maz2low
+1y
Really the Distributor clearance is overblown . SBC is the easier of the two by far . The wiring is about the same 3 wire setup unless you would like to use stock guages for Temp,Oil etc which then makes it harder since the Temp wire is located in your Computer harness on Passenger side . Now with the SBC to get more clearance up front you notching into firewall is the only route , but really is not necessary . I am using the bigger distributor and still have plenty of clearance from firewall . Its not like you will be changing the timing on you're SBC everyday , it's a once in a long while change unless you have no clue about timing a motor . Now if you're worried about the size of the distributor get a MSD style with external Coil or just use the old style SBC distributor with external Coil(POINTS) which is alot smaller . As for mounting , I used old Truck style SBC mounts that can be had from you're local parts store and takes a Single bolt . The SBC motor can be mounted alot lower then the SBF can because of pan clearance unless you reroute pickup and style pan on the SBF . The Stock Ford style pan has the hump in front which gets in way of Steering shaft when trying to lower motor for bodydrop/hood clearance . The SBC is located in rear which allows for no issues . The Ford motor mounting is quite easy , but the Transmission mount will need to be modified . The Chevy Transmission works with the Stock Mazda crossmember , just need to weld up original holes and drill two new ones depending on tranny . I would recommend the 700R4 over the non-overdrive Th350 , but if you do not want to cut Transmission tunnel then the TH350 is the way to go .