My new Interceptor - '72 Mk 111, 133-5597

[RockyUSA]

Hi Joe -

My car came from the PO with the Mopar electronic distributor, and the electronics box (orange) mounted forward of the radiator.

I "upgraded" with the FBO timing advance limit plate to be able to run max timing at 36* BTDC, and keep an idle timing at 18* BTDC.

I will get you some pictures of the hardware (Dizzy, Electronics Box, and Home-Made Timing Tape) in a following thread. Here is pictures of the inside of the distributor (with the rotor / reluctor removed) and the FBO timing plate.

The way it works is, you select the total "delta" mechanical advance you want (in my case, 18*), and you install the limiter plate inside the distributor, by aligning the 18* slots on the counterweight. Then, you set your max advance (with the engine warm) to your desired (in my case 36*).

Then when your engine goes to idle, the mechanical advance is limited by the plate to the delta (36* - 18* = 18*). It seems to work well.

Not sure if it works with a points-type distributor....

Regards -

Rocky

[RockyUSA]

Mopar electronic distributor setup.

Engine bay is a little unsatisfying when I see all these great restorations, and cars in these pages.

Anyway, best I could do on short notice!

Rocky

[RayR]

Rocky,

I like the simplicity of the FBO limit plate, I have read that it can really help bottom end power with the 18 degrees or so initial timing on a modified engine did you find it helps? and where does your engine lie on a standard to modified scale?

Ray

[RockyUSA]

With my engine, I don't really have anything to compare it to. It runs well (and reliability is my #1 priority), but it certainly can not be said to have "brute power".

Modifications wise, it's a stocker, with only minor changes:

* Mopar Distributor
* Weiand Manifold
* Demon 1901 Carburetor

I too, was attracted to the ability to bump up (control) the advance at idle.

The advance plate is a little expensive for what you get, which is a pack of assorted distributor springs, an advance plate and a 30-40 page book on "tuning" for $42 (IIRC), but....

Any other modification to the distributor (welding limit stops & filing them for accuracy) would have taken hours and hours.... When you look at it vs. the time you save, it seems (to me) like a reasonable value.

Rocky

[RayR]

Thanks, that was pretty much what I got after looking through some other reviews, but largely for high HP 1/4 mile machines. I was interested in a more real world review! Think I will be putting one on order.

Ray

[RockyUSA]

Big Excitement - Local Tucson Car Show.... Pictures to follow...

We expect we will have:

'72 Jensen Interceptor (Big Wild)
'73 DeTomaso Pantera
'95 Jaguar XJS
'73 Citroen SM - Car and Driver "Car of the Year"
Audi A4 Performance Package
Audi R8
Superformance 427 Cobra
'12 Lotus Elise
'18( Alfa Romeo SUV (Can't recall what it is called)
Custom Ford V8 Roadster
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback - Some kind of special heritage (I didn't pay much attention)
1966 Ford P/U
1932 Huffster Bicycle - One of 12 remaining in the USA
1962 Chevy Pickup
1936 Model A Hot Rod
1985 Mercedes 560CL
1974 Porsche 914 Racer (WRX Engine Installed)
4x Different Motorcycles



I will post pictures tomorrow - right now I have to go polish the interceptor! Here's a picture from the last event...

If only I could ship in a load of Essex Girls for the show...

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[RockyUSA]

We had a great turnout at our little car show. I updated the attendance list in the post above, and because of popular demand, I have posted a few pictures below....

OBTW - the Ford Roadster won the "People's Choice" award at the event.... The owner got a nice trophy.

Interceptor - Big Wild

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DeTomaso Pantera

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Citroen SM - Road & Track Car of the Year, '72

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Audi R8

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Superformance 427 Cobra

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Custom-Built V8 Roadster (Ford Design)

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'12 Lotus Elise

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'85 Mercedes 560CL

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[Grant]

What beautiful cars there Rocky , the Pick-up and the Citroen look stunning.. obviously they would come after your Jensen.. but I guess I could be biased!!!
Lovely Garage also Rocky with the neon lights and seats etc, is that your house Rocky?.. Who's ever it is it looks really lovely

[RockyUSA]

Thanks, Grant -

I wish this was my house... I am the co-host of the show (because I know several owners of cool cars), but the venue is the home of some good friends. The owner is a builder in the local area, and has created a great space for events like this.

It is great that they will share their place for us car aficionados.

Rocky

Here is my house....

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[RockyUSA]

Took the Jensen up Mount Lemmon for a spin...

Don't mind that pool of coolant under the car, it's just "finding it's natural equilibrium"!

[RayR]

Thanks for the memories Rocky. I have been up there a couple of times and a great drive - as are many in southern Arizona. Enjoy the cooler Fall/Winter weather.

Ray

[colin7673]

If only I could ship in a load of Essex Girls for the show...

I'm sure you have your own in the States that will fit the bill just as well

[RockyUSA]

Colin - You are probably right about that!

But now... I can honk at them with either my country, or my city horn!

My city horn had quit working a while back, so I thought I'd take a few minutes and whip it back into shape. As suspected the compressor was frozen. Dripping a little oil into the oil-hole had no effect, so it got a bit of a light teardown and lube.

The FIAMM compressor (top side) comes apart pretty easily with the removal of three screws. I took out the rotor, vanes, and oiling pad. I remanufactured the oiler (it's pretty simple) and then oiled up everything well.

It runs now, but it think it will take a series of more honks to evenly distribute the lube, it seems to build up pressure a little slower than I want. I'll drive around tomorrow honking at everything, and report back.

Rocky

PS - Why would you mount the compressor on the other side of the engine bay from the horns???

PSS = The compressor looks a lot nicer now, but I forgot to get a picture of it after I cleaned it up...

Compressor

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Compressor Lid

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Rotor

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46 Year Old Oiling Element

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[kenny38]

Hi, Rocky. Lovely cars there. A bus load of Essex girls on their way. Noticed your bonnet and was pleased to notice you can't close your's either......completely. Now about your house. I am certainly keen to point out that this has always been my home abroad so i just hope the goats are safe from the ravaging hands of Martin R. kenny38

[RockyUSA]

Hi Kenny -

You’ve got me worried.

Not about the goats, but about my bonnet. I thought it closes pretty well, with a good fit.

I can never tell with you guys from the “continent” whether you’re talking about the front hood, or the trunk lid. Give me a clue.

Rocky

PS. If you are talking about pictures from the car show, chances are of the hood (bonnet - or is that the boot) was not latched because all the girls kept demanding to see pictures of my mighty Chrysler 440.....