50 Ford Performance Tips & Tricks

Lash Adjustment Make sure the preload on your hydraulic valvetrain is right on the money by performing this simple test. Rotate the pushrod between your fingertips as shown while tightening down on the rocker nut. It should rotate freely. When the pushrod just begins to drag, you're there. Tighten the nut down 1/4-more turn, and your valve will be in correct adjustment. Your lifters must be fully pumped up for this test to work. With an empty lifter, the pushrod will still rotate as the plunger travels down into the lifter. In this condition, you must observe and stop when the plunger begins to descend.

Remote Control Remember that when you're running a special application where oil filter access is a problem, Ford Racing Performance Parts offers this remote filter attachment fixture. Place this unit on the inner fenderwell and all of your access problems will be solved.

Safety Switch Even if your car isn't running fuel injection, you should still be using an inertia switch if your engine uses an electric fuel pump. This type of switch opens in the event of an accident, cutting current to the pump to prevent pumping fuel at what might be a very bad time. Mount the switch in an out-of-the-way area, such as the trunk, and on a hard surface.

Perfect Seal These late-model 5.0 valve covers are a good item to use on your Windsor engine no matter what the year. They,'re an aluminum casting with a machined seat, which makes a perfect oil seal an easy bet. They,'re low profile so they,'ll clear many special applications, including EFI, which they were made for. They will even work with aftermarket roller rockers, clearing with very little modification to the oil filler baffle in most cases.

More Beef
If a super-screamer Windsor engine is on your project agenda, but the two-bolt mains have you a little nervous, you can relax. You won't have to scour the woods for a Boss 302 block because now Milodon offers these four-bolt main caps to fit your mill. The outer bolts are splayed or angled for extra strength and protection against cap walk. Just have your machine shop drill and tap the outer holes, and align bore the crank saddle. Contact Info: Milodon, Dept. MF, 20716 Plummer St., Chatsworth; CA 91311, (818) 407-1211.

Switch Alternative Disc brake conversions are near the top of our list when it comes to worthwhile projects for a vintage Ford. However, if you're doing a conversion on a '641/2 Mustang or '63-'64 Fairlane, you'll encounter a special problem. These early cars have a pressure-activated brake light switch attached at the front of the master cylinder, whereas later cars have a mechanical brake light switch inside the car at the brake pedal arm. When you install your new master cylinder, you'll notice that there is no provision for the old-style, pressure-activated switch. Rather than converting over to the new-style switch, just leave the original junction block in place on the inner fenderwell, instead of installing the new block supplied with your kit. The end result is that when everything else is completed, you have one threaded port left over at the junction block. Install the early pressure switch in this extra port in the block, and you're ready to go using your original brake light activation setu

Crank it Up Keep this in mind the next time you,'re scouring the swap meet for a good deal on a forged crank for your high-performance engine project. It,'s easy to tell the difference because the cast crank will have a thin parting line, similar to the crank seen on the left. Forged cranks have a wide parting line like the unit on the right.

Get a Handle on It
You already know that when you're performing a cam swap, it's very important not to dislodge any of the cam bearings. You need to get a grip on the cam and support it on its way out so you don't bang on the bearings. To do this, reinstall the cam sprocket attachment bolt, then slide a deepwell socket over the bolt. This will provide you with a good handle to support the cam on its way out and in.

We Have Ignition
If you're sick and tired of adjusting dwell on your breaker points, get rid of them. This cool Petronix Ignitor will replace both your points and condenser and give you a true electronic ignition. Best of all, it fits under your stock distributor cap, so your engine will still look stock.