that's not my style. I like dumped exhaust at the mufflers on my hot rods. Will post some pictures when everything is complete.

[sluggish91]

View from underneath. They torched the h-pipe at the bends to tuck it up as much as possible. Because I used a Mustang H-pipe, it doesn't line up with the crossmember. In this picture they are still in the process of getting everything welded completely. You can see the stock hanger on the right and a hanger they used on the left.

BBK Headers Passenger Side

BBK Headers Driver Sider

Side View of where the Mustang H-pipe hangs

Another lower side view (theres the dark spot above the h-pipe bend where they torched it)


I guess if I really wanted to, I could get a longer piece of pipe to widen out the h-pipe and tuck it under with the crossmember humps. Only time will tell if that is necessary.
As for the results of this mod, I couldn't be more satisfied. The sound is just..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . delightful. Really changed the entire dynamic of the car. I have to say it sounds on par, if not better than my Mustang. This is exactly what I was looking for. Sounds damn good. Now the mean sound is going to match the mean look. Still slow though!

[87gtVIC]

Awesome. No direct fit...at least for our application...so we tend to have to settle for things unless wanting to spend mega bucks on custom bent stuff.

I have FRPP (ford racing) headers with a BBK off road H pipe for a mustang. Id have to check how it sits...but I know it is not like stock...again no direct fit upgraded speed bits for our boats.

[sluggish91]

Awesome. No direct fit...at least for our application...so we tend to have to settle for things unless wanting to spend mega bucks on custom bent stuff.

I have FRPP (ford racing) headers with a BBK off road H pipe for a mustang. Id have to check how it sits...but I know it is not like stock...again no direct fit upgraded speed bits for our boats.

Glad this isn't the first car I put my hands on. If I didn't have the bit of knowledge and this forum to help with guidance, I'd definitely be frustrated with the amount of "custom" stuff this car needs to even just do one mod. But ey, it's the path I've chosen to take. Knowing that there isn't aftermarket support for these types of cars urges me even more to want to customize it and enhance the performance. Just the wheels and exhaust alone have made a huge impact on how the car feels, drives, looks, and sounds. Really happy with how its turning out. Soon I will be gathering many parts for the carb conversion. In between gathering parts for that big swap, I plan on doing the front rotors and pads, front extended studs, and front Bilstein struts to match the rear set-up. Im basically just getting it ready for MO'POWA BABY.

[1985crownvicltd85]

Nice Job!
Im also looking to install Headers, is this the same as yours? https://www.amazon.ca/BBK-1515-Chrom.../dp/B000CITCX6

[sluggish91]

Nice Job!
Im also looking to install Headers, is this the same as yours? https://www.amazon.ca/BBK-1515-Chrom.../dp/B000CITCX6

Yes, same ones, BBK 1515, 1 5/8th shorties in chrome.

[1985crownvicltd85]

Also, does your H pipe bolt right onto the headers?

[sluggish91]

Also, does your H pipe bolt right onto the headers?

My h-pipe works and bolted right on because I'm using one that's intended for an 87-93 Mustang. But the stock h-pipe will not work. The bolt holes will not line up properly. The tube diameter is different so the ball and socket ends won't connect properly.

[1985crownvicltd85]

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B000CI...K6Y9EEQB&psc=1

Does this seem right?