I use this method of cross referencing parts using www.schucks.com (http://www.schucks.com) or www.oreillyauto.com (http://www.oreillyauto.com). It comes it quite handy during my preparation to the junk yard for finding commonly used parts for my cars.
Load up the web page (schucks or oreilly's main page) and add your vehicle. You will be prompted for the make, model, year, and engine type for your vehicle.
Once you have your vehicle selected, search for the part you are looking for.
From the search results, select the part you are looking for.
On the Schucks page, you will need to select "See all vehicles this product fits" on the right of the item picture. On the O'Reilly's page, you will need to click on the "Compatibility" tab beneath the item photo.
On the schucks page you will have another window open with a list of makes and models of vehicles the item fits. Clicking on any of the vehicles will take to you another "page" which will list the engine size and VIN code that the item is compatible with.
On the O'Reilly's page, you will have a list of the makes, models, years, engine sizes and VIN codes that the item fits.
This is how I found out that the smog pump on my 78 Pinto was actually used on quite a handful of other Ford 70s and early 80's cars. It gave me quite a variety of cars to scour though at the junk yard for a worthy replacement part, instead of just being limited to Pintos, Mustang IIs and Bobcats!
Thanks for the great info Dave. I will defenitly try this out!!
I thought you might find it handy Kim! :)
now my secret is out i have used that site and another (now gone) for a couple years. they are great for cross referance.
phil
Sorry to let the cat out of the bag Phil! :P
I have used them as well and they work most of the time. However...when I did my V8 swap, I looked up a MII oil pan and the cross ref brought up all kinds of front sump V8 cars, leading me to beleive those would work. Ummmm, nope. Another member ordered one anyway just to have a look-see, and it was not and would not fit a MII.