I have been considering that a reco box is what might be needed already some time ago...I found the below thread, which gave me the incentive to just pull it out and see if it is simply able to be adjusted or needs repairing if even at all possible, as I assume some boxes are too far gone in some way. I have never had any experience with disassembly and repair of these before.    This thread below, also made me consider having a go at doing it myself, but one thing in  particular that I will pay for, is getting diff's done when changing ratios. I have been looking for  places to get a reco steering box from and only one didn't require a changeover box... Just weighing up the options, like, I have no idea what to look for as far as what parts are good or not, if I have ago myself... or If I pay up for a good as new reco one, then at least I have warranty if there is a problem... And I no offer myself warranty on this undertaking...🤫 Jury is out as to which way I will go, but have several other priorities also!        

Seal kit and DIY, is what I'd do... Even purchasing tools, would likely end up cheaper

there's certain underdash units they used to refer to as KNEE FREEZE air con, because the vents just pointed straight at knees. i was going to fit one to My transit van (1980 model i sold ages ago now) but make a front panel with ducting up higher. 

so something to think about when looking for one, is if you can get outlets to point where you want it to.    also, don't be tempted to use say an XF air con pump that likely bolts on,  there's a Sanden unit that's much much more reliable that would be the go if possible.  @SPArKy_Dave might have some ideas for air con if you are lucky. 

Total valid points, the more I drive the car about, the idea of just putting sniper injection on the log motor as is and just cruise around seems like a good idea.   I probably should just start by getting a reco'd strommy and electric dizzy and fit it and see how it goes as is.   It's spent the last couple of weeks as a daily and it's been very pleasant to drive around, gotta get rid of a few rattles and squeeks but other than that and being a little cranky when cold it's just such a nice car to drive about.   Gotta get aircon for it now summers around the corner...a retro under dash unit would be right a home I think.        

give your 250 hater mates a shifter and say you've got 5 minutes to replace the starter motor.. (it's that easy) alternator is probably 5 minutes on a non air con XD 250... they got harder with air con fitted though.    try those jobs on an XG and you'll hate your life choices lol.    don't bother proving other people wrong, with large sums of money almost anything is possible..  just build your engine to behave how you want to drive it. you'll be hating the 13s choice if you think it's too noisy, uses too much fuel , can't cruise on 100kmh for hours etc if you only get to a drag strip once or twice ever. 

https://youtu.be/gSzkrWlIQv0?si=NkodMEgnPMw_doZl   I hate that I know this car exists and it's totally possible for a NA crossflow to run 10's...it validates my dream of breaking in to 13's with a 250....just need to know the formula for to prove my 250 hating mates wrong...

@SPArKy_Dave Tassie based, be expensive to post to mainland for changeover surely? or do Repco do them. 

Me too, hoping its as easy as it seems.   Worst case scenario I end up transfering all the new bits over to the XF's block and suck it up with running cats and all that shit.   IIRC the crank, pistons and rods and other bits should transfer over. I need a new cam for the conversion so that wont be an issue.   Hmmmm starting to think my friends might be on to something with going for a 393 clevo and TKX...

I took my power steering box out 6 weeks ago, but I was going to elaborate more on that in my own thread and try leave this to stay more on topic 👍   Anyone have recommendations for a reco power steering box? Or at least where to avoid...

haven't seen that done before, so it will be interesting to know how it goes.