New To Cars - Experienced Motorcycle Mechanic

[LS1Nova]

I've been doing motorcycle repairs since I was fixing my own Hondas 15-years ago.

There probably isn't anything you can point to on an older bike that I can't identify and tell you 50-different tech facts about as I'm fixing or replacing it. I've done it all when it comes to bikes. Some of my bikes I've chosen every single nut and bolt and everything in between while building it up one piece at a time.

Just not into Harley's. They're so non-sensical and over-complicated, I liken it to driving around while dragging the brakes to heat them up to make toast.

I've done some automotive work, but just plain wrenching. Replaced a 3400 motor in a 98 Grand Am, replaced the motor in a 97 Grand Am TWICE, on that same car I replaced the timing-chain-driven water pump, belt and hoses. I replaced the head gasket in my Isuzu Rodeo 4-banger. Replaced injectors on an 88 Camaro. And I've done brakes here and there as well as typical ignition stuff.

I'm fairly new to automotive stuff and I've been looking for a forum that can help answer my noobie questions. It isn't necessary to be condescending and I find that most of the new terms I come across just have to be translated to Moto talk.

I happen to be the proud new owner of a 2-owner 1977 Lincoln Mark V 460ci. Being an old Ford, I know that everything on it is standard across the Ford lineup. Any old shade-tree monkey should be familiar with all of the hardware and chassis as it's universal, right? So I went looking for the most popular Ford forum and wound up here. I hope I can post some questions and progress on my not-so-pony car.

 

[horse sence]

The Lincolns are different from the smaller Ford line up .Every thing is for the big Fords .The rear end is a 9 3/4 inch while the smaller fords use a 9 inch or a 8 inch .The front suspension is much more heavy duty than the smaller fords from the disks ,calipers ,tie rod ends and steering components . Still a great car , i had a 79 .
You may need to invest in a gas station ,they really drink it up . Welcome to Stangnet .

 

[LS1Nova]

Thanks.

I have learned that the fuel economy is the gift of the EPA. Ford had to hurry to patch these cars as quickly as possible to squeak by the increasingly harsh standards.

Part of their efforts was the gift of a retarded cam. They used the same cam but changed the gear so that it would align -4° on the crank. This reduced breathing efficiency, effectively decreasing the compression ratio.

With my new MagnaFlow crossover exhaust, Wix filter, recurved advance and re-timed cam, I could expect about 18mpg combined.

Ok so they're different, but shouldn't they have the same function? For instance if a Ford guy knows how to remove the axle shafts from a 70's Mustang, would it be any different on a Mark? The Duraspark ignition? The Motorcraft 4bbl carb, power steering box, door mechanisms, automatic transmission service, and my non-function cruise control should be more familiar to a car guy than a bike guy. Hah.

Good to know I won't be picking any Mustangs for chassis parts though! Good thing LTD's and 70's Cougars aren't sought after.

 

[horse sence]

The rear ends come apart the same, and most is the same basic design ...just a little different and bigger

 

[LS1Nova]

Great! I'll try to pick some brains. Thanks

 

[horse sence]

It will still be kinda like comparing .....A moped to a Gold wing .

 

[LS1Nova]

They both have interchangeable parts. I you not.