Firstfives.org

Mike said the down facing filter mount is what you want. The head is a completely differant issue. I think he meant that you want the block with the down facing filter mount because it's easier to change the oil. Mike always has valid reasons. But, he was refering to the bottom end, not the top end.

canada karl wrote:Did you say" if the oil filter was facing down that is the early one you would want"?........I thought the early heads were the ones that cracked and the late ones were the better ones?

Well, yes, sortof. The upward facing oil filters were on the later B35 engine, which has a somewhat different head with larger combustion chambers. That means compression on a 3.0 will be lowered to somewhere around 7.5:1, or lower than you want it. That engine started in US models in 88/89 depending on the model. It's a good head, just not for an early block. You want later than E12, as in mid 80's or so, but not late 80's. The entire engine would be a good swap, but not the head alone.

As for a visual difference between Motronic and pre motronic, it's easy. Pre motronic has a distributor, Motronic has a distributor cap mounted on the front of the upper timing cover with a rotor bolted to the cam, but no guts so to speak.

for the great advice and valuable information. I'll keep you posted on whether I pursue the project or give it the gong. Great site for Five enthusiasts. CK