Thanks for the info, Virgil. A couple of follow-up questions:

Have you noticed how much advance the 007 distributor gives? According to tune up specs for the 544 the B18D distributor gives about 18 degrees (5 degrees static and 23 at 1500 rpm) plus, I expect, something from the vacuum.

Your mention of the rear axle brings up a question. I would like to adapt the 444 "under the dash" handbrake to linkage from the 544 rear axle which is for the center tunnel mounted handbrake. I could not get the 444 cables to work with the 544 brakes and have not yet looked at cable splicing or other hardware to make that combo work together. Have you worked out a solution that does not require that MIG welder of yours?

I'm using the 4.11 rear axle from the B18 544. I had not thought of the possibility of one with 3.9 from an 1800. Thanks for tip. I'll put that away for the future.

I had the valve seats replaced when they did the head on the B20 so I''m expecting that unleaded will be OK. The engine internals are stock otherwise and I hope to get by with 87 octane.

Your motor mount picture reminds me of another potential trouble spot. I see that the 444 front crossmember is different from that of the 544 (but closer than the 140 series, Ill bet). The holes for the B16 are a bit (1/2" ?)forward of those on the 544 crossmember. That's another reason for the trial fitting this week. Hope I can avoid bracket fabbing.

Thanks again,

Keith
444 Moline, IL