Single To Dual MasterI want to switch my '66 disc-brake, single-reservoir master cylinder to a dual reservoir. Is this a simple bolt-on or do some parts need to be exchanged, like the pedal-to-master cylinder rod? Will the existing rod work?Kenny ChrismonLakeside City, TX
The conversion from a single master cylinder to a dual-reservoir master cylinder is a basic bolt-on swap and well worth the effort. The master-cylinder rod from the dual-reservoir unit must be used because it is longer than the rod from the single master cylinder. Other alternatives are adding some material to your existing rod or obtaining an adjustment rod from Cobra Automotive, (203) 284-3863. New brake lines can be fabricated utilizing 31/416-inch tubing from your local auto parts store. However, Classic Tube, (800) 882-3711, offers a set of brake lines in pre-bent stainless steel just for the conversion.
390 Or 428?A few years ago I purchased an S-code '68 fastback that originally came with the 390 engine. The rebuilt engine was out of the car so I decided to disassemble part of it to see if it was the original engine. By comparing the numbers I found to some of your past articles on decoding, I think this engine could be a 428 instead of a 390. Can you help me verify this? Here are some of the numbers: Block (C7ME-A); heads (C80E-6080-N); intake (C7AE-9425- E S); under the valve covers (9B12 and 9B13); crank (IU); rod caps (C6AE-D); and harmonic balancer (C8AE-6316-AZ).
If this is a 428, I've read it would need to be externally balanced. The flywheel, clutch, and pressure plate are from a 390. Could this flywheel be balanced to work on a 428 engine?Wayne HuffVia the Internet
All of the part numbers indicate a 428 Cobra Jet engine. A 428 is indeed externally balanced and utilizes a unique flywheel to act as an additional counterweight. All other FE engines are neutral balanced, thus their flywheels do not have a counterweight cast into them. Counterweights can be added to a 390 flywheel, however, it's an expensive process. It's probably cheaper and easier to purchase a new 428 flywheel.
As you know, the 428 Cobra Jet engine includes a host of performance parts, including Police Interceptor rods and excellent cylinder heads that made drag-racing history. It's a bolt-in swap for your '68 fastback and well worth the effort and expense of installation.
Swapping To High-BacksI would like to replace the low-back bucket seats in my '66 hardtop with later-model high-back seats. Can you advise me which would be the easiest to replace them with?Paul GerstnerVia the Internet
Mustang seats up to 1973 interchange easily because the seat-track bolt patterns are all the same. Fairlane, Falcon, and Cougar seats also share this bolt pattern so there are lots of choices available. Simply install your '66 seat tracks onto your new seats and bolt them to your floorpan.
Send your questions to: Beyond the Basics, c/o Bob Aliberto, P.O. Box 205, Salt Point, NY 12578. E-mail us at mustang.monthly@primedia.com.